our story
Music is a medium that has the power to span generations and to build connections between people from different cultures, countries, and social statuses. It is a language we don't simply hear but feel as well. From philosophers to research scientists, we know that music affects our physical, emotional, and social well-being. Anyone can experience music, and anyone can learn to create it. It is from this state of mind that Kevin Herig founded Rock 101, a music school whose purpose is to teach, to inspire, and to connect. Take a look at our journey!
TIMELINE
2011
Fresh out of college and pumped up from the successes of his band, Asper Kourt, Kevin starts Rock 101 with the first round of Summer Sessions. Excited to pass on his musical knowledge and experience, he finds a church that allows Rock 101 to use their space in exchange for helping with music at the church’s vacation Bible school. This first summer has 30 students, 6 instructors, and 1 staff member.
2012
The second summer of Rock 101 welcomes 80 students, more than doubling the count from the first year! Summer Sessions expands by offering recording sessions and band photo shoots. Rock 101 partners officially with Music Go Round Albuquerque to provide equipment for the students. Kevin starts an after school program, expanding Rock 101 into the school year.
2013
Summer Sessions expands by offering recording sessions and band photo shoots. Rock 101 hosts its first Holiday Concert. Rock 101 are guests on The Morning Brew local TV show and Coyote 102.5 showcasing Summer Sessions.
2015
One-on-one lessons officially begin at Rock 101. Kayla Herig, who has helped with Rock 101 from the start, officially joins the team as Brand Manager.
2016
Rock 101 moves to Covenant Presbyterian Church. An internship program for older students is added to the Summer Sessions.
2018
Rock 101 really starts to gain momentum! The student number increases every year and Rock 101 becomes known in the community. Several students perform at TEDx Albuquerque. Summer FreeBirds Sessions, for our 3-6 year old rockers, is offered for the first time.
2020
Rock 101 expands enough to bring on additional staff members. Marshall Broyles, a Rock 101 instructor, steps into the Curriculum Director role, which eventually evolves into Assistant Director.
2022
Band League debuts as a semester-long offering for adolescent students interested in playing music in bands. The Band League final show sells out the historic Albuquerque Lobo Theater!
2023
Specialty classes are added to the curriculum! This includes: Songwriter’s Collective and Music Production Lab. As Rock 101 continues to expand, Kevin attracts three additional staff members who are drawn to Rock 101’s values.
2024
Sip & Strum, an adult group guitar lesson, is added to the roster as well as Band League Jr., for younger rockers who want to play in a band. At this point, Rock 101 encompasses 325 students taking a combination of 446 weekly lessons, 19 instructors, and 7 staff members.
Today, the inclusive community of Rock 101 is composed of students, parents, and instructors who make everyone feel welcome, cheer each other on, and support the original goals of Rock 101 that continue to thrive today. Where is Rock 101 headed as we move into the future? Well, it’s hard to say for sure but here’s what we know: It’s gonna be full of adventure, genuine people, and lots of musical goodness. Hope you join us.
Our Values
Connection
We are dedicated to building relationships with our instructors, students, families, and local businesses. It is through nurturing these connections that we increase our impact and build community. We believe in creating an inclusive space in which every individual feels safe. Through cultivating mutual trust and respect, every person knows that they belong at Rock 101.
Exploration
It is through a spirit of exploration that we engage our students. Rock 101 is a place to learn new skills and to experience freedom via creativity. Through the process of exploration, our students naturally develop courage, confidence, and a sense of who they are in the world.
Wholeheartedness
We approach every program and student with sincerity, using joy as our foundation. It is through reconnecting to our ability to simply have fun, be silly, and think outside of the box that we discover our true selves. From here, authenticity comes with ease and wholehearted friendships blossom.