Our Teachers
Rocco S. DeRosa - Guitar
Rocco S. DeRosa is an award winning, Rhode Island–based guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, recording engineer, and producer with a multifaceted career spanning performance, studio work, and music education. A graduate of Berklee College of Music (Cum Laude), Rocco brings a deep blend of musicianship, technical expertise, and real-world industry experience to his work as both an artist and mentor.
Rocco is the lead singer, guitarist and a founding member of The Back Burners, a blues-driven roots group formed with legendary guitarist and producer Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar (James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Don Henley). Through this project and his broader performing career, he has collaborated with top-tier players from the Boston, New York and L.A.scenes and built a reputation for dynamic, song-forward performances grounded in indie rock, American blues and roots traditions.
In addition to his work as a frontman and bandleader for multiple touring acts—including Leaving Irene, The Naked Stills and Do I Do Productions—Rocco is an experienced recording and live sound engineer. His engineering credits include major regional venues such as the Tweeter Center (now Xfinity Center), as well as high-profile performance settings connected with world-renowned artists including Yo-Yo Ma, for whom he contributed in a production and live sound engineering capacity for President Biden’s inauguration, providing him with a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes understanding of professional sound at the highest level.
Rocco has studied voice extensively with renowned coaches Mark Baxter (Steven Tyler, Ann Wilson, Axl Rose) and Melissa Cross (Sarah Barellies, Hayley Williams, Gerard Way) training in contemporary vocal technique, stamina, and healthy touring-level performance. This long-term vocal study, combined with his deep experience as a working singer, informs a holistic approach to developing strong, sustainable voices across a wide range of styles.
With over 15 years of teaching experience in guitar, voice, songwriting, and modern music production as well as a 20+ year performance career, Rocco combines strong technical foundations, ear training, and contemporary fretboard approaches rooted in the CAGED system with the practical insight of an active performing and recording artist. His student-centered philosophy emphasizes creativity, confidence, and real-world musical fluency, helping developing musicians find their voice while building the skills needed to thrive in today’s music landscape.