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THE PAUL GREEN SCHOOL OF ROCK MUSIC RECEIVES GROWTH CAPITAL INVESTMENT FROM STERLING PARTNERS
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New York, NY - (July 7, 2009) The Paul Green School of Rock Music (or "School of Rock"), recognized for changing the way music is taught in America, today announced that it has received a growth capital investment from Sterling Partners. The capital will be used to provide the resources, systems and tools necessary to build additional performance-based music schools to serve the growing interest from students around the country. The investment will also help enhance the company’s brand and fine tune the consumer experience.
Sterling Partners, a leading private equity firm with core competency in education, helped build Sylvan Learning Centers into a top tier national brand. Their investment in School of Rock demonstrates the belief they have in the brand and its future growth and development potential.
The Paul Green School of Rock Music first opened its doors in Philadelphia in1998 and has since grown to 49 schools (both company-owned and franchised) around the country. Considered the original and premier performance-based rock music school, the School of Rock offers an innovative program that includes both private lessons and performance-based teaching that generates dramatic results and high consumer appeal. The students from School of Rock have performed in front of two million people in shows coast to coast, including both community-based concerts and a national touring group, the School of Rock All-Stars. The School of Rock All-Stars have performed with Eddie Vedder, Alice Cooper, Ann Wilson, Peter Frampton and Perry Farrell and have served as the back-up touring band for Jon Anderson of Yes.
The growth capital investment from Sterling Partners forecasts a bright future for the business, according to School of Rock CEO Matt Ross, "I am extremely excited about our new partnership with Sterling. The financial investment is vital but Sterling is also known for providing intellectual capital and strategic resources that will go a long way in helping us develop a world-class brand. Our customers, our franchise operators and our employees will all see a measurably improved system in the near term and a company that is committed to innovation and the highest quality service over the long term."
Founder Paul Green added, "I am proud to partner with an investment firm that has shown the ability to grow businesses to their full potential while keeping them true to their original vision. Thanks to Sterling Partners, we will now be able to give the gift of rock to children all over the country—and eventually the world."
"In School of Rock, we see an innovative, differentiated and proven method of inspiring children to pursue a passion for music", commented Sterling Partners Principal, Shoshana Vernick. "Paul Green and Matt Ross have done an excellent job laying the foundation of this business. We believe with Sterling’s partnership, the current business is poised to achieve significant growth, and deliver the gift of music to students for years to come."
Fast 55: Ready to roll - Saving rock 'n roll one franchise at a time
http://www.franchisetimes.com/content/story.php?article=01239
Raise your hand if this was you: Your mom nagged you about practicing the piano; your parents bought you a drum set, but it didn't have a high-hat; the only songs your music teacher taught were classical and not anything you'd be caught actually listening to.
No wonder none of us grew up to be rock stars. But there is hope for future generations, thanks to a fast-growing franchise based in Philadelphia aptly named the Paul Green School of Rock.
Matt Ross played a little guitar himself before becoming president of The School of Rock.
"We're changing the paradigm," says Matt Ross, president of the School of Rock. Not only are kids playing music they like, but they live the rock star dream - performing live to a large audience. After they take a private lesson, students return a second time each week to practice with their fellow band members for an upcoming show. "With a concert date on the calendar, they work harder, learn quicker," Ross says.
And they look forward to it.
"How many 14-year-olds get together and say, 'Let's go to my house and practice Mozart together," he asks. Point well taken.
Students play loud music by the likes of The Who and Led Zepplin, "with an electric guitar in hand."
Star Treatment
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2 local teens perform with Rock Legend Jon Anderson as part of School of Rock.
Getting ready to teach Rock Star 101
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With new site in Watertown, School of Rock fires up amps for young Jagger wannabes.
Rock On! High School Musical
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Students at Paul Green School of Rock learn much more than how to play an instrument. Performance skills are also part of the Curriculum.