Identify a franchise location near where you live and ask to talk to the owner.

Show the owner one of the two “You Be the VC” features at the end of this chapter and ask the person whether he or she thinks the company will be successful. Write a brief summary of the owner’s response.

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YOU BE THE VC 15.1 Company: School of Rock Web: www.schoolofrock.com Twitter: SchoolofRockUSA Facebook: School of Rock USA Business Idea: Create a program for students with a passion for rock music so they can either learn to play a rock instrument or improve their existing musical skills and have the opportunity to participate in rock bands that play in real rock venues in front of real rock fans. Pitch: There are many kids that have a passion for rock music, but don't have a place to go to either learn how to play a rock instrument or sharpen their existing skills. In addition, it's often hard for kids that have a real gift for playing rock music to find a safe, healthy environment in which to express their gift and find similarly minded kids to organize a band. The School of Rock has been established to fit these exact needs. Kids 7 to 17 of all different talent levels spend 12 weeks in sessions learning guitar, base, vocals, keyboard, and drums. Tuition varies across the School of Rock's 60 franchise locations, averaging $300 a month for the basic program of weekly 45-minute private lessons and regular jam sessions. The teachers are all working rock musicians, and are therefore able to relate to the students in a very direct way and inspire them with tales of their own successes. The best students from the School of Rock's locations across the country are put into an All Stars program that organizes them into bands and lands them high-profile gigs on professional stages. As the result of experiences like this, a number of the School of Rock's graduates are now performing musicians or are making a living in the music industry in other ways. The School of Rock's staple or foundational belief is that the best way to learn to do something is by doing it, so participants are handed instruments and are playing rock music from the minute they enroll. For talented students, the school acts as a music incubator, which helps the aspiring musicians cut their teeth in the music industry in a safe and supportive manner. The curriculum is formulaic, depending on a particular student's skill level, and is dri- ven by the added motivation that students will be placed in bands and play in front of live audiences. The schools are set up much like a club, where students are encour- aged to visit to jam, work on their songs with other students, form bands, or write original music. The school becomes a community for its participants where they not only learn music but form lasting friendships. Many students enroll for multiple 12-week sessions, where their skills are allowed to advance and flourish. There are currently about 33.5 million teenagers in the United States, all looking for a place to shine and fit in. The School of Rock offers a one-of-a-kind experience for 7-to 17-year-olds willing to commit to the rigors and joys of becoming successful rock musicians.