Chris Marek had just pulled the plug on a long career in education and was looking to crank up a new line of work when he discovered the School of Rock, a franchise-based business featuring more than 350 schools and 62,000 students worldwide. There was something about this unique opportunity that struck a chord with Marek.

“I knew I was retiring from education and I was looking for a quality franchise to buy,” Marek said. “After months of searching, I found School of Rock on the internet, called them that day and bought the western Wayne county territory in the fall of 2018. We decided that Canton was the best location, and found a spot just off Ford Road next to Lowe's.”

School of Rock is the perfect environment for musicians to learn and grow, whether they are a beginner or a budding rock star. While the guitar and drums are the more popular instruments of choice, School of Rock also offers classes and lessons in the bass, vocals, keyboards and even songwriting. With more than 25 years in business and locations in 15 countries, School of Rock’s programs include individual lessons, group rehearsals and live performances – all with the goal of getting its students on stage performing at a real rock show at a real music venue.

Marek and his students have been rocking ever since as the Canton location has seen a steady increase in students and the owner expanding into other communities.

“We started our first month with 30 students and built up to 89 when the COVID shutdown happened,” Marek said. “We reopened in June 2020, and rebuilt it to a high of 238 students. The reaction has been very positive! Our most popular lessons are guitar and drums.”

The Canton location currently has 10 instructors, all of whom are professional musicians, including Gayelynn McKinney, who has played with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Jeff Beck. She's even been nominated for a Grammy!

“All of our teachers are great with people, give detailed notes on instruction and give new assignments on our state-of-the-art Method App,” Marek said.

Marek, who also owns a location on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington, sat off to the side of the stage and watched his students rock out in July at the Farmington Founders Festival. The big smile on his face and tapping of his foot shows that he made the right choice with School of Rock. He was having as much fun as his students on stage.

Marek believes School of Rock is the best place to learn an instrument quickly because they put their students in groups and they perform together all around Metro Detroit.

“We play regularly at the Canton Heritage Park Amphitheater, The Token Lounge, Canton Brew Works, and have annual gigs at Canton's Liberty Fest and Canton's Tuesdays Are Terrific,” he said. “We also played the Milwaukee Summerfest, a rooftop gig at Bookies in June, and are playing in Grand Rapids at Founders Brewery, and the Magic Stick with the National School of Rock Great Lakes All Stars in July.”

School of Rock Canton is located at 5810 N. Sheldon Road. For more information, call (734) 357-8888 or log onto schoolofrock.com/locations/canton