- 3502 Scotts Lane, Bldg 14, Philadelphia PA, 19129
- Mon-Fri: 3:30pm-8:00pm | Sat: 10am-4pm | Sun: 11am-3pm
Daniel founded Rawk U in 2010. The germination of the idea for Rawk U started a few
years earlier in 2008. After working for several music schools in the area, he decided to
form his own school and stamp it with his own unique brand of teaching and
personality.
Daniel believes that students come into lessons for different reasons and with various
goals. Some students come in with no preconceived goals or expectations at all. Daniel
likes to get to know each student well and figure out what will take that particular
student as far as they would personally like to go. Each student is truly unique and the
same exact lesson plan cannot be used for each student.
Daniel plays with local blues band, Mourning in the Morning. He has also played with
The Hokkaido Concern and Chiaki in the past. Daniel studied at Berklee College of Music
In Boston as well as at the Univ of Delaware where he completed a minor in classical
guitar. He can take a beginning student fresh out of the gate and mold him or her into a
well rounded musician in a matter of a few short years.
Nathan Hurdle is a guitar and vocal instructor from Philadelphia. Since earning a bachelor’s in music from Goucher College in Baltimore, Nathan has been consistently teaching a wide variety of students. Influenced and inspired by a truly eclectic set of artists and styles, Nathan’s instruction is well-rounded and balanced. Nathan strives to create an environment of positivity, comfort and creative exploration with every student. Nathan is very happy to be teaching alongside Rawk U’s other talented staff and looks forward to witnessing the growth of his students. You can find him performing regularly in and around Philadelphia with his two groups Actual Jackals and Two Good Eyes.
Garry Lee has been a full time professional bassist in the Philadelphia music scene for the past forty years. Over the years, Garry has been the bassist for some of Philly’s top acts. For the last twenty years Garry has been the bassist for the Deb Callahan Band. He spent many summers teaching music classes at The North Light Community center in Manayunk. Garry has worked with some of the top drummers in the area and understands the special relationship between the bass and drums in a rhythm section. He really understands the underpinnings of rhythm and what makes a band tick. He can take a fresh beginner out of the box and get them playing in a band with other musicians in a matter of months!
Kiera Sankey is a jazz musician from Philadelphia, PA. Playing music her whole life, she was self-taught on vocals piano & guitar and started gigging at the age of 13. She attended Temple University for Jazz Composition/Arranging at the age of 17, graduated in 2021, and has been professionally working as a musician since. Though her expertise is mostly considered at composition & music theory, she is an extremely proficient vocalist, pianist, and guitarist. She loves her craft, and loves to teach just as much.
Michael Bertolino began his study of music at Rawk U, covering multiple styles and subgenres of rock and blues on both guitar and bass. He is a strong believer that the best way to appreciate music, or any form of art, is to practice it fully. This philosophy motivates him to approach music in the context of other art forms, from painting and woodworking to poetry and literature, holding that some of the best songs are extensions of other forms of human expression. As a teacher, he aims to share not just a love for music but the openness to new ideas and viewpoints that make for a creative and enjoyable experience.
Naiim is a multifaceted music producer and educator who has been a professional fixture in the industry since the age of 19. A lifelong musician inspired by the British Invasion, they have spent the last decade mastering guitar, drums, and bass, allowing them to serve as a versatile “one-man band” in the lesson room. Though rock-and-roll is their first love, Naiim is highly gifted in the stylings of jazz and blues, bringing a sophisticated but accessible energy to their work. Their successful history as a private teacher and session player makes them a relatable, fun, and highly effective guide for aspiring musicians of all levels.
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