In a supergroup-worthy combination, School of Rock, the largest and most revolutionary music education franchise in the world, now specifies acoustic stone wool ceiling systems as the basis of design for its new North American franchise locations. Approximately 30 schools feature ceiling panels with finished-to-match ceiling suspension grid systems.

Founded in 1998 as a single school in Philadelphia, School of Rock now has more than 375 locations in 16 different countries, including over 300 in North America. Unlike traditional music education approaches, aspiring student musicians attend weekly one-on-one lessons paired with group rehearsals and live performances, resulting in lasting musical proficiency. Every day, more than 65,000 people, ages three and up, participate in School of Rock workshops, camps, and performance programs.

Rock of Ages

School of Rock’s mission focuses on growing a passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education. Its leadership team offers franchising opportunities for those who share their commitment to helping shape the next generation of musicians while running a successful and profitable business.

Amplifying the company’s success and brand to support new franchisees, School of Rock provides guidelines that include architectural and interior design plans. Each school usually ranges in size from 2,500 to 2,700 square feet.

“Over the past 25 years of operation, we’ve had various iterations of design guidelines. We began revamping them to make sure our desired look, feel, and sound was ‘written into law,’” says Pamela Ross, CFE, director of New School Openings for School of Rock’s corporate franchise development.

While updating the guidelines in 2022, Ross continued to support the new school openings. She remembers her introduction to Cinema Black acoustic stone wool ceiling panels: “A general contractor suggested the product on a build for a new school. We loved them. I immediately responded by saying, ‘What is this? I like these. Tell me more.’”

She contacted the manufacturer for more information. In learning more, Ross found she liked both the look and the performance of products. The ceiling panel’s high sound absorption was key. Cinema Black can achieve a noise reduction co-efficient up to 0.95.

Rock It

As the conversation continued, the manufacturers’ team invited Ross and her colleagues to its facility in Chicago and toured some of School of Rock’s Chicagoland spaces. Ross also had the opportunity to meet with acoustic specialist Gary Madaras, PhD. “It was great to connect with an expert to reinforce and further refine some of our build practices. Gary’s now one of my go-to contacts whenever I have an acoustical question,” says Ross. “It’s nice to have knowledgeable professionals to connect with since the subject matter is so specific.”

Previously, the ceiling-specific requirements in School of Rock’s design manual called for an NRC of 0.70 or more. After meeting with the manufacturer, Ross updated it. “Now, it has to be at least a 0.85 NRC. The high NRC greatly assists with the reflection throughout the school overall to tamp down the sound level,” explained Ross.

“Aesthetically, the black color and smooth texture contribute to the vibe of the schools. They’re used throughout the space—in the lobby, student lounges, hallways, and one-on-one lesson rooms,” describes Ross. “The ceilings’ black color draws the eye down into the room to create more of a performance atmosphere versus the white of a more sterile environment, such as an office or medical clinic.”

Ceiling panels’ stone wool material is hydrophobic—meaning it does not absorb water and does not sag even at 100 percent relative humidity. Stone wool also naturally resists moisture, mold, and mildew, and gives no sustenance to microorganisms.

Contributing to healthy indoor air quality, the low-VOC ceiling panels have earned UL Environment GREENGUARD Gold certification for Office and Educational Environments. These products also are supported with a UL-certified Environmental Product Declaration and backed with a 30-year limited product warranty.

School of Rock’s updated design manual now recommends the use of ceiling panels installed in ceiling suspension grid finished to match the tiles. The ceiling system offers continuity and consistency between franchise locations while adding dramatic visual effect and ensuring high performance.

After completing approximately 30 schools with the ceiling systems, Ross is complementary of the relationship, saying, “The products are readily available. We are provided with distributors in each market. The franchisees have no complaints, and everyone seems happy.”