Bethesda, MD – (May 16, 2022):  Bach to Rock, America’s music school for students of all ages, today announces the launch of the third profile in its franchisee spotlight campaign, which features top Bach to Rock music school owners sharing their tips for success in starting, owning and operating a Bach to Rock franchise.  The 4-part series continues with the introduction Rick and Holly Schmidt, the husband-and-wife owners of two Bach to Rock music schools in Tampa and Orlando, Florida. Prior to opening their Tampa school in 2018, Rick spent over 20 years in the music and radio industry.  Holly’s experience in the corporate health care industry continues as she supports the schools through her organizational and management skills. The fourth and final profile in the series will feature the owner of the Bach to Rock music school in San Diego, California.

“The franchisee spotlight campaign has been very fulfilling.  First, we’ve been able to provide an excellent resource for people interested in pursuing Bach to Rock franchise ownership.  And second, these franchisees are outstanding entrepreneurs who deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication,” said Brian Gross, President of Bach to Rock. “Our third profile features Rick and Holly Schmidt, owners of the Bach to Rock music schools in Tampa and Orlando, Florida.  Rick’s music and radio industry experience has been a huge asset to their success.  He has a keen eye for talent and knows how to help students explore their skills and grow to the next level.”  The spotlight campaign will provide essential information for others considering a livelihood as a Bach to Rock music school owner. Click here to check out the full spotlight profile.  

Rick and his wife Holly own not one, but two Bach to Rock music schools in Florida (two hours apart!).  Rick focuses on the schools, while Holly continues in her corporate role in the health care industry.  Plus, they have four children. It all adds up to a busy and fulfilling life! Before opening the Tampa school, Rick enjoyed a 20+ year career in the music and radio industry.  Highlights include programming Tampa’s 98Rock and some of the nation’s largest rock radio stations, signing recording artists to music labels and marketing large events and venues.  As a radio program director, Schmidt helped launch the careers of Florida bands Sister Hazel, Creed and Shinedown. Rick also represented various artists that have collectively: sold over 1.5 million albums; scored four top-15 rock hits; received video play on MTV; had music featured in video games, and even had one artist provide the walk-up song for former Tampa Bay Rays baseball all-star, Evan Longoria.  In 2018, he decided to tap into his industry background to offer families a meaningful and valuable music education experience for their kids by becoming a B2R franchisee.

Congratulations to all of our DJs who participated in this year's MD/VA Battle of the DJs. Competitors took home prizes sponsored by Chuck Levins as well as awesome feedback from our judges DJ Beauty and the Beatz, DJ Spicez, and DJ Sean J. 

• 1st: DJ EX0SKELETON
• 2nd: DJ Amplitude
• 3rd: MG Ham
• 4th: DJ Ghost
• 5th: DJ Cloudkiller
• Runners up: DJ Akijaun, DJ Electric Bird, DJ Zen

Battle of the Bands at BayTowne Plaza on September 8th, 2019.

The Winners from our Virginia Battle at Tally Ho and The State Theater.

The Winners from our June 22 Maryland Battle at the AMP by Strathmore

In a fierce competition at the 2019 Bach to Rock Battle of the Bands, 36 bands went head-to-head at City Winery in New York City on Sunday, June 9.

Over 800 proud parents, family members and fans came to support and cheer on students from Bach to Rock Port Washington, Bach to Rock Mamaroneck and Bach to Rock Nanuet.

The groups performed in both the Main Space and The Loft at City Winery and rocked the iconic hotspot.

“The students, who range in age from 7 to 18, and their band coaches worked tirelessly for months to prepare for this tremendous event and I’m beyond proud of all the performers,” said Bach to Rock Port Washington Director Elana Hayden. “While this is a competition, the main point is for the kids to have a great experience, to get to perform in a top New York City venue – and to have fun and feel like a rock star!”

Six seasoned music industry professionals, Carolee Goodgold (Carly Simon), John Miller (Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton), Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (Lady Gaga, Dr. John), Cameron Rasmussen (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway), Jason Reese (Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti) and Wayne Schuster (Blood, Sweat, and Tears) judged the performances.

Over 150 students performed on stages that have hosted Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, Joan Osborne, Taj Mahal, Patti Smith, and Buster Poindexter to name a few.

The bands were scored on several criteria including musical ability, technical ability, stage presence, material, creativity, and professionalism. All the competitors study a variety of musical disciplines at Bach to Rock music school, including music theory, instrument instruction, recording arts, performance arts, voice lessons and band coaching.

This is our student of the month: Indica! She has been playing piano for one year now! When she isn't playing music, she enjoys biking and disc golf. A fun fact about Indica is that her name means "night star princess protected by wolves". Her favorite thing about being a part of Bach to Rock is singing with her band Purple Nightmare, as well as playing piano with her mom who also takes lessons here. Congrats Indica!