A School of Rock soon to rock the northern suburbs of Johannnesburg
By Edward Tsumele
If you are someone who simply loves their rock music and you are young and looking for an opportunity to learn how to play rock music, the news that there will soon be a rock music school in Johannesburg, should be sweet news to your ears.
At a recent music conference held in Midrand, I had an opportunity to meet the people who are at the forefront of opening this unique music school in Parktown North, and they told me that the planning is coming together so nicely that before the end of this year, the school will be accepting its first cohort of future rock stars at its premises as the recruitment of teachers would have been done, setting the school ready to rock.
School of Rock South Africa has announced its expansion within the country with the signing of a Sub-Franchise Agreement. This exciting development will see the opening of the first School of Rock location in the vibrant neighbourhood of Parktown North.
The new Franchisee, who joins the School of Rock network of over 375 schools across 17 countries, is eager to bring the renowned music education program to Johannesburg. The Franchisee is enthusiastic about fostering a love for music and providing students with an exceptional platform to develop their talents and skills.
Russell Lund, Franchisee and Owner of the soon-to-be-launched School of Rock Parktown North, is a family man, outdoor and sports enthusiast, and entrepreneur. His love for music is shared with his wife and two kids. Most days, his house in Cape Town sounds like a concert with his 8-year-old son shredding his electric guitar, his 11-year-old daughter singing pitch-perfect, and his wife Anneke, a classically trained pianist, leading the way. Russell himself strums his beloved Martin acoustic guitar, adding to the cacophony.
Russell founded and runs Helium Advertising, a 25-year-old agency specialising in the banking sector. He also founded Lund Rug Gallery, a boutique high-end rug business in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Passionate about kids, music, and education, Russell fell in love with the School of Rock concept through his then seven-year-old son’s experience at the Claremont school. “Joining the School of Rock family is a thrilling opportunity. We are passionate about music education and are excited to contribute to the School of Rock community by offering a unique and enriching experience for students in Johannesburg.”
The Parktown North location will offer a range of programs designed to inspire and engage students from kids to adults, including performance-based music instruction, group classes, and private lessons. The new franchise aims to uphold School of Rock’s commitment to empowering students through music and creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
The expansion into Johannesburg underscores School of Rock’s ongoing dedication to growing its global network and reaching new audiences. The Franchise’s patented methodology and innovative approach to music education resonate with communities around the world, and the new location will be a valuable addition to the School of Rock family.
The Johannesburg expansion marks the beginning of a strategic initiative by School of Rock South Africa Master Franchisees, Keith Taeuber and Leigh Spaun, to establish a network of schools across the country over the next five years. The pair own the successful School of Rock in Claremont, Cape Town and will be expanding their own investment in the School of Rock brand through a second company-owned school in Devonbosch in the Cape Winelands in 2025.
About School of Rock
School of Rock is a global leader in music education, offering performance-based music instruction to students of all ages. With a commitment to fostering a love for music and providing a supportive learning environment, School of Rock has established a strong presence worldwide with over 375 locations in 17 countries, dedicated to enriching the lives of their students through music.
The Global Franchise has been recognized for its innovative approach to music education with a US patent awarded in 2021. The Global Franchise has also earned industry accolades such as the 2021 Global Franchise Awards Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise, named one of 2022’s Fastest Growing Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, and awarded Global Franchise Grand Champion and Category Winner in 2023, Global Franchise Award Best Children’s Service and Education Franchise in 2023, 2022, and 2021, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Top Children’s Music Enrichment Brand in 2023 and 2024, Franchise Business Review’s 2024 and 2023 Top 200 Franchise and Culture 200 list, 2021 Franchise Innovation Award, and IFA 2024 Franchisee of the Year.