Personal & Partnership
Tell us a little about yourself and your background before launching ROC Star Academy.
Before launching ROC Star Academy, my main focus was supporting my husband as he followed his dream of being an aspiring, successful musician and just as importantly, on raising our two sons. I’ve never needed the spotlight myself; instead, I’ve found purpose in helping others shine, whether that’s been my husband on stage, our boys at home, or now the young artists who come through our doors.
While my husband was touring, I was holding things together behind the scenes—managing the day-to-day details, keeping our family grounded, and making sure our sons grew up in a home filled with love, stability, and creativity. That same energy is what I brought into ROC Star Academy.
Elvio and I built the Academy together from the ground up in 2009, first as Camp ROC Star and now as the year-round ROC Star Academy.
ROC Star Academy is more than just a music school to me; it’s a place where young people can feel supported, encouraged, and understood — just like I’ve always tried to provide for my own kids.
What is it like being married to a rock star — both on and off the stage?
Honestly, I don’t really see him that way. To me, he’s just my husband—the man I fell in love with long before the big stages and bright lights. He’s a caring, creative soul who pours his heart into everything he does. He is a dreamer who works very hard to fulfill those dreams.
Yes, he’s incredibly talented and passionate about his music, and it’s inspiring to watch him come alive on stage. But off stage, he’s the kind of person who’s always checking in on me and our sons, maintaining constant connection with our Academy coaches, students, and parents who, despite all his accomplishments, still can’t seem to keep track of where he left his phone.
Our life together is full of contrasts — tour buses vs. quiet nights at home, standing ovations vs. quaint family dinners. But through it all, he’s never stopped being the guy who values family above everything.
Being married to Elvio means being with someone who leads with his heart, who dreams big, and who never forgets where he came from — or who helped him find his way when he needed it. I may help Elvio stay grounded, but he’s the one who keeps our world filled with music, love, and meaning.
How do you and Elvio balance your marriage, family life, and co-running a fast-growing business together?
Balancing marriage, family, and running a fast-growing business together isn’t always easy — but for us, it works because we truly respect and trust each other. Elvio and I have very different strengths, and instead of competing, we lean into those differences. He’s the passionate creative, always dreaming big and bringing energy to everything he does. I’m more grounded—I handle the planning, the details, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things moving.
At home, our family always comes first. We make sure our sons feel loved, supported, and seen, even during the busiest seasons. That might mean taking turns being present at events, carving out family time between schedules, or just making sure we’re checking in with each other and staying connected as a couple.
It’s definitely a juggling act — and sometimes a chaotic one — but we’ve learned to give each other grace, laugh through the chaos, and remind ourselves why we started all of this in the first place: to create something meaningful together, both for our family and for the young artists we serve at ROC Star Academy.
At the end of the day, we’re a team. And even when the business demands a lot from us, we always come back to each other — with love, respect, and a shared vision that keeps us grounded and growing together.
What strengths do you bring to the business, and how do they complement Elvio’s musical background?
Elvio and I truly are the perfect team because our strengths balance and elevate each other. Elvio is the visionary — he had the original dream of forming student bands and creating opportunities for them to perform live around Rochester, and that dream has become the heartbeat of ROC Star Academy. He brings passion, creativity, and deep musical expertise that inspires both students and staff.
My strengths lie in the structure behind the scenes. I manage the scheduling, billing, payroll, parent and coach communication, and overall day-to-day operations that keep the business running smoothly. I’m the one making sure every moving part — from the first inquiry to a band hitting the stage — is handled with care and attention. I bring consistency, organization, and a deep commitment to making sure our families feel heard, supported, and valued.
Together, we’re able to create both an inspiring musical experience and a well-run, welcoming environment. I like to think of Elvio as the heart of the dream, and I’m the hands that help make it a reality.
ROC Star Academy Origins
What inspired you and Elvio to start ROC Star Academy?
ROC Star Academy was created to motivate the confidence and “rock star” in every kid. Elvio performed for many years with Rochester bands, most notably with Uncle Plum, and at various festivals and outdoor events he would connect with the kids in the audience. He would invite kids upon stage to sing with the band and witnessed their joy and confidence beaming brightly each and every time. That inspired our formation of Camp ROC Star in 2009 and the success of the program, plus student and parent demand, fueled the formation of the year-round ROC Star Academy in 2017.
