Briarcliff Manor Business Spotlight: School Of Rock Briarcliff

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that's the belief behind this Patch series — to shine the spotlight on local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Meet James Domzalski, owner and general manager of School of Rock Briarcliff Manor, 127 Woodside Ave., Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. The grand opening was Oct. 16.

Patch: Why did you choose to go into this business?

Domzalski: Music has always been such an important part of my life. I grew up playing classical guitar, but didn’t really fall in love with music until I started playing in rock bands with friends in high school and college. After I graduated from Fordham, music sort of fell by the wayside as I ventured into the corporate finance world. But over a decade later, the passion is still there. I began looking for more fulfilling careers and ways to give back to my local community. Opening School of Rock Briarcliff Manor was the perfect opportunity!

Patch: How does School of Rock stand out?

Domzalski: Traditional music education approaches rarely teach students how to perform with other musicians. The patented performance-based School of Rock Method is different. We combine one-on-one instruction with group rehearsals and live performances, teaching students how to play together as a band. Our version of recitals are real rock shows at real venues in front of live audiences. Each year, School of Rock puts on thousands of rock shows as part of our curriculum, all featuring School of Rock students from around the world.

Patch: Why did you choose Briarcliff?

Domzalski: Before School of Rock Briarcliff was even an idea, my wife, Chandra, and I were looking to relocate from Brooklyn. We spent a few years traveling to different parts of Westchester and just fell in love with the charm of Briarcliff. It just felt like home to us and where we wanted to be. Once I started down the path with School of Rock and learned Briarcliff was an option, it felt like it was just meant to be.

Patch: What's it like being a career-changer in the time of COVID?

Domzalski: It was definitely a combination of nerve-wracking and exciting! There were just so many unknowns - when would the vaccines come, how long would the construction materials be delayed, would the community even want in-person lessons? I could go on and on. But I’m so happy I took a chance and did it! Briarcliff and the surrounding area has been so supportive and welcoming, I couldn’t have hoped for more.

Patch: What's important about music? About rock 'n roll?

Domzalski: Music (and particularly rock ‘n roll for me) is so much about self-expression. When talking about music education, a lot of attention is drawn to the development of the analytical side of the brain and assisting with things like SAT scores, but sometimes I think the emotional component of music gets overlooked. Music is such a great outlet and way to channel your creativity. Every person has a unique perspective and music is a fantastic way to express yourself. That’s why we encourage all our students to, as the great Kurt Cobain sang, “Come as you are.”

Patch: How old are you and where are you from?

Domzalski: I’m in my mid-30s. Originally from Philadelphia, PA but moved up to New York for college and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve now spent about equal amounts of time in both states.

Patch: What's your short-term goal?

Domzalski: To get this awesome community excited about music, teach people songs they actually want to learn and help our students make some lasting friendships over rock ‘n roll!

Would you like to see your small business spotlighted in this series? Email lanning.taliaferro@patch.com