Bach to Rock, America’s Music School, Acquired by Spark Harbor
