We base our method of music instruction on the knowledge that students learn best when they play the music they enjoy most. That?s why we use special arrangements of today?s music to help students become proficient instrumentalists or vocalists as well as seasoned performers. At B2R Music, individual music instruction is combined with band instruction that leads to regularly scheduled public performances, ?Battles of the Bands,? and recording sessions in our professional sound studio.
The real fun begins within just a few months of music instruction. By combining musical basics with rigorous performance standards, we enable students young and old to play together in bands, using a repertoire built upon the hit music of their generation.
As students develop their skills through music instruction, they can go any place their musical interests take them ? Rock, Pop, or Classical ? the works! Moreover, the experience of performing before audiences in bands from the beginning is an exciting component of music instruction ? building self-confidence, garnering peer recognition, and providing a strong social incentive for continued progress.
Benefits
What makes B2R a great franchising opportunity?
Breadth of revenue streams
At Bach to Rock, we teach everyone from three to ninety-three to play or sing the music they love, whether that?s rock or Bach. Our early childhood program develops the skills preschoolers need to read music, play simple rhythms and develop the fine motor control essential for future success in playing an instrument. Our senior program challenges active adults to share their love of music and enhance their own learning. And our individual, group and band programs cover everyone in between.
Our state-of-the-art recording studio encourages local bands (not just Bach to Rock bands) to share their sound with the world. Add to this birthday parties, corporate parties, and summer camp programs for a diverse revenue base. Not to mention sales of music books, guitar picks and strings, t-shirts, hats and other Bach to Rock merchandise.
We?re not one musical genre ? rock or classical. We?re not one age ? kids or adults. We are America?s Music School.
Increased need for private music instruction
With schools cutting music budgets at every turn, the need for private music instruction to fill the void is great. Combine this with Baby Boomers, the largest and wealthiest demographic in America, hitting retirement and taking up new hobbies and interests, and the demand will continue to grow.
It?s fun!
Bach to Rock is cool. We?re not selling burgers, yogurt, batteries or haircuts. We?re not open 24/7. Whether you prefer Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum or Lady and the Tramp, Bach to Rock can bring your passion to life. We do this for our students and we will do this for our franchisees!
Executive Team
Brian Gross,?President:?Brian Gross was appointed President of Bach to Rock in March 2011 after serving as Vice President of Marketing (since February 2008) and Vice President of Marketing & Operations (since February 2010). Before joining Bach to Rock, Brian served as President of Rileyroos, LLC, a children?s footwear company based in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Prior to founding Rileyroos, Brian was the General Manager of Barton-Cotton, Inc. a direct marketing and print production company based in Baltimore, MD.
Brian began his career in banking at Bank of America, then moved into brand management for Kraft Foods in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked in brand management for Cover Girl at Procter and Gamble, and as Director of Business Concept Development for Sylvan Learning Centers.
Brian earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Delaware and an MBA from University of North Carolina?s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Michael Chung,?Chief Operating Officer
Michael Chung was appointed as CIG?s Chief Operating Officer in December 2007. Michael?s responsibilities include the oversight of CIG?s education businesses, Navtech and the execution of key strategic and operating initiatives for all of the CIG companies. He serves on the Board of Directors of CIG subsidiaries ProQuest, Navtech Inc., Institute of Art and Music Makers, LLC. Michael is also the CEO of Music Makers, LLC and served as the interim CEO of Navtech, Inc.
Michael came to CIG from Barr Associates, Inc., the largest independent manufacturer of optical filters where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Michael implemented company-wide systems and initiatives at Barr to improve operations and accelerate growth. Michael successfully led the execution of the turnaround of Barr from near bankruptcy to a profitable company growing at over 15% annually and subsequently helped execute the sale of Barr in the fall of 2009.
Prior to joining Barr Associates, Michael spent seven years at the Goldman Sachs Group, most recently as Vice President in the Mergers and Acquisitions Department focusing on the communications technology sector. Over his tenure, Michael worked on numerous M&A and principal investment transactions across a wide range of industries including information services, telecommunications, high technology, biotech and energy.
Michael enrolled in the Management and Technology Dual Bachelor?s Degree Program at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from The Wharton School and a B.S. in Engineering. Michael holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the Board of the National Museum of Hip Hop. Michael and his wife Hannah live in New York City with their sons Michael Jr. and Lucas.
Barbara Inkellis,?Sr. Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel
Barbara Inkellis serves as CIG?s Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel. During her tenure at CIG, she has been directly responsible for overseeing and managing dozens of mergers and acquisitions as well as commercial contracts, intellectual property and human resource legal issues.
Barbara came to CIG from the law firm of Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, where she specialized in corporate law. She previously was an associate at Bracewell & Patterson.
Barbara has been active in the youth sports community both at the high school and club level. She has managed numerous hockey and soccer teams and served on the Board of Directors of Montgomery Youth Hockey Association for 6 years. In addition, she was a member of the board of The George Washington University Law Alumni Association.
Barbara earned a B.A. Cum Laude in History from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania and a Masters in Education from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She taught U.S. History and Psychology in Montgomery County, Maryland. Barbara earned her J.D. with honors from The George Washington University, where she was a member of the Law Review. She is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia. Barbara and her husband Steve live in North Bethesda. They have two children, Elizabeth and David.
Matthew Brehm,?Vice President, Finance
Matthew Brehm is responsible for the financial management of CIG, Sotheby?s Institute of Art and Bach to Rock. His responsibilities include accounting operations, financial planning, budgeting and analysis, monthly financial reporting, annual audits, and tax compliance.
Matt comes to CIG from PricewaterhouseCoopers where he was most recently a manager within the Transaction Services practice. While at PwC Matt provided transaction advisory services, including buy-side and sell-side due diligence, to a variety of private equity and Fortune 500 clients. Prior to joining Transaction Services, Matt was in the Assurance practice at PwC where he was responsible for planning and performing audits for SEC registrants primarily within the Technology and Media industries.
Matt is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York State and is a member of the AICPA. He graduated magna cum laude from American University with a degree in Accountancy. Matt and his wife Meredith live in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Source: http://modernfranchises.com/bach-to-rock-franchise/
alton brown
If you?ve ever wanted a data-only smartphone, and you own a new iPad on Verizon, an easy workaround will make it possible. CNET writer Jason Cipriani wondered what would happen if he took his iPad?s LTE Verizon SIM and stuck it in his Galaxy Nexus. The result, according to Cipriani, was that he immediately saw a data connection. ?I then tried to place a call from the Galaxy Nexus and it didn?t go through,? Cipriani said. ?Instead, I was prompted to add money to my ?prepaid account.? It literally is a data-only-plan. One thing to note, however, is that the hot-spot feature included with the iPad plan does not work on the Galaxy Nexus.? As Cipriani points out, activating a SIM through an iPad eliminates the hassle of a contract, meaning the option is there for folks who might prefer the freedom of a data-only smartphone.
