Michael McCarty Music Director
Michael McCarty is an accomplished musician who specializes in metal guitar and drums. Having played for 12+ years, Michael studied guitar and composition at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory in Boston.
In addition to leading the music program at Burnsville School of Rock, Michael plays guitar and drums in two Twin Cities’ metal bands. Besides his own bands, Metallica is his favorite band. In addition to metal, Michael also enjoys classical music and he writes chamber and orchestral music.
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Chad Hanks Bass and Guitar Teacher, Show Director, Road Crew Coach
Chad Hanks is one of the most successful musicians among School of Rock teachers. As the bass player for industrial metal band, American Head Charge, Chad and his bandmates were introduced to a record label as a result of opening for System Of A Down. That introduction led to American Head Charge being signed by Columbia Records.
Chad and his band have shared the stage with many high profile bands include System Of A Down, Slayer, Slipknot, Mudvayne and Chimaira. They've played Ozzfest and the Pledge of Allegiance Festival Tour. They've toured Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and the U.K.
Now, after a two-year hiatus, American Head Charge is back together and Chad splits his time between his own band and teaching School of Rock students what it takes to become a ROCK STAR.
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Milo Buehler Drum Instructor
Minnesota native, Milo Buehler started his studies, as many School of Rock teachers did, at McNally Smith. After graduating with honors, Milo headed east to study at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music . While at Berklee, Milo studied snare drum technique/reading, drum set chart/lead sheet reading, time feels, improvisation, brush technique, theory and creative soloing as well as honing several other techniques and skills.
With a solid foundation of music education, Milo began sharing his knowledge with students while also earning a living as a professional drummer. Milo has shared the stage with many high-profile musicians including The Goo Goo Dolls, Sully from Godsmack, Johnny Lang, Staind, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan. He also performed the song titled “Letting Go” for the hit TV series Dawson’s Creek in 2001. Today, Milo Buehler is back in the Twin Cities, ready to teach eager School of Rock students how to rock the drum kit.
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Melody Mendis Vocal Instructor, Director Early Music Education Program
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Melody Mendis began singing at a very young age, as most vocalists do, but for her it was more than just a hobby. Melody took every class possible, learning everything about the theory of music and voice, and came out with a wealth of knowledge. Melody earned her Master’s Degree in Music, Vocal Performance and Pedogogy from Oakland University, following her Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance from Michigan State University.
Melody also participated in the prestigious, by-invitation-only, Yale Cabaret Conference where she worked with cabaret legend Julie Wilson and Manhattan Transfer vocal ensemble founder Laurel Masse.
In addition to teaching vocal lessons at Burnsville School of Rock, she also teaches at the Eden Prairie location and serves as the Director of Little Wing, which is the School of Rock's Early Music Education Program.
On top of her full teaching schedule, Melody maintains a full performance schedule with her own band Melody and The Dramatics.
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Stef Huschka Instructor - Vocals and Keys
A native of Montana and currently studying toward a Bachelors Degree of Music Business with a Minor in Vocal Performance at McNally Smith College of Music, Stef Huschka has been playing music for 13 years and teaching music for 5 years. In addition to the instruments she teaches (Vocals and Keys) Stef also plays trombone and guitar. On top of studying music and teaching music, Stef also performs in THREE bands!
“Growing up was hard, music was easy. It was the one thing that I understood," Stef recounts. "Music can really break down the barriers, sometimes being the only way to reach a lost soul. Therefore, I have dedicated my life to the art of human expression and intangible emotion. Everyone has the right to express themselves.”
Her passion comes through to her students too because she really enjoys watching her students' confidence grow as they become more skillful musicians.
Who does Stef turn to for musical inspiration? Her favorite bands: Children 18:3, Pierce the Veil, Sleeping With Sirens, Panic! at the Disco, A Day to Remember and Write This Down.
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Kelsey Christiansen General Manager
Kelsey joined Burnsville School of Rock in May 2011 after working for several years at PacSun. As a result of her experience at the teen retailer, Kelsey has a keen understanding of junior high and high school students.
As well as understanding teens in general, Kelsey also understands the students' passion for music. Though not an instrument played in rock n roll, Kelsey studied the viola during middle school and high school. Though she is often mistaken as a student, Kelsey is a positive role model for the students. She is a strong advocate of the students and often spends her days off supporting student-bands by attending their concerts.
In addition to her responsibilities at School of Rock, Kelsey is pursuing her degree in Accounting.
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