PopRock — a new music academy — with plans to rock Alhambra

A version of this story originally appeared in Downtown Alhambra blog.

Ready to let your inner rock star shine? PopRock Academy — which recently opened just off Main Street, Alhambra — wants to help you get there with with music, voice, and acting lessons.

“Although our training is geared towards helping students enter the world of Pop & Rock music, we know the importance of teaching from a classical background,” said owner Paul Kwo.

PopRock Academy emphasizes exposing students to professionals in the acting and music industries. Kwo strives to hire teachers that have a combination of training in the arts, and real-world business experience in the music and acting industries, so that his students have a realistic sense of what it’s like to work as professional actors and musicians and are prepared for the challenges.

At the entrance of PopRock Academy is a baby grand piano, Kwo’s initial instrument when he began learning performance art. Kwo, who is classically trained, has been working as a musician and an actor while teaching and directing for the last 16 years. Some of his inspiration comes from pop singers like Adele, and the band Maroon 5. He teaches two summer camps in Atwater Village and Culver City along with the programs he provides at PopRock Academy. As his students requested more lessons he decided it was time to open his own Academy.

Kwo, a San Gabriel Valley native, is dedicated to giving back to his community and provides scholarships to talented music students who are in need of financial assistance to further their music education. He will also be participating as musical director in the upcoming spring musical at Gabrielino High School. Next weekend the PopRock Academy will be involved in the Monthly Mosaic Art Walk held on the first Fridays of the month on the corner of Garfield and Main.

The first 30 students to register for PopRock Academy 1-on-1 private lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums or voice will receive a $15 discount on hour-long lessons for the first year. This discount can’t be combined with any other offers.

A selection of events that Poprock Academy will be highlighting in October:

- Acting with Elizabeth Sung and other master actors – Pre-registration begins in September. All pre-registered students will receive 20% discount on tuition. Classes begin October after minimum enrollment is fulfilled.

- MTAC Certificate of Merit testing - Piano – Now enrolling. Deadline: Must begin 1 hour private piano lessons by October 1st and pay registration fee by Oct 15.

PopRock Academy is located at 11 South Second Street. It is open from 2 pm – 6 pm Monday – Friday, and from 10 am – 6 p.m. on Saturday. Private lessons are by appointment only, and can be scheduled outside typical office hours. The phone number is 626-538-ROCK.