Franchise Deep Dive: Bach to Rock Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

A chain of music education schools is looking for franchisees who want to improve their community with their passion for music, education and kids’ well-being.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer

8:08AM • 09/29/23

LAST UPDATED: September 12, 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://bachtorockfranchise.com/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 55 (10 corporate schools and 50 franchised schools)

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $241,500 to $531,500

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $551,240 (Franchise-Owned 2022 System Average Open 36+ Months)

Bach to Rock is a chain of music education schools with a distinct method. While they do offer traditional individual lessons, they also offer young people the opportunity to create student bands that rehearse their own sets, record in a professional studio and perform concerts. They educate students on music that appeals to them, ranging from Bach to Taylor Swift.

Today, as a franchise opportunity, the brand aims to fill a gap in the market: With schools spending less on the arts but parents still valuing cultural education, Bach to Rock meets this need.

How Many Bach to Rock Locations Are There?

As of September 2023, Bach to Rock has 55 locations across the U.S.

Bach to Rock opened their first corporate school in Bethesda, Maryland in 2007. By 2010, the combined gross sales for Bach to Rock schools surpassed $3 million. A year later, they sold their first franchise. Over the next few years, the franchise grew by one or two new locations a year. In 2016, Bach to Rock took off with nine new franchises opening across the country, and they’ve continued to grow steadily ever since.

CIG, Bach to Rock’s parent company, has invested over $20 million to help create a scalable business model and support Bach to Rock in reaching their goal of creating a nationwide chain of music schools. Bach to Rock generated over $20 million in revenue by the end of 2020. Their goals are ambitious, aiming for 500 schools nationally.

What Is the Bach to Rock Business Model?

Bach to Rock understands that students learn music best from songs they love and doing so with other kids. Students have the opportunity to partake in ensemble instruction or private lessons. Most impressively, however, Bach to Rock offers kids the opportunity to join a band, play at community events, compete in a battle of the bands and record their music in professional recording studios. Bach to Rock prides itself on the fact that most of their students remain in lessons for more than 70 weeks.

Streams of revenue are available through the following offerings at Bach to Rock schools:

Private lessons
Band lessons
Summer camps
Parties and corporate events
Recording studio
Beat Refinery DJ Lessons

How Much Can Bach to Rock Franchise Owners Make?

A Bach to Rock Franchise owner can expect to make around $551,240 after three years. The total range and net sales for all schools operating as of December 2022 was $186,789 to $1,132,468 after three years.

Average Earnings (Franchise-Owned 2022 System Average):

Minimum of one year: $515,629
Minimum of two years: $523,137
Minimum of three years: $551,240

Highest annual franchise partner earnings (after three years or more): $1,132,468

Lowest annual franchise partner earnings (after three years or more): $186,789

Median annual earnings (after three years or more): $523,220

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Bach to Rock?

The estimated investment necessary to begin the operation of a Bach to Rock franchise ranges from $241,500 to $531,500. This cost includes the school itself, marketing for the grand opening, and a startup package of musical instruments and other required equipment. There is also an ongoing royalty fee of 7%.

Bach to Rock franchise schools initially aim for an enrollment of 250 students. They tend to start out with one full-time music director and four to six part-time teachers. Franchisees can then grow their business to scale at their own pace.

A breakdown of initial costs is included below:

Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
Harmony Gateway License Fee: $5,000
Real Estate; Prepaid Rent and Security Deposit: $3,000 - $15,000
Lease Improvements: $105,000 - $275,000
Signage: $4,000 - $15,000
Furniture and Fixtures: $2,000 - $14,000
Architectural Plans and Design: $6,000 - $13,000
Lease Review Fee: $0 - $2,500
Computer System: $3,000 - $9,000
Equipment: $15,000 - $25,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums: $2,000 - $5,000
Travel and Living Expenses During Training: $500 - $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising: $25,000
Licenses and Permits: $2,000 - $8,000
Professional Fees: $3,000 - $15,000
Inventory, Curriculum and Course Materials: $2,000 - $4,000
Pre-Opening Costs: $4,000 - $16,000
Additional Funds (3 Months): $20,000 - $40,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Bach to Rock?

The Bach to Rock franchise fee is $40K. This is the upfront fee that must be paid when opening a Bach to Rock franchise.

Who Is the Leadership of Bach to Rock?

Brian Gross — President
Ralph Rillon — Vice President, Franchise Development & Sales
Angela Sakell — Vice President, Marketing & Operations
Barbara Inkellis — Sr. Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Bach to Rock?

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