School of Rock, the global leader in performance-based music education and a portfolio brand of Youth Enrichment Brands, celebrated the opening of its 450th franchise location on May 20, 2026. The milestone coincides with the brand’s expansion into Germany through School of Rock Candidplatz, owned by master franchisees Bill Cole and Dominik Ueblacker. The opening reflects the brand’s accelerating international growth, with 115 schools now operating across 19 countries outside the United States and more than 100 new locations added worldwide over the past three years.
As families increasingly look for real-world experiences that build confidence and connection in children, School of Rock's model of performance-based music education is meeting the demand. Cole, a lifelong musician, came to the brand after watching a friend's daughter transform from a shy 9-year-old into a confident performer who earned a spot on the School of Rock AllStars Tour, an experience that made the decision to bring School of Rock to Germany an easy one.
"In Germany, we face what I often describe as the perfect storm of outdated music education and a clear need for more after-school activities for kids," said Cole. "German culture is incredibly musical, yet children have been left behind by traditional offerings that leave them bored, frustrated, and uninterested. I see huge potential not only to ignite a new generation of musicians, but also to give parents a fantastic after-school solution they desperately need."
School of Rock's 2025 Social Impact Study, based on responses from more than 1,400 parents of current students, found that 84.8% reported meaningful progress in their child's confidence, communication, and ability to engage in group settings since starting at School of Rock. More than 87% reported having better, more meaningful conversations and a stronger connection with their child, demonstrating the broader impact that performance-based music education can have on personal growth and family relationships.
"I see huge potential not only to ignite a new generation of musicians, but also to give parents a fantastic after-school solution they desperately need."
"Reaching 450 franchise locations with an international opening is a powerful reflection of the impact School of Rock is making in communities around the world,” said Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock. “Families increasingly recognize that School of Rock is about so much more than music lessons — we are creating spaces where kids and adults build real confidence, find genuine connection, express who they truly are, and discover a sense of belonging that stays with them long after they leave the stage. That this milestone is marked by our first school in Germany — a country with a deep and storied musical soul — is a testament to the vision and passion of Bill and Dominik, exactly the kind of mission-driven partners who carry this brand forward. Their commitment to bringing something truly meaningful to Munich speaks to the extraordinary global momentum behind School of Rock and the undeniable, universal power of music education to change lives."
Reaching 450 franchise locations with an international opening is a powerful reflection of the impact School of Rock is making in communities around the world
School of Rock's international footprint now spans 135 locations across 19 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, England, Uruguay, Taiwan, and South Africa, with Germany representing the brand's newest market and one of its most strategically significant. A 35-unit master franchise agreement positions the country for substantial growth, with the Munich opening serving as the launchpad.
"There is a universal hunger for creative outlets that help young people grow," said Rob Price, CEO of Youth Enrichment Brands. "Our franchise model empowers partners to bring something meaningful to their communities while benefiting from a proven system and global support network. Bill Cole exemplifies the kind of mission-driven entrepreneur who makes this brand work anywhere in the world."
By the end of 2026, School of Rock expects to operate 480 total schools, including 135 international locations.
For franchise development opportunities with School of Rock, schoolofrock.com/franchising/info.