Although Elvio writes, records, and tours worldwide with Daughtry, what he wants most as his legacy (besides his own family) is ROC Star Academy. He has said in interviews, “I want kids to feel like rock stars. They get in this program, they get onstage, they feel cool and confident. That’s what matters.”
What was the original vision for the Academy, and how has it grown or evolved since then?
The original vision has remained the same and has expanded over 15 years in business. Since 2019, the Academy has been housed at Piano Works in East Rochester, with a large performance hall and several studios and practice rooms. Here youth artists are coached by professional working musicians and get the opportunity to perform at venues across the region. Students study vocals, guitar, bass, keys, drums, saxophone, studio recording, and music production.
The focus of ROC Star Academy and our ROC Star Summer Camp (held the last two weeks of July each year) remains the same — to inspire and train aspiring musicians through lessons, the formation of bands, and live showcase performances.
We are equally excited for our vision to develop and expand at our new location in Geneseo!
Why was it important for you to focus on mentorship from ‘working musicians’ rather than traditional music instruction?
Our coaches are professional working musicians who elevate a student’s confidence and fun factor as they learn to play like a rock star. Being mentored by some of the best professional musicians in Rochester is one of the key differentiators and points of pride for ROC Star Academy.
Our coaches are living the performance life to which our musicians aspire and teach them the skills (as well as the grind and etiquette) needed to succeed. They learn the skills of music performances but also how to work with (and respect) the owner and sound engineer at a club; how to work alongside and with fellow musicians (prioritizing rehearsal, sharing the spotlight, choosing songs); how to promote the band, including aligning with other bands; and how to be the best musician you can be, inspired and energized via mentoring from those most successful in their field.
Programs & Coaching
How do you go about selecting the coaches and mentors for the academy?
We are fortunate to have been embedded in the Rochester music scene for more than two decades, which provides us with a strong network and front-row seat to the best talent. Some coaches, like vocal coach Teena Guarnere, have been with us since our founding in 2009 and others are ROC Star Academy alumni who have returned as coaches to inspire and educate a new generation.
What sets ROC Star Academy apart from other music schools in the region—or even the country?
We are not a national franchise but proudly a homegrown program with three key differentiators:
1.) Coaching and mentoring from real rock stars:
With Elvio as a founder of ROC Star Academy, many say it was founded by a rock star. While we tend to be modest, he does play 25,000-seat arenas as a member of Daughtry (for 13 years now) and has co-written no. 1 songs with Chris Daughtry. He has also co-written and produced hundreds of songs for aspiring artists. Plus, all of our ROC Star Academy coaches are working professional musicians.
2)Playing the hottest stages:
Being a “ROC Star Academy band” carries a level of professionalism and responsibility that earns us showcases and live shows at the Rochester area’s most popular music venues. In addition to official Academy gigs and showcases, current ROC Star Academy bands collectively play hundreds of live shows each year—not just periodic recitals.
3) The ROC Star Academy mainstage and studios:
Our venue in East Rochester is unmatched, with a large mainstage performance venue and equipped lesson rooms and recording studio.
What age groups or experience levels do you typically work with, and do you offer programs for adults as well?
We launched an adult band program in 2024, which we intend to grow at two locations (East Rochester and Geneseo), and on our website (RocStarAcademy.com) we say our age range is 8 to adult.
The experience levels range from beginner to intermediate to advanced. If you’re just starting out, but your goal is to be in a band someday, we plan your musical journey beginning with lessons focused on your instrument of choice.
Can you describe the energy and culture that students can expect when they walk into ROC Star Academy?
When we give tours to prospective students and their parents or music coaches, they all say, “Wow!” as soon as they enter. And that’s just seeing the mainstage area. But they seem to envision the allure of learning and joy of performing that happens on that stage, every day, with a professional sound and light system and an array of instruments. The lesson and rehearsal rooms are all themed, such as “Rock Icons” or “Pop Stars,” and the state-of-the art recording studio is a place where they, too, can record someday.
The parents and students watch lessons in progress and see the positive interaction between band members and coaches and hear the music being created. We’ve been told many times that our “family” atmosphere was felt from the beginning. It may seem cliché, but we truly are a ROC Star Academy family, that includes our talented alumni.
Student Experience & Impact
Do you have a favorite student success story or transformation that has stayed with you?
