School of Rock Updates Curriculum to Feature More Music Created by Black Artists

To start, School of Rock has added new feature shows to its performance-based curriculum. Each of these programs encompass 20-25 songs from Black artists. As part of the curriculum, students will learn to perform these songs and discover important lessons about the complex experience of marginalized communities. New shows include “Roots of the British Invasion,” “The Music of Memphis,” and “The Music of New Orleans.”

“We teach musical proficiency through rock because contemporary songs offer an effective toolkit, particularly in group performance. Just as importantly, popular music opens a door to history. We have an obligation to honor those Black artists without whom there would be no Rock and Roll, and by extension no School of Rock,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock.

Additionally, utilizing the collective knowledge of the talented instructors across the School of Rock system, the company has published on its website a series of articles and interactive content on the historical contribution of Black artists to Rock and Roll. Early Rock artists featured include Etta James, Ray Charles, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, in addition to more recent innovators like Prince, Tracy Chapman, and Gary Clark Jr.

“This project has been energizing, and it inspires us to better understand and teach the stories of other groups’ contributions to the art form,” continues Price. “We also hope that by better understanding our musical past, we can contribute to a more harmonious future.”

School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging learning environment for taking guitar lessons, drum lessons, bass lessons, keyboard lessons, and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Zappa. Thanks to the school's performance-based approach, students around the world have gained superior instrumental skills and confidence on the big stage, with some moving on to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice and Broadway.

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 280 schools open and in development across nine global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown student count from 4,000 to over 40,000. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons, including guitar lessons, singing lessons and piano lessons.