School of Rock, the revolutionary music school helping aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop tools they need to thrive in life has also won the Global Franchise Award for Best Franchisor in Children’s Services and Education.
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The first question people ask about School of Rock is which came first: the school itself, or the 2003 Jack Black movie? Originally launched as a single location in Philadelphia in the late ‘90s, School of Rock has developed into a trademarked brand and global phenomenon, operating and franchising after-school music instruction schools in over 15 countries.
In 2020, School of Rock kept the music going, fostering connection and community to students around the world with loud success during the global pandemic. By adapting its business model to offer virtual one-on-one music lessons, delivering exclusive access to some of the world’s most famous musicians, new curriculum updates, virtual concerts, and more, and expanding into Taiwan, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, alongside 23 school openings, the brand ended the year on a trajectory of continued growth and global expansion.
“School of Rock defied the constraints of the pandemic to unlock breakthroughs that have strengthened our concept, competitive advantage, and our culture,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “Our community has sustained momentum through innovation and an unyielding commitment to enriching lives.”
“School of Rock defied the constraints of the pandemic to unlock breakthroughs that have strengthened our concept, competitive advantage, and our culture”
A PATENTED, REVOLUTIONARY EDUCATION APPROACH
Innovation has been key to School of Rock’s success, beginning with its core music-education approach, The School of Rock Method, which earlier this year was awarded a U.S. patent validating it as an exclusive concept and practice.
The groundbreaking School of Rock Method builds musical proficiency through its proprietary Method App, Method Book collection, SongFirst approach, Method Engine, and performance-based music curriculum.
Students start their musical journey by learning to play songs that inspire them. Classic songs like AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” are used to teach technique and theory.
And while local flair is certainly included in the School of Rock curriculum, some legends transcend borders: The Beatles, David Bowie, and Bruce Springsteen are heard at every location, taught by veterans of the industry.
GLOBAL FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES
Another unique aspect of School of Rock – and a factor contributing to its immense brand expansion – is its status as a recognized global children’s franchise, offering franchising opportunities throughout the world.
Many successful franchisees are former or partially retired musicians or music industry execs, but others are successful entrepreneurs from other industries. There are also parents impressed by how School of Rock transformed their shy, isolated kid into a self-confident musician, finding his or her identity performing with a band onstage.
All franchisees have one thing in common – an appreciation for the opportunity to improve the lives of children in their local communities through the power of music.
AT A GLANCE
Established: 1998
Number of franchised outlets: 290
Location of units: North and South America, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, and Ireland (coming soon)
Investment range: $1.5m+ for master development, $322,000 – $521,000 for individual units
Minimum required capital: $1m for master development, $125,000 for individual units
Contact: franchisingopportunities@ schoolofrock.com or +1 866-840-2179
