Rock House, the leader in music instruction, announced today that guitarist Alex Skolnick has joined Rock House’s roster of master instructors. Alex is a founding member of TESTAMENT, one of the most influential metal/thrash bands of all time. He is also a member of Trans Siberian Orchestra; the popular rock opera whose musical style is described as symphonic rock meets classical music with a touch of Metal. In 2002 he began work on the Alex Skolnick Trio, a traditional Jazz band known for their inventive Jazz renditions of Rock and Metal standards. Additionally, Alex is featured on the soundtrack for the hit Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde.

In May 2009 production begins on the first products in which Alex will share his easy-to-understand method for learning how to play Jazz music from a Rock guitarist’s perspective. Starting from Blues which is the pure roots of Jazz, he will examine the commonality between blues, Jazz and Rock and show how to apply the principals. Students will learn his unique and ground breaking way of taking well known classic Rock and Metal songs and turning them into jazz compositions.

In June 2009 production will begin on an in-depth look at his legendary metal techniques and his unique scale and modal approach that allows him to cross genres. “Alex perfectly suits Rock House’s mission of finding the best musicians who can teach a diverse set of skills in an effort to help students meet the challenge of developing their own style.” Said Joe Palombo, Executive director of Rock House.

Alex has collaborated with bassists Stu Hamm (JOE SATRIANI/STEVE VAI), Les Claypool (of PRIMUS), Michael Manring (Wyndam Hill recording artist), singer OZZY OSBOURNE, rock band SAVATAGE (Atlantic recording artists) and more. Alex has composed pieces for the EA video game Hot Wheels Turbo Racing, the USA Network’s broadcast of the 2002 Westminster Dog Show (a big band jazz piece), and the MTV series Makin’ The Band. He has toured across Europe, Japan and America with DEF LEPPARD, GUNS'NROSES, BLACK SABBATH, MEGADETH and JUDAS PRIEST.

Alex’s instructional products will be available at MI retailers around the world for $24.99. Stay tuned at www.RockHouseMethod.com, www.AlexSkolnick.com for information on release dates. All Rock House instructional products are distributed through Music Sales Corp. 1-800-431-7187.

Each on of Alex’s DVDs will come with a free tab lesson booklet, iPod ready video and membership to Rock House’s lesson support site at www.RockHouseMethod.com. This feature, exclusive to Rock House and its partners offers students supplementary support for the lessons featured on the DVDs.