Testimonials
To whom it may concern—
My name is Soraya Sebghati, and I’m a former student of Jody Delli Santi. Jody was the first music teacher I had at the School of Rock Hollywood when I was 14 years old, and his teachings have continued to make an impact on my life. When I first walked into the building I was an awkward teenage girl with no real knowledge of music, performing, and what I liked. I knew I liked performing, but I was still a little on the shy side, as most girls at that age are. Jody took extra care to give me all the special tips and tricks that would help me to become a better singer, guitar player, and performer. He was one of the only teachers who took the time to help me do vocal warm ups, and he was one of the teachers who made sure that I felt confident on stage so that I could give captivating performances. Thanks to him, I was in the top 10% of kids in the national program, and I was able to go on tour with my fellow “School of Rock All Stars.” But his lessons didn’t stop with my performance. When I asked him for cool music suggestions, he gave me a very good playlist on a CD that I still listen to at the age of 22. Thanks to Jody, I’m currently in a band with a couple of his other former students, and we’re releasing our first album on February 10th. In addition to our album release, we’ve put out three music videos, had significant radio play, and played very crowded shows at the Echo and the Satellite. We definitely could not have achieved this all without Jody. We all still keep in contact with him and attend his shows, as he attends ours as well. Jody is simply one of the best and most important music instructors I’ve had in my entire life, and I’m proud to call him my friend.
Soraya Sebghati
My name is Soraya Sebghati, and I’m a former student of Jody Delli Santi. Jody was the first music teacher I had at the School of Rock Hollywood when I was 14 years old, and his teachings have continued to make an impact on my life. When I first walked into the building I was an awkward teenage girl with no real knowledge of music, performing, and what I liked. I knew I liked performing, but I was still a little on the shy side, as most girls at that age are. Jody took extra care to give me all the special tips and tricks that would help me to become a better singer, guitar player, and performer. He was one of the only teachers who took the time to help me do vocal warm ups, and he was one of the teachers who made sure that I felt confident on stage so that I could give captivating performances. Thanks to him, I was in the top 10% of kids in the national program, and I was able to go on tour with my fellow “School of Rock All Stars.” But his lessons didn’t stop with my performance. When I asked him for cool music suggestions, he gave me a very good playlist on a CD that I still listen to at the age of 22. Thanks to Jody, I’m currently in a band with a couple of his other former students, and we’re releasing our first album on February 10th. In addition to our album release, we’ve put out three music videos, had significant radio play, and played very crowded shows at the Echo and the Satellite. We definitely could not have achieved this all without Jody. We all still keep in contact with him and attend his shows, as he attends ours as well. Jody is simply one of the best and most important music instructors I’ve had in my entire life, and I’m proud to call him my friend.
Soraya Sebghati
I worked with Jody Delli Santi for several years, observing his many skills as a musician and teacher. Jody is one of the finest multi-instrumentalists I’ve known, and he also has a way of connecting with students of any age to make learning a joy. As a Show Director, I’ve seen Jody teach and inspire a group of 20 teenagers to do fantastic live shows at legendary LA venues like The Whisky - or at NAMM, the music industry trade show where only the best musicians are invited to perform. As a teacher, I’ve seen him connect with kids who have Aspergers or who may simply be shy and socially awkward - and within no time those kids are laughing and coming out of their shells. I’ve seen Jody put adults at ease in the same way that he does the kids and teens. When you love what you do, people feel it and respond in kind.
Wendy Winks
Co-Founder / Executive Director Ovation Music Fund 501(c)(3)
Former Regional Director, School of Rock Southern California
To whom it may concern:
I have known Jody Delli Santi since 2007. We met due to his teaching at the School of Rock music school in Hollywood, California where my two children attended through 2012.
The impact and influence of Jody's teachings on my two children, Chloe and Waylon, is immeasurable. Not only did he instill in them the skills to become the incredible musicians that they are today, he also taught them the humility to be generous and supportive musicians and to play as a cohesive unit in a band situation. The skills of patience and listening to other musicians in class to create art as a team was extremely important to Jody as a teacher and this was taught to maximum effect to my children.
My son Waylon has gone on to perform on three major label records all before the age of 18 and I can assure you that this would not have happened if he did not have the direction, guidance and mentorship of Mr. Delli Santi.
Sincerely,
Brian Rector
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a mother of 2, son Jacob, now 21 and daughter Lexie, now 16. I enrolled my kids in a music program called “School of Rock” back in 2008. The decision to enroll my kids in this program and meet their new instructor Jody Delli Sante, was a moment that would change and shape my kids’ lives forever.
My kids spent the next 6yrs attending SOR 2-3 times a week for lessons and rehearsals. Jody exposed our kids to different genres and musical styles, not limited to just rock, which was the basis of SOR. He taught our kids music theory, classical piano, guitar, vocals, and went above and beyond including song writing and simply being a positive role model in their lives. Through the program, but mainly through their time with Jody, they have developed self-confidence and a strong work ethic that has helped shape who they are today. Our kids were able to work with multiple teachers through the program but none of them ever challenged them the way that Jody did. I truly believe that our kids will succeed in anything they put their minds to, and with the confidence they’ve built through working with Jody, I believe they believe in themselves as well.
Jody is more than a music teacher, he has been a mentor, a friend, and is still a huge presence in their lives today.
Sincerely, Brandie Reinhold
Recommendation:
My daughter Molly was ten years old and very tired of her piano lessons from
the little old lady down the block. She was ready to quit piano entirely, when
we heard of a program called School of Rock from an old friend. Molly signed up
for a summer boot camp. Her coach was Jody Delli Santi. In four days, she learned to
play keys and sing eight classic rock songs. She also learned how to be a team player in a small band
of other kids. On the fifth day, the kids gave a sensational performance at a Hollywood rock
venue for astounded parents and friends. Molly never looked back.
Over the next several years, Molly played many shows with School of Rock, the House Band, and
the School of Rock All Stars. From Jody, she learned keys, vocals, bass, song-writing, and recording.
He encouraged her to explore every aspect of performance and production. His talent, guidance, and
support were invaluable. My daughter is now a freshman at NYU Clive Davis Institute of
Recorded Music, studying production, song-writing, performance, engineering, and music
business. She loves it and would not be there if Jody Delli Santi had not been her
teacher and mentor.
Vicki Kirschenbaum
