A home for every voice

Our Mission at Rocking for Inclusion

At Rocking for Inclusion, we believe that everyone deserves a stage and a chance to shine. When our talented musicians perform, something truly extraordinary happens — their sound makes barriers disappear, voices soar, and a genuine feeling of belonging becomes the highlight of every event. A sense of inclusion grips the audience as well as the band.

The Heart of the Band

Our band is composed of remarkable musicians who bring raw talent, unwavering dedication, and authentic joy to each rehearsal and every performance. These individuals have devoted years to mastering their craft, countless hours learning to play in harmony, and consistently support one another as bandmates. They have become friends as well as bandmates.

They rehearse with purpose, arrive punctually with pride, and are driven to create more opportunities to share their unique sound with the world.

Why Every Performance Matters

Rocking For Inclusion is first and foremost a talented BAND…. some of its members just happen to have a disability. The band views each performance as an opportunity — to be seen and heard as the gifted musicians they are.

Rocking For Inclusion strives to exemplify what is often overlooked – people with a disability can have a talent that can match or even surpass those of their able-bodied and neurotypical peers. They want to share their gifts and love of music while spreading awareness of the talents of people like themselves.

Meet The Band

Please take a moment to read their profiles below and learn what makes them rock! Their journey is already underway and with your support, their music, their voices, and their message will only play stronger and louder!

Meet the band

What instruments do you Play?

Drums and vocals

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Ringo Starr! My dad loves the Beatles and told me that the little man playing Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station was also a famous drummer, so I wanted to become one too!

What was the first concert you went to?

Herman's Hermits in Disney World when I was 5.

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Spiderwebs" by No Doubt

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Royal Albert Hall in London — maybe Ringo would drop by.

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Ringo and His All-Starr Band

Any other interesting music facts about you?

My mother says I should have played the flute because we wouldn't have to carry so much stuff!

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

Sharing my love of music with great friends and the community!

What is your favorite song to play?

"With a Little Help from My Friends" — Ringo is my favorite Drummer!

What else do you like to do for fun?

Spending time with Melissa, the crew and my family. Seeing concerts and skiing.

What instruments do you Play?

Drums, keys, vocals, guitar, and bass

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Chad Smith of The Red Hot Chili Peppers

What was the first concert you went to?

Red Hot Chili Peppers when I was in the 7th grade.

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Back In Black" by AC/DC

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

The Highline Ballroom in New York City

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Chad Smith — he could play drums, and I'd play one of my other instruments.

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I started playing drums at 2 and piano at 3 or 4.

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

It is very cool.

What is your favorite song to play?

"In Bloom" by Nirvana

What else do you like to do for fun?

Hip Hop Dancing and Zumba

What instruments do you Play?

Bass and guitar

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

My musical mother, her musician friends, and The Beatles.

What was the first concert you went to?

Peter and the Wolf at Carnegie Hall

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"All I Ask of You" (Ishq Allah Mabud Lillah) — My mother sang it to me and my brothers at bedtime when we were little kids.

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Prudential Center in Newark, NJ

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Owl City

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I also sing and enjoy playing jazz. I played clarinet in marching band.

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

Playing concerts with talented musicians in a truly inclusive rock band.

What is your favorite song to play?

"Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder

What else do you like to do for fun?

Traveling, hiking, biking, hanging out with friends, going to hockey games and movies, and Duolingo.

What instruments do you Play?

Keys and bass

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

My dad bought an electric piano and thought I'd try playing it.

What was the first concert you went to?

Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Wellmont Theater in Montclair

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

Being in a band with my friends.

What is your favorite song to play?

"Don't Stop Believing" by Journey

What else do you like to do for fun?

Road trips with friends

What instruments do you Play?

Bass, Guitar, Drums and Vocals

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

I loved playing the video game, Guitar Hero, and was really good at it, so I thought I'd try the real thing. Plus, my dad is a professional musician.

What was the first concert you went to?

Bon Jovi — The Circle Tour in the brand new MetLife Stadium

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Freddie Mercury

Any other interesting music facts about you?

In 2014 I went to the Winery Dog Camp and got to learn from and play with that amazing super group.

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

I like interacting with other musicians and playing great songs live onstage.

What is your favorite song to play?

I don't really have a favorite song because I like all kinds of genres. But if I were to pick a favorite song to play, it would be "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.

What else do you like to do for fun?

I like to go to the beach or the lake on nice days.

What instrument do you Play?

Vocals

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Ariana Grande

What was the first concert you went to?

Icelandic performer, Björk, at Carnegie Hall

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Grey Street" by Dave Matthews

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

The Astrodome in Houston, TX

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Keith David

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I have synesthesia, which means when I hear musical notes, I see colors in my mind. But I don't see the same colors for the same notes as Robert who also has this cool phenomenon.

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

The opportunity to share my love of music while making new connections with others.

What is your favorite song to play?

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”

What else do you like to do for fun?

I like creative writing.

What instruments do you Play?

Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele, and Piano

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

My older sister, Rosie, who’s one of the vocalists in the band.

What was the first concert you went to?

Miranda Cosgrove

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Happy Radio" by Edwin Starr

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Madison Square Garden

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Harry Styles or Stevie Nicks

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I can yodel!

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

I love getting to watch them perform in front of a crowd after seeing them put in so much hard work. This band brings a presence to the stage that is not easy to find.

What is your favorite song to play?

"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

What else do you like to do for fun?

I love working out, thrifting, and finding new coffee shops to try out.

What instruments do you Play?

Guitars, Keys, Vocals, and Bass

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Elton John, Billy Joel, and Metallica

What was the first concert you went to?

Elton John and Billy Joel — Face to Face

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Shout" by Tears For Fears

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Wembley Stadium in London

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Metallica

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I have synesthesia, which means when I hear musical notes, I see colors in my mind. Not everyone like me hears the same notes in the same colors, like Jasmine!

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

I highly enjoy helping develop the talents and skills of each of the musicians as individuals and as a band. I’m extremely grateful to be able to help this group of awesomely talented folks take their dreams from the rehearsal room to the stage.

What is your favorite song to play?

One of my many favorites is “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden

What else do you like to do for fun?

I like to watch movies, travel, attend concerts and musicals, go sightseeing, explore nature, read, and, most of all, spend quality time with my wife and our cats.

What instrument do you Play?

Vocal

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Listening to NYC's classic rock station, Q104.3, with my mom made me want to sing.

What was the first concert you went to?

Miranda Cosgrove

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

"Barracuda" by Heart

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ

If you could jam with any musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Blondie

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I've sung on Broadway with Arts for Autism.

What do you like about playing with rocking for inclusion?

Love getting the audience rocking!

What is your favorite song to play?

I love to harmonize with Jasmine to "In Bloom" by Nirvana.

What else do you like to do for fun?

Attend concerts and theater, draw, diamond art, and play video games.

What instrument do you Play?

Guitar and vocals

Who or what inspired you to become a musician/vocalist?

Classic rock

What was the first concert you went to?

Springsteen 2009

What's the first song you remember hearing on the radio or maybe someone singing?

I Want To Hold Your Hand

If you could play in any venue, where would it Be?

Madison Square Garden

If you could jam with musician dead or alive, who would it be?

Bruce Springsteen

Any other interesting music facts about you?

I write my own songs and perform them.

What do you like about playing for rocking for inclusion?

Making great music with the band

What is your favorite song to play?

Born to Run

What else do you like to do for fun?

Working out, studying Chinese, listening to music, filmmaking, and watching documentaries