BURR RIDGE, Ill., Feb. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After 15 years and breaking the 100-school milestone, the School or Rock is creating the world's next generation of rockers. By inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, the company is continuing to rock major U.S. and international cities through soulful entrepreneurs who transform the lives of kids and adults through music.
Providing a powerful mix of a solid business model and awe inspiring performances that fill families with pride, School of Rock is expanding its franchise operation with growth opportunities in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver and other US areas. Meanwhile, interest in the franchise continues to grow overseas, with new schools opening in Australia, the Philippines, Brazil and Chile.
"We are excited about reaching this 100 school milestone. Our sustained growth helps ensure that we can continue to expand the inspirational opportunities for our students while at the same time creating employment opportunities for musicians in the neighborhoods that we serve," said School of Rock CEO, Chris Catalano. "While this is certainly an occasion to pause and celebrate our partners and our growth, it is also a reminder that we are only just beginning and the best of School of Rock is yet to come."
School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and on stage performing with their peers. Music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where music students of all skill levels are comfortable yet challenged at every turn. In addition to individual private music instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students also learn how to jam with their peers in a weekly practice session. The team dynamic creates a supportive and motivating environment where kids feel inspired to excel and to help their team to "victory" at the big show.
Living the dream, Steve Kennedy, a School of Rock franchise owner in Connecticut, turned in his suit and tie as an executive in magazine publishing for a signed Keith Richards shirt and now, instead of talking ad rates at "work" every day, he talks music. Tracie Smith, who owns a School of Rock franchise in New York, was a stay-at-home mom spending her days as a freelance graphic artist whose kids eyes lit up the first time they walked into a School of Rock. Two months later, watching them perform, she was the rocker mom in the front row, and a few years later, a proud owner of her own school.
Through School of Rock's "Guest Professor Series," students have the opportunity to learn from and jam with some of music's iconic names, including Jon Anderson, lead vocalist from the legendary rock band Yes, Earl Slick, David Bowie's guitarist, seminal post-punk bass player, Mike Watt, and collaborator of the groundbreaking, pop-rock duo The Eurythmics, Dave Stewart. The school also offers seasonal camps in the summer, winter and over spring break. Whether a student chooses rock or metal camp the five day intensive is guaranteed to transform a want-a-be into a true rock performer.
A highlight for School of Rock students is the AllStar Program. After a nationwide audition process, each summer, the AllStars embark on a tour, complete with tour busses and multiple live shows throughout the country. Acclaimed as some of the best young musicians in the world, the students have performed at Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Hangout Music Fest, NAMM, Gathering of the Vibes, Austin City Limits, BB Kings and countless others. AllStars have shared the stage with the likes of Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, Eddie Vedder, Slash and other big rock names.
"Our AllStar program is one of the best ways for a serious young musician to get a taste for what a professional career in music is like," added Catalano.
ABOUT SCHOOL OF ROCK
The music school your mom and dad wished they had when they were kids, School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and up and performing with their peers. With more than 100 locations in seven countries, the franchise proves that rock & roll is alive and kickin'. For more information about the franchise opportunity, please visit http://franchising.schoolofrock.com/.