Rock 'N Roller Wows Pyramid Center

by Terry Cone

TAMPA, Florida – On two recent occasions, Pyramid Inc., a Suncoast Adult Day Training Center located in Tampa and servicing over 170 students, was rockin' and rollin' with visits from Michael Levy, founder of Academy of Rock, a local music academy that specializes in preparing students to become rock musicians. He has also created Music Motivation, Improvisation and Rehabilitation programs for both adults & children. 

Mr. Levy arrived at Pyramid Center with his guitar and amplifier in hand, and visited each classroom in the first wing of the facility.  Soon the hall echoed with classic rock from Chuck Berry and Elvis to the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead.

“It was really cool,” says student Brian Kazimer. “The music was great and Michael had a lot of energy.”

In fact, that energy led Levy to jump on tables and chairs strumming out guitar riffs, which delighted students and made them feel like they had front row seats at a rock concert.  In each classroom, Levy took requests too. Stern Hedrick was treated to his favorite Johnny Cash song and Christina Hollaway received an on-the-spot composition titled “Happy Clown.”  Joe Bunn even joined Levy in an impromptu Elvis medley under the sun in the courtyard outdoors.

“At Academy Of Rock we strive to empower children & adults by utilizing music as the vehicle to establish a connection, allowing them to discover an alternative way of communicating and expressing themselves,” says Levy.  “Our programs are creating new pathways for persons with developmental disabilities and emotional difficulties to come out of their shell and begin participating in life like everyone else.”

Pyramid's Wing 1 “Rock 'n Roll” day was so successful, Levy returned to play for Wings 2 and 3. That day was equally amazing. Steven Gelsinger and Jimmy Millwater jammed with air guitars to Levy's rendition of “Jumping Jack Flash” while other students and staff clapped their hands and stomped their feet in time to the music.

“I truly enjoyed meeting and connecting with everyone at Pyramid and had an exceptional time during my visits,” says Levy.

Levy's visits also served as training for Pyramid journalism class taught by Chris Poulos.  Students Eric Nelson, Christina Hollaway, Regina Glover, Brian Kazimer, Stern Hedrick, Jackie Books and Genevieve Smart interviewed and took photos of Levy for a class project.

Michael S. Levy holds a B.A. in Literature & Creative Writing from Binghamton University in New York, and is a multi-talented musician.  Originally from New York City, he resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife and three children. When not motivating and inspiring students at public and private schools and organizations, Mr. Levy enjoys teaching music and the art of performance to both children and adults with and without disabilities at the Academy Of Rock.

For more information or to schedule a private consultation please call Michael Levy, President & CEO of Academy Of Rock directly at 813-404-9194 or visit our website at www.AcademyOfRock.NET.

Pyramid Incorporated, a 501C(3) corporation, was created in 1994 to serve 200 individuals, most of whom faced severe developmental barriers. With six centers in five Florida cities, Pyramid now serves more than 700 adults representing a wide range of abilities. The organization remains committed to serving those with severe disabilities as it seeks new ways to engage its students, to provide an environment in which they can find excitement and meaning – and to provide them the opportunity to become full participants in their communities.  Pyramid is best known for its unique arts program, which offers a full range of visual and performing arts, catering to each student’s level of ability and interest. 

For more information please contact Terry Cone, Performing Arts Coordinator at 813-931-3986 or visit our website at www.PyramidInc.org.