Press Release from School of Rock

School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, celebrated the opening of its school in Burlington, Massachusetts, with an event at its Wayside storefront. The event featured performances by School of Rock students and staff, an electrifying Halloween guitar-smashing ceremony, and more.

School of Rock Burlington is owned by Mark Abruzzese. As a guitarist, songwriter, and former educator, Abruzzese brings a wealth of experience and passion to the new school. Abruzzese has released an album and performs under the name Deviant Folk, drawing inspiration from rock legends such as Pearl Jam and Tom Petty, as well as old-time folk and bluegrass genres. He plays a variety of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and bass, blending these diverse genres into his unique sound. Before opening School of Rock Burlington, Abruzzese spent 24 years teaching high school chemistry, physics, and environmental science. He decided to merge his passions for education and music, finding School of Rock’s approach to music education aligned with his own teaching style.

"Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, and with roots in Winchester, Medford, and Melrose, I’m thrilled to bring music education to a city that shaped my own musical upbringing,” said Abruzzese. “It’s special to see the next generation, including my son in the Performance Program, start their musical journeys here. My goal is to provide a vibrant, supportive space where music becomes an enriching part of our students’ daily lives."

School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging music lesson experience, which includes bass lessons, guitar lessons, singing lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and technique via songs from legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin. Thanks to the school’s performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.

"Mark has such a strong motivation to help students in the community grow creatively and personally through music education,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “I know he will go above and beyond in delivering on our purpose. I am excited to see how this new school will positively impact the lives of its students and the community as a whole.”

More information on School of Rock Burlington

About School of Rock

School of Rock helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop tools they need to thrive in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 schools open and in development across 15 global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown its student count from 4,000 to over 62,000. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons, including guitar lessons, singing lessons and piano lessons. The company also sells musical instruments and music gear through its GearSelect program. School of Rock is proud to support Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS). School of Rock was awarded US Patent 10,891,872 in 2021 for its innovative music education method. School of Rock also has garnered the following industry awards: 2023 Global Franchise Grand Champion; 2023, 2022 and 2021 Global Franchise’s Awards Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise; 2023 Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Top Children’s Music Enrichment Brand; 2021 Franchise Innovation Award for Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools; Franchise Business Review’s 2023 Top 200 Franchises and Culture 200 list; 2020 Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 200 Franchise and the #1 Child Enrichment Franchise; and 2018 Forbes # 2 Best Franchise Medium-Level Investment Award and the #1 Music Franchise in America.

Follow School of Rock on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SchoolofRockUSA and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SchoolofRockUSA.

For more information on School of Rock visit www.SchoolofRock.com or call 866-695-5515. To learn more about School of Rock franchise opportunities, head to schoolofrock.com/franchising