Music school franchise opens in Springfield

Jester, the daughter of late developer Bill Jester, bought into the suburban Chicago-based franchise system after running into students during her music career on the East Coast. The Springfield native has served as executive director of the International Tuba Euphonium Association and performed intermittently with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and the River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh.

“I’ve always been an oddball musician who liked business,” said Jester, who recently worked a four-year stint as assistant professor of music business and recording at Millersville University in Lancaster, Penn.

Noting she’s moved home to be closer to family, Jester said startup costs were $150,000, including School of Rock’s $50,000 franchise fee. With 12 part-time employees, the 3,300-square-foot Springfield operation joins more than 100 in the franchise system across seven countries since its 1998 start in Philadelphia.

Franchisees, who must demonstrate $300,000 in net worth including $100,000 in liquid assets, typically invest between $115,000 and $320,000 in startup, according to SchoolOfRock.com. Earlier this year, School of Rock was listed in CNN Money’s 5 Hot Franchises, alongside Painting with a Twist, which combines art classes and wine, and French Fry Heaven, which sells gourmet fries from small huts.

Jester said she’s working on a line of credit through Springfield First Community Bank to operate the Springfield music school, which is among more than 20 planned to open this year.

School of Rock’s four programs for various age levels combine weekly lessons and group rehearsals. Students 10 years and older work toward live shows, which are held three times a year, she said. Monthly rates range between $155 and $250.

Teaching guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and drums, School of Rock aims to “take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels,” according to its website.

School of Rock Springfield, which Jester leases from Stephen Eiffert of Eiffert Properties LLC for undisclosed terms, is designed with two rehearsal studios, lesson rooms and a student lounge. She said a grand opening is scheduled Aug. 24 with a guitar-smashing ceremony and open demonstrations.