The school that rocks

This start-up is the inspiration for “that movie” of the same name that found a new way to inspire kids to learn music. The School of Rock’s unique approach to instruction and their love of rock music helps young, aspiring musicians find themselves, hone their talents and build the confidence they need in their lives. School of Rock is a safe place for kids to learn, develop friendships with other kids who are into music and carve out a niche for themselves in a world where they might never have felt a sense of belonging before.

Their multi award-winning approach to music is different to the regular “master and move on” approach. This school allows students to start with music and songs that inspire them. If you walk into a School of Rock, you’ll see children of all ages — from pre-schoolers to teenagers and even adults — practicing music like Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” AC/DC’s “Back in Black” or KISS’ “Rock and Roll All Nite.” These are part of a number of songs that make up our curriculum and provide a shared language that is ideal for music education. When you think about the relatively straightforward rhythms and melodies, you can see how it makes sense to introduce kids to music education through classic rock.

A lot of thought goes into how their programs are structured. Songs are chosen for their educational properties. A typical rehearsal flow for The Beatles’ music might be “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together” and “Help!” Each of these songs presents unique musical concepts for beginners and advanced players alike, finding the right challenges to fit each student.

School of Rock’s programs are all-inclusive. They teach three 4-month sessions per-year and offer something for every age group in addition to holding shorter day camps during the summer months and school breaks. Their programs are as follows:

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Little Wing

Age Range: 3 – 5

Their early childhood music education program is designed to teach children as young as 3 years old to love music. By exploring hand percussion, playing musical games and learning the basics of teamwork, these children come away with the confidence and tools they need to be lifelong music lovers.

Rookies

Age Range: 6 – 7

This program teaches youngsters in first and second grade slightly more complex concepts such as pitch and rhythm, exposing them to different instruments along the way. These kids will learn how to channel their inner rock stars.

Rock 101

Age Range: 7 – 10

Rock 101 teaches the basics of rock while laying a solid foundation for understanding the dynamics of playing in a group setting. At this level, students get one-on-one instruction as well as an instructor in their group sessions to help them learn about music theory and techniques in a fun setting.

Performance Program

Age Range: 8 and up

This is their core program at School of Rock, and a key reason it’s such a great kids’ franchise to explore. In our Performance Program, in-depth private instrument instruction is paired with group rehearsals and a live performance on stage that showcases what students have learned during their lessons.

House Band

Age Range: 17 and under

The School of Rock House Band music program gives students the opportunity to see what it’s like to join a band and perform at music venues in their community. All students in the Performance Program have the opportunity to audition for their school’s House Band, where they’ll become role models for the rest of their classmates.

All Stars

Age Range: 17 and under

The School of Rock AllStars represent the best of the best from around the world. Students audition for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform in major shows as part of a cross-country tour. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program.

Adult Program

Age Range: 18 and up

School of Rock’s Adult Program is for students over the age of 18 who are looking to learn an instrument and play in a band with their peers. Students will get the chance to perform live on stage, and no musical experience is required. Every student is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned songs for learning key music concepts and skills.

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On top of the programs mentioned the company also offers one-on-one guitar, drum, piano and singing lessons. They also offer additional camps and high-performance workshops which invite guest teachers that have included: Slash of Guns N’Roses, Jimmy Chamberlin of the Smashing Pumpkins, Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam and rock and roll hall of famer, James Williamson of The Stooges.

Today, School of Rock teaches music to more than 35,000 students around the globe, with 300+ locations in 15 countries and counting. They brand is owned by a private equity firm, Sterling Partners, which provides the franchise with resources a smaller business wouldn’t regularly have access to.

Last month the School of Rock was named the winner of the 2022 Global Franchise Award for Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise for the second year in a row. The Global Franchise Awards also added a new category in 2022, Regional Champions, which was awarded to School of Rock for the Americas Region.

Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock was delighted on the global recognition of their hard work. “We are proud to be recognized again for our global leadership in child enrichment. Being additionally singled out as the Americas Regional Champion amongst the thousands of concepts in our home region speaks to the power of purpose driving profit,” says Mr Price. 

“Our extraordinary franchisees, school teams, and corporate support staff remain focused on bringing the transformational experience of performance-based music education and our compelling business model to markets throughout the globe,” he said. 

It’s clear this company knowns what it takes to succeed as a franchise with a proven track record going back to the mid ’90s. Over the years they’ve have developed the techniques, the business processes and the franchisee-centric culture to provide you with a blueprint for your own success.

Under their secure wing, you’ll be able to work in a music-focused business that helps transform children’s lives and makes a difference in your community. You’ll be able to employ professional musicians as instructors, helping them further their musical careers. And - there are still multiple opportunities still available.

FRANCHISE UNITS

School of Rock currently have 301 franchise locations across 15 countries:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ireland
• Mexico
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Portugal
• South Africa
• Spain
• Taiwan
• United States

SUPPORT FOR THE FRANCHISE

• On the job training.
• Classroom training.
• Purchasing co-ops
• Grand opening
• Meetings and conventions
• Security and safety procedures
• Field operations
• Proprietary software
• Newsletters
• Toll-fee line
• Online support
• Lease negotiation
• Site selection
• Franchisee intranet platform
• Full marketing support

BASIC NETWORK REQUIREMENTS

To qualify as a candidate, their minimum requirements are USD $125,000 in liquid assets and USD $350,000 in net worth (a single candidate or the sum of the assets of a group of investors).

If you meet the requirements and need financing to open your school, one of our financial partners can help you find solutions to fund your business.

KEY FIGURES

• Initial franchise fee: USD $49,000

• Total initial investment: USD $322,500 - $521,100

• Royalty fee: USD 8%

• Advertisement fee: 3%

• Term of agreement: 10 years (which is renewable)