Meet Eric Philo: From Wall Street to Inspiring Music Education Franchise Owner

Eric hopes to inspire the next generation of Bach to Rock franchisees.

Eric Philo has been with Bach to Rock since 2017 when he opened his first school in Nanuet, N.Y. In 2022, he opened a second school in Wyckoff, N.J. Learn more about his journey from a career in investments to Bach to Rock franchisee!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and an MBA. My prior career was in investments. I am self-taught on both the guitar and piano and have an in-depth understanding of music theory. I compose music when I have time and have published a CD with instrumental music. I own five guitars, a Yamaha grand piano, and a music production station I use for composing. Bach to Rock was an ideal way for me to combine my passion for music, my business background, and my interest in providing a unique offering to families in my community!

How did you hear about Bach to Rock, and what led to your decision to open franchised school?

I found Bach to Rock in 2015 while attending a franchise show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. First, I walked past their display, but then, since I love music, decided to stop, and meet the folks there. I am so glad I did! After I completed more due diligence, including a *Discovery Day visit, I discovered that these were terrific people, with an excellent and compelling business model. They had a strategic plan that differentiated the offering and had a very well-articulated and aggressive marketing approach. I could envision how a Bach to Rock music school could be a category killer, and while it was early days (I was one of the earlier franchisees), I could see a nationwide presence, and strong, growing brand over time.

Additionally, I believe Bach to Rock has the power to influence students’ lives in many ways, like building confidence, learning a new skill, and helping make new friends. I am proud to be part of something that makes a difference in kids’ lives and in our communities.

*Discovery Days feature a session with Bach to Rock corporate staff in which the franchise model is presented, school visits are included, and detailed information is shared.

How long has your school (s) been open?

Nanuet, New York opened in April 2017, and we opened Wyckoff, New Jersey in June 2022.

How have you made your business successful? What have been the keys to success?

It’s important to hire a school director who believes in our mission of music education, and to create an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement. We also very carefully hire only teachers who embrace our culture, but who also have a formal music education, and experience teaching students.

The school needs to be ultra-focused on community outreach. We out-market our competition with the help of corporate, which provides tremendous support in exactly how to do that. We have the luxury of offering a terrific product, with a proprietary curriculum, copyrights to hundreds of songs that have been re-written so even a beginner can play their favorite tunes, a top-notch recording studio, a DJ instruction space, a vibrant rock band program, early childhood offerings, and an app the student and/or parents can use to track progress.

What would you tell a prospective franchisee who is considering Bach to Rock?

I hope my experience can inspire other potential franchisees to jump at the opportunity to become a Bach to Rock school owner. Transitioning from one career to another, following your passion for business and music. It was an excellent choice for me, has enriched my life and it was a sound investment.

Once you make the decision, it’s important to:

• Find the right location!
• Hire the right director!
• Manage the process by using the tools and guidance from corporate.

Do all of that, and you can’t miss!

What words of encouragement would you give?

Believe in and follow the business model. It works. Bach to Rock is the superior music education choice for today’s world, where not every student wants to learn Mozart (though we teach classical of course!). If you choose the right location and staff carefully, the business model has tons of upside.

Have you run into any tough spots over the time you’ve been operating the business? If so, what are they and how did you work them out?

Our first location in Nanuet had little retail walk-by. That put us on a slow path for a couple of years, but in year three, ironically during the pandemic, the business really took off. Corporate instantly had an online offering, and we seamlessly transitioned to that. And parents really wanted that – something to keep kids engaged while we all waited out the pandemic. We’ve continued growing since then. And Nanuet has the longest “length of stay” in the entire Bach to Rock franchisee system. We have tremendous customer loyalty there.

What do you enjoy most about owning/operating a Bach to Rock?

I really enjoy working with my staff! They are great people. I personally love music and musicians, so that makes it so enjoyable to be around people who are pursuing their passion for music.

What’s the most popular class or lesson at your school?

Depends on the school, but Kids ’n Keys, a beginners keyboard class, is extremely popular, and in Nanuet, our band program has really taken off.

When you meet prospective families/students or are talking about Bach to Rock in the community, what are the 3 key ideas that come to mind?

• We have something for everyone. Bach to Rock has made a tremendous investment in curriculum and other assets that maximize FUN and stimulate learning in a supportive atmosphere.
• Our teachers are the best around, and we work hard to ensure our students are out in the community performing as much as possible!
• The social aspect of being in a band is a key part of the puzzle that motivates learning.

What has surprised you the most about owning Bach to Rock schools?

After transitioning from my career in investments, it’s been refreshing and gratifying to work with my staff. It’s also very satisfying to know that we’ve helped hundreds of students, including some with special needs, learn a valuable new skill that can provide enjoyment over a lifetime.

Tell me a little bit about the atmosphere of your school. What do you think keeps students coming back?

We are warm, supportive, friendly, no-pressure, FUN, and energetic. I think that’s part of Bach to Rock’s charm in all the schools in the country. It’s just who we are and it’s what makes us different.

What are your goals for the future with your Bach to Rock schools?

I want my schools to be in the top 10 in the system, and to open more Bach to Rock locations.