School of Rock Welcomes Providencia, Chile, as the Newest Addition

School of Rock proudly unveiled its location in Providencia, Chile, last week.

“Opening the 350th School of Rock location in Chile is a milestone in our journey,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “Music has the power to unite and inspire the creative spirit in us all. As we hit this milestone, we're not just counting schools, we're celebrating the countless stories and dreams that have found a home within our walls.”

School of Rock Providencia marks the 13th school in Latin America under master franchisee Matias Puga Hamilton, who was recently named as a 2023 Franchisee of the Year by The International Franchise Association. The new school in Santiago will be owned and operated by Danilo Giakoni. Giakoni's connection to music traces back to inheriting his maternal grandmother's grand piano, which became the centerpiece of their family gatherings.

His father's passion for rock and roll, specifically Elvis Presley, also played a significant role, with Giakoni inheriting his father’s extensive vinyl record collection. Today, Giakoni’s family home reflects their musical heritage, housing the piano, his mother's accordion and multiple guitars.

Giakoni’s journey to open a School of Rock was inspired by a desire to contribute to the development of children and adolescents, while still leveraging his background as a finance manager. After discovering the School of Rock model for adults during a live performance by a friend and subsequently reading about it in a Chilean newspaper, Giakoni felt a connection to the idea of opening a school in his culturally rich hometown of Providencia.

“Opening this School of Rock is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. It's been an incredible journey to this point, allowing me to connect with an amazing team of talented musicians and teachers, create a vibrant cultural hub within the community and witness firsthand the transformative impact this concept has on young individuals,” said Giakoni. "Being a part of this organization and opening School of Rock's 350th location is a truly special experience.”