Absolutely! BB Dang will always hold a special place in our hearts. They were the very first band we ever formed at ROC Star Academy, and watching their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. What started as a group of young students learning to play together quickly turned into something really special. They worked hard, pushed each other creatively, and really embraced what it means to be a band.
Today BB Dang has a huge following and they are absolutely killing it in the music scene in Rochester and surrounding areas. Seeing them succeed beyond our Academy reminds us exactly why we do this. BB Dang is an excellent example of what happens when you give students the tools, support, and performance opportunities to grow—not just as musicians, but as confident, empowered individuals. Plus, we are proud that two BB Dang members are coaches with our Academy, teaching private lessons and coaching several bands.
How do you see confidence and creativity blossom in your students over time?
It’s honestly one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. When students first walk through our doors, many of them are shy, unsure, or just beginning to find their voice—musically and personally. But week by week, lesson by lesson, you start to see the spark.
Creativity flows once they feel safe and supported. At ROC Star Academy, we’re intentional about creating that kind of environment—where students feel free to experiment, express themselves, and make mistakes without judgment. Confidence grows from that foundation. It’s not just about becoming a great musician; it’s about watching someone step into who they are, and that growth shows up in every part of their life.
What role do performance opportunities play in your programs—and how do students benefit from being on stage?
Performances are at the core of what we do at ROC Star Academy. From the very beginning, Elvio’s vision was to get students out of the practice room and onto real stages—and that’s exactly what we do. We now have more than 200 students and 22 student bands performing around town regularly, and these shows are so much more than just musical showcases.
When students step on stage, they are building confidence in a way that simply can’t be taught in a classroom. Performing teaches them to handle nerves, to work as a team, to communicate, and to rise to the occasion. You see students go from hesitant and unsure to owning the stage with pride. That transformation doesn’t just make them better musicians—it helps them grow into more self-assured, expressive, and confident people.
Business Growth & Vision
What has been the most rewarding part of building this business with your husband and team?
The most rewarding part of building ROC Star Academy with my husband and our team has been watching the growth—not just of the business, but of the people we serve. Seeing young artists come in nervous or unsure and become confident, inspired, and ready to chase their dreams is truly incredible.
It’s also been deeply fulfilling to build something together with Elvio. We each bring different strengths to the table, and creating a shared vision with someone you love makes the hard work feel worthwhile.
Beyond that, our team feels like family. There’s a real sense of community and support that has grown around and within the Academy, and knowing we’re making a positive impact on so many lives keeps us motivated every day.
What are your goals for the future of ROC Star Academy—more locations, expanded programs, or new offerings?
ROC Star Academy has opened a second location in spring 2025 — ROC Star Academy South in Geneseo. The newly constructed studios are located adjacent to the SUNY Geneseo campus in Community Center of Geneseo at 11 Franklin St. We plan to form bands soon, and are now offering lessons in vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keys, with coaching from professional working musicians in the Geneseo area.
ROC Star Academy South has received a warm welcome from Livingston County and Geneseo, where Elvio earned his college degree from SUNY Geneseo. In a recent “Alumni Spotlight” article Elvio shared that Geneseo is where he learned to embrace music. Although he grew up in a musical family, there was no ROC Star Academy when he was a kid, so he taught himself to play piano. In high school he began singing and songwriting and then learned to play guitar and formed his first band while studying at SUNY Geneseo.
We also intend to extend our new adult program at the East Rochester location to our Geneseo location as well.
How do you stay connected with the Rochester community, and why is that important to your mission?
Our biggest contribution to the community, in addition to fostering the love of music, is the live performances Academy musicians at venues and festivals, like Iron Smoke, Buntsy’s, Lovin’ Cup, Lincoln Hill Farm, Fairport Music Festival, and Lilac Festival. We also are proud of the many Academy alumni performances throughout the community, including BB Dang, Anthony Blood and Judah, Brody Schenk, Cooper Scotti, Max Doud, Matt Scalen, and more.
Final Thoughts
What advice would you give to other women looking to build something meaningful with their spouse or partner?
My biggest advice to women looking to build something meaningful with their spouse or partner is this: know your strengths, honor your voice, and never lose sight of who you are in the process.
Working with your partner can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges. You have to communicate constantly — not just about the business, but about your needs, your boundaries, and your shared goals. It’s easy to slip into roles that become unbalanced, so it’s important to check in often and make sure both of you feel seen and valued—not just in the business, but in the relationship.
