Downers Grove Sixth-Grader Shreds, Impresses at School of Rock Hinsdale

At just 11 years old, Will O'Neil has already found his calling in life—and it totally rocks.

Will, a sixth-grader at Indian Trail School in Downers Grove, is a student at School of Rock Hinsdale, a music education and development program for kids ages 7 to 18. He is currently enrolled in guitar and vocal lessons, and helps other students in his free time.

“I spend around five hours each week at School of Rock Hinsdale,” Will said. “Between taking weekly guitar and vocal lessons, rehearsing for shows, volunteering to teach some of the younger kids and helping out whenever I can, it’s become my second home.”

Will began taking guitar lessons in 2011 at a music school near his home. His parents heard about summer camp programs at School of Rock in Hinsdale, and signed him up to study Classic Rock, Acoustic Rock and the Beatles. The school’s interactive, performance-based approach appealed to Will, who decided after three weeks of camp that he would continue at School of Rock with the year-round after-school curriculum.

“Prior to getting started at School of Rock, Will was very reserved,” Gineen O'Neil said.  “He was shy in his interpersonal relations and quiet when meeting people. Now, he’s much more talkative and confident."

Will's next live performance will be on Nov. 3 and 4, when he and his fellow students will present selections from Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” The show will feature songs from the band’s iconic 1979 album at Schuba’s in Chicago.  

Will has been rehearsing with for three hours each week since August in preparation for the concert, and even designed and built a special Pink Floyed-themed guitar with his dad, Matt.

“The School has really increased my skills,” Will said. “It’s helping me to become a better musician, and one day, I hope to become a professional musician.” 

Will’s commitment to his art has impressed his instructors. 

“He loves discussing different artists and playing styles, and he truly takes advantage of all the knowledge and practical experience that (the professional instructors) can share with him," said Patrick McKenna, general manager of School of Rock Hinsdale. "... Given the passion and talent that he has at this young age, I believe that he’ll continue to develop into becoming one of our top musicians.”

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