- ABOUT ROCK DOJO
Two Different Paths. One Shared Mission.
Sophie and Brian Parham took very different journeys into music. Sophie began her musical training in France at age three, studying classical violin and piano through the Suzuki Method. Brian grew up in a working-class Pennsylvania coal town, where music lessons simply weren’t part of his world. He began his musical journey at age 28. Despite their different paths, Sophie and Brian discovered the same truth: becoming a musician develops more than musical skill. It builds confidence, character, and courage. Together, they created Rock Dojo, the world’s first story-driven guitar program where kids train like musicians and rise like heroes.
- Our Story
Why We Started Rock Dojo.
Most music programs are built for the parents. Kids learn the songs from their parents’ childhood. We wanted to create something just for kids. A world where every challenge reminds them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. So we asked a simple question:
What if learning guitar felt like an epic adventure?
That question led to the Nullsong Chronicles™.
Today, students don’t simply practice songs.
They complete Musical Missions.
Earn Hero Cards.
Unlock Special Moves.
Discover Original Music.
All while building real musical skills, one challenge at a time.
Because when kids believe they’re the hero of their own story…
They become invested.
They practice.
They improve.
And discover what they’re truly capable of.
- Meet the Founders
Different Beginnings. Shared Purpose.
Brian Parham
Founder • Educator • Composer
Award-winning music educator and creator of The Nullsong Chronicles™.
Brian Parham is an award-winning guitarist, composer, educator, and the founder of Rock Dojo. He has taught thousands of students and created The Nullsong Chronicles™, an original multimedia fantasy world that inspires Rock Dojo’s curriculum. His work has earned recognition, including Portland’s Best Guitar Educator, the Steve Vai Scholarship from Berklee Online, and the Rising Star of Oregon Award. Whether teaching beginners or composing original music, Brian’s mission is to help every student discover the confidence to become the hero of their own musical journey.
Sophie Parham
Co-Founder • Educator
Classically trained musician whose passion for music and education shapes every Rock Dojo class.
Sophie Parham is the co-founder of Rock Dojo and a passionate guitar educator with a background in violin and piano. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Sophie brings patience, encouragement, and positivity to every class. Her teaching focuses on developing complete musicianship while helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. Together with Brian, she has helped shape the welcoming, supportive learning environment that defines the Rock Dojo experience.
- Recognition
Award-Winning Music Education
Rock Dojo has been recognized for excellence in music education, artistic innovation, and community impact.
Selected recognitions include:
- Best Guitar Educator in Portland, Distinguished Teaching
- Steve Vai Scholarship Recipient, Berklee Online
- Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund Grant Recipient, Prosper Portland
- Artist-in-Residence, Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center
- Rising Star of Oregon Award, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Our Community
Proud to Serve Portland Families
For more than a decade, Rock Dojo has partnered with schools, libraries, and community programs to make music education more accessible to children across Portland.
Every partnership gives more children the opportunity to discover what they’re truly capable of through music.
- Join the Adventure
Every Hero has an origin Story.
Whether your child is picking up a guitar for the very first time or ready for their next Musical Mission, we’d love to welcome them into Rock Dojo because heroes aren’t born. They’re trained.
