Student of the Month: June 2025 Edition
“I’m always having fun. Playing is fun. Music is fun.” - Tom Petty
The June students of the month epitomize Tom Petty’s spirit. These drummers are in it for the joy, the rhythm, and the way the music makes them feel. Check them out!
Matilda (Tilly) Quinn
“It’s cool to rock out with drums!” 5-year-old Tilly exclaims. Pink, sparkly glasses and a bright smile accompany this positive statement. Although Tilly’s first instrument was a striped pink guitar, she has switched over to drums and is having a blast. Her current favorite drum song is “We Will Rock You” by Queen and - in her opinion - the coolest drum ever is the timpani.
Alex was Tilly’s first drumming teacher at Rock 101. He nominated her for Student of the Month due to her unending drive and enthusiasm to learn. He is impressed by her dedication to practicing the skills covered in each lesson. Says Alex: “Tilly is enthusiastic and adventurous and approaches music in a way that inspires me.” He also admits that she makes some of the best drumming faces you could ever hope to see.
Tilly is a drumming dynamo and we are totally here for it!
Nora Pena
When I ask Nora what music means to her, she easily responds that music is FUN, enjoyable, and happy. These three words are an apt description of Nora herself! She has been taking drum lessons for a few months now, and she describes the process as being So Much Fun. She loves learning the different riffs (there are so many!), and she is pulled in by the rhythm involved in learning this instrument.
This easy-going drum enthusiast has many other interests as well. She aspires to be an author one day and is currently writing an adventure story called The Evil Orphanage. She is an avid reader as well as an artist who enjoys drawing people using pencil as the medium. Arts and crafts projects bring her a lot of joy, and she is currently enamored with making dragon puppets.
Sharon enjoys Nora as a student because of Nora’s attitude and work ethic. Nora is always prepared for her lessons, and she has a good sense of timing. Says Sharon: “Nora is a sweet girl and a pleasure to have as a student. She is very attentive at lessons. Very proud of her!”
From books to puppets and drums, we are happy to have Nora here at Rock 101!
- Danielle Parker