Rock University
Rock U Live concert with full band performing on stage
Draper, Utah • Since 2009

Where Legends
Are Born

Expert music lessons in guitar, piano, voice, drums, bass & ukulele for kids, teens, and adults. Fostering creativity and confidence at every level.

What We Teach

Our Programs

Lessons for kids, teens, and adults at every skill level. Find your instrument and master your craft with Rock U's expert instructors.

Guitar

Electric and acoustic guitar lessons for all levels. From your first chord to shredding solos — our guitar program is where it all started and it's still our specialty.

Learn More →

Piano

Classical technique meets modern playing. Whether you want to play pop hits or master the classics, our piano instructors meet you exactly where you are.

Learn More →

Voice

Find your voice — literally. Breath control, range, tone, and stage presence. Whether you belt or whisper, we'll get you singing with confidence.

Learn More →

Drums

Lock in the pocket. Groove, fills, and dynamics — develop the backbone every band needs. From your first beat to full kit mastery.

Learn More →

Bass

Hold down the low end. Slap, fingerstyle, and pick technique — learn the art of the groove that drives every great song forward.

Learn More →

Ukulele & More

Explore your musical curiosity. Ukulele lessons and additional programs to help you discover every corner of your musical journey.

Learn More →
Why Rock U
Rock University students featured on the cover of Draper Lifestyle Magazine - Kids Who Rock

This Isn't Your
Average Music School

Rock University Music Studio was founded in 2009 by Jared Barney, who has been teaching guitar since 1995. What started as a guitar studio in Draper, Utah has grown into a full-service music school with hundreds of students — from ages 5 to 80.

No cookie-cutter curriculum. No stuffy recital halls. At Rock U, we teach real skills in a fun, confidence-building environment. Our instructors don't just teach music — they live it. Many are currently in bands, performing and recording alongside their teaching.

16+
Years Running
100s
Of Students
5-80
Age Range
30+
Years Teaching

Our Instructors

Every instructor at Rock U is a working musician. They don't just teach music — they live it. Many are currently in bands, touring and recording.

Jared Barney - Owner and Guitar Instructor

Jared Barney

Owner • Guitar

Teaching guitar since 1995. Started Rock U in 2009 after years of being so in-demand he had a year-long waitlist. Created Rock U's unique curriculum over 30 years of teaching.

Nelson Lee - Guitar Instructor and Partner

Nelson Lee

Partner • Guitar

Experienced guitarist and Rock U partner. Brings a deep passion for music and mentorship to every lesson, helping students find their own sound and style.

Brad Bennett - Drum Instructor

Brad Bennett

Drums • Percussion

Brings energy, precision, and groove to every lesson. Whether you're learning your first beat or refining your chops, Brad makes drums feel natural and exciting.

Sky Nelson - Guitar Instructor

Sky Nelson

Guitar

A talented guitarist with a gift for connecting with students of all ages. Sky's patient, encouraging approach makes learning guitar fun from day one.

Daniel Lu - Guitar Instructor

Daniel Lu

Guitar

A dynamic performer who brings real stage experience into every lesson. Daniel's intensity and passion for guitar are contagious — his students play with fire.

Hannah Peterson - Guitar Instructor

Hannah Peterson

Guitar

Hannah's warm teaching style makes her a favorite among younger students. She builds confidence and creativity while developing solid guitar fundamentals.

Hudson Tanner - Guitar and Bass Instructor

Hudson Tanner

Guitar • Bass

Versatile in both guitar and bass, Hudson brings a well-rounded musicality to his lessons. His easy-going energy and deep knowledge keep students engaged and progressing.

Kylie Wilder - Guitar and Vocal Instructor

Kylie Wilder

Guitar • Vocals

A multi-talented musician who teaches both guitar and vocals. Kylie helps students develop as complete performers — sing and play with confidence.

The Main Event
Rock U student performing solo on stage with professional lighting at Rock U Live
Rock U Live professional stage setup with lighting
Instructor high-fiving student on stage at Rock U Live

Rock U Live

This isn't a recital — it's a real rock concert. Every year, Rock U students take the stage with professional lighting, sound, and a live audience. Kids feel like celebrities, parents are blown away, and it's an experience no other music school can match.

🎷 Professional concert venue with full stage production
🎧 Pro-level sound system with Midas mixing board
💡 Concert lighting, fog, and giant LED screens
Students of all ages and levels perform
Join Rock U
Life At Rock U
What They Say

What Our Rock U Family Says

Over 50 five-star reviews from real families. Don't take our word for it.

5.0
50+ reviews on Google
Google Reviews

"Three of my kids have taken guitar lessons at Rock U! Everyone there has made it so fun! Jared pours his heart and soul into his studio and wants everyone to have a great experience. The Rock U concerts are the best and very professional."

K
Kathy H.
3 Kids Enrolled

"Absolutely top notch. Our son has been with Rock U for a couple years and still loves it. The annual Rock U Live show and Christmas performance are major highlights in our year, and the weekly lessons with Jared are always productive."

E
Eric Madsen
Rock U Parent

"I have had 4 kids go through the program and am currently taking lessons myself. They treat you like family and the skill level of all the instructors is top notch. Watching my kids play at Rock U Live has to be one of the best experiences of my life as a father."

S
Shawn Feurer
Student Since 2009

"Our two boys got hooked on Rock U the moment they saw kids their own age performing on stage at the annual live concert. We signed them up and it was a match made in heaven. Two years later, Rock U is like a second home."

B
Brett Hullinger
Rock U Parent

"Simply the best. I can't say enough good things about Jared and Kylie, and I can't imagine you'd ever find anyone better. If you or your kids want to learn how to play guitar, this is unequivocally the place you need to go."

K
Kelly Anderson
Rock U Parent

"This is the best studio for expanding your child's music education. The teachers are fun and engaging and the opportunities for performing in live shows are one of my favorite things about Rock U."

K
Kimberly
Rock U Parent

"There is no better guitar/music studio out there. Our son has taken lessons from Rock U for the last 7 years. His skills have sky rocketed and he loves all of the staff. We will never go anywhere else! We love our Rock U family!"

L
Lindsi Tripp
7-Year Student Family

"We have 4 kids at Rock U and love every minute. We have kids in guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano lessons. The teachers are patient and yet challenge our kids. The environment is so supportive, my kids look forward to lessons each week."

Z
Zachery Smith
4 Kids Enrolled

"Choosing Rock U is hands down one of the best life decisions I have ever made. I say 'life' because we are Rock U family for life!! My son became a mind blowing, incredibly talented guitar player."

E
Erin Shariff
Rock U Parent

"I am a 65 year old dude who decided to pick up the guitar after not playing for 45 years. I have been taking at Rock U for a year, and I love that place! My teacher Jared is sooo good at reading what someone needs to improve."

M
Marty Daniels
Adult Student

"We LOVE Rock University!! My daughter's lesson time is her favorite time of the week!! We love her teacher Kylie! I never ever have to beg her to go!! She loves it and is improving so much."

K
Kendra Dunford
Rock U Parent

"Hands down the best guitar studio around!! All the instructors are phenomenal. Very experienced and professional. My daughter has been going there for years. It feels more like a family than a business."

B
Brittany Simons
Rock U Parent

"All three of my kids go to Rock University. One takes guitar, one sings and one plays the drums. Each of my kids have grown to love music and have grown in confidence. They truly care about you here."

B
Bre deBry
3 Kids Enrolled

"We have 3 out of our 4 children taking lessons at Rock University and they all love playing guitar. Nelson has been an amazing teacher. The kids are always so excited to show me what they learned each week."

M
Mandy Barlow
Rock U Parent

"Three of my children have become musicians under Jared's extremely capable and inspiring instruction. He helps his students realize that they can accomplish anything, because he genuinely cares about each one."

T
Traci LeSueur
Rock U Parent

"My son took guitar lessons from Jared from age 6 through 18. What an amazing teacher. He will always be a friend and a mentor to my son. I highly recommend Rock U!!"

G
Gee Money
12-Year Student Family

"Jared has literally changed my life!! I have significant neuropathy and arthritis and with his help on the guitar my dexterity has increased dramatically. Beyond all of that Jared has made me feel like family."

B
Bruce Holman
Adult Student

"My four children have been taking lessons at Rock University for more than 4 years and it has been a great learning experience. The instruction has exceeded my expectations and my children love their teachers."

M
Mollie Russell
4 Kids Enrolled

"Best Guitar School in the State. Kids learn beyond guitar skills, they grow in confidence which helps them overcome hard things and this has a positive impact on other aspects of their life."

G
Greg Pferdner
Rock U Parent

"My boys have taken from Jared for about 6 years. He has created a creative and safe learning environment. My boys choose popular songs they want to learn while still learning the fundamentals."

B
Becky Osthed
6-Year Student Family

Ready to Rock?

Whether you're 5 or 80, a total beginner or a seasoned player looking to level up — we've got a program for you. Reach out and let's find your perfect fit.

📍 949 E Pioneer Rd, Draper, UT 84020
📞 (801) 419-8465
info@rockuniversitymusic.com

Enroll Now

Your Stage Is Waiting

Join the hundreds of students who chose to make their dreams their reality. Lessons starting at $125/month.

Enroll Today