ST. PAUL, MN, October 06, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- School of Rock has long been known as the premier after school music program for kids 8-18 years old. Now the school with the iconic brand expands its offering with a program designed specifically for younger rockers.

"Over the past year, requests for music lessons for 6-7 year olds has increased significantly," said Stacey Marmolejo, School of Rock franchise owner in Minneapolis/St. Paul. "But students of that age tend to have major issues with the fine motor control required to play rock music instruments; particularly the guitar."

Rather than "dumbing down" instrumental lessons, School of Rock answered the challenge with a program designed specifically for the physical and emotional stage of First and Second Graders.

"We want kids to love music," continued Marmolejo. "If you force them to try to play instruments that are too big or too complex for them, they lose their curiosity. And if you've ever tried to get a 6 year old to practice an instrument every night, you understand that kids that age just aren't ready for the focus and commitment necessary."

"But give them a program that introduces them to playing drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals; a program where they learn to keep a beat on a drum kit, participate in ear training with a keyboard and solo on a guitar and their faces light up. Encourage them to play rhythm patterns, inspire them to learn song structure and guide them in musical activities, skills practice, jams and performances and you have a recipe for kids begging to go to music lessons."

Rookies Rockers is a one hour, group class once a week where students learn to play rhythm patterns, participate in ear training and song structure and focus on skills practice through engaging music activities.

Unlike private lessons, where students are expected to practice at home, there is no expectation of practice in between Rookie classes. Parents aren't required to purchase instruments and students don't need to select a particular instrument to study.

The School of Rock opened its first Minnesota location in Lowertown, St. Paul in 2006 followed by the Eden Prairie location in March of 2008 and Burnsville in 2010. Originally founded in Philadelphia PA in 1998, the School of Rock now has more than 110 locations. Widely considered to be the original and premier performance-based after school music program, School of Rock specializes in teaching guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals in the rock genre.