The owner of a children’s music school in Fairfield and New Canaan hopes to open a location in Shelton by the end of July.
School of Rock — the national franchise that inspired the 2003 film “School of Rock“ starring Jack Black — will be located at the Sports Center of Connecticut, on the second floor above the Game Zone.
Stephen Kennedy, who owns the franchise in New Canaan and Fairfield, said the space is currently being renovated for the school’s needs.
When it opens, a staff of music instructors will teach students how to play the electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and keyboard during individual and group lessons, Kennedy said.
The music students then perform rock songs in concerts at public venues.
“There are so many great aspects of this program for parents and kids,” Kennedy said. “They’re learning to play an instrument, in a fun environment. They’re learning teamwork.”
And, Kennedy said, it’s a good way for kids to get experience learning to play, away from a jam band in the basement.
The national franchise has 58 schools in 23 states, including the two others that Kennedy owns.
Kennedy plans to open more in Fairfield county over the next few years. He is targeting Greenwich and Danbury next, he said.
The Shelton school will likely draw students from Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford and the Valley towns, Kennedy said.
Depending on how many students sign up, the School of Rock could employ up to 12 people, Kennedy said.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a new sign for the school at its May meeting.
Howard Saffan, the owner of the Sports Center, spoke on behalf of School of Rock at the Planning and Zoning meeting.
The school will be good for the community, Saffan said.
Soffan said parking won’t be a problem because School of Rock operates mostly as an after-school program during the week, whereas the rest of the activity at the Game Zone happens mostly on the weekend.
Kennedy said he hopes to start up the school with summer camps in July.
Once September rolls around, the school will run 14-week lessons and shows.
