"We are very honored as this industry award further reinforces that School of Rock's music-education program is of universal importance," said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. "Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we kept the music alive by fostering strong connections and community-building with our franchisees and students. As we continue to grow our global brand footprint, I can't wait to make the world more vibrant through music."
As the only awards of their kind that focus solely on international franchising, the Global Franchise Awards, now in its fourth year, seek to honor the most exceptional franchise brands representing all categories according to analysis of their overseas ambition, strong franchisee support, a strong marketing campaign and an overall willingness to advance the cause of franchising itself.
With the multi-award-winning brand emerging stronger than ever in 2021, School of Rock has been extremely proactive in cultivating its global music-franchise community via recent expansion plans into Spain, Ireland, Taiwan, and Colombia. The company's extensive growth includes a projected total of 37 school openings in 2021, 27 domestically and 10 internationally. The music-education program's worldwide reach won't stop there as School of Rock keeps its franchising crescendo going with additional global expansion plans through the end of the year.
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 Award for Best Franchisor in Children's Services and Education.
Beyond the Film, An Expanding Global Brand:
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 12 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 and Ireland, alongside 17 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.”
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.
