LEESBURG, VA — A new kind of after-school program officially landed in Leesburg this week, and it’s not your typical rec center or tutoring service. Let There Be Rock Schools, which hosted its ribbon cutting on May 29, is now open at 34 Catoctin Circle, Suite 3 and it’s aiming to do more than teach scales and chords.
Co-owned by Jeff Fugate, the school combines music education with a sense of community that’s been missing for many local kids. Students of all ages and skill levels can take lessons in guitar, drums, bass, piano, keyboards, ukulele, and voice. But what really sets the school apart is its emphasis on collaboration and performance.
Fugate explained that the school groups students together based on ability and encourages them to form bands, rehearse, and perform together in public shows held four times a year. It’s part school, part rehearsal studio, and part rock ‘n’ roll clubhouse.
“We’re not just here to teach music — we’re here to create a space where people can connect,” Fugate said. “There’s a lot trying to pull us apart right now. Music can bring people together, and that’s what we want to do.”
The Leesburg school is the latest in a growing chain of Let There Be Rock Schools, which started back in 2010. The program is known for its more laid-back, performance-driven approach compared to traditional music lessons. And for Loudoun parents looking for something meaningful — and maybe a little louder — to keep their kids engaged after school, this could be just the ticket.
Along with regular lessons and band practice, the Leesburg site will host summer camps and offer space for local bands to rehearse. Fugate said that they’re open to anyone who wants to “rock” — solo students or full bands are welcome to sign up.
The school’s arrival is also a sign of the changing face of Leesburg — a town that’s trying to strike a balance between rapid growth and preserving the unique sense of community that’s been central to its rural charm. A place like Let There Be Rock Schools may help do both: provide something new while creating a stronger bond through shared creativity and expression.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.letthereberockschools.com/leesburg-va.
