A place where young musicians come to learn and grow fell victim to early morning burglars this past week, leaving students and staff at School of Rock Folsom without key instruments they rely on. Thieves broke into the well-known music school, making off with cash and thousands of dollars-worth of guitars, iPads, and cash in just a matter of minutes—taking more than just equipment, but also a piece of the school’s mission to inspire the next generation of musicians.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at the music school, located at 9480 Madison Avenue which sits on the Orangevale-Folsom line, putting the case under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. Surveillance footage captured two individuals wearing hoodies and masks breaking in through the rear fire exit at approximately 5:20 a.m. Once inside, the intruders moved through the hallways, checking rooms and rummaging through drawers before selecting their targets.
According to School of Rock Folsom Music Director Carl Valdez, the suspects appeared to be selective in their theft, bypassing certain items and instead grabbing what they could carry. Among the stolen goods were two acoustic guitars, four electric guitars, multiple iPads, and a cash box containing approximately $700. In total, the stolen instruments and equipment were valued at around $3,000.
The loss of the acoustic guitars is a blow to the school, being among a collection that is available for students who do not yet own their own instruments but are taking lessons. To continue supporting its young musicians, the school is now relying on equipment from its other locations and assistance from the community. In response to the break-in, the school has already reinforced security by repairing the damaged door and installing additional locks.
School of Rock Folsom provides both in-person and online music lessons for students of all ages, offering programs, camps, and workshops designed to make learning music fun while fostering a sense of community among musicians. The school combines one-on-one lessons in drums, bass, keyboard, vocals, and guitar with group rehearsals, allowing students to gain hands-on experience.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with tips can contact the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115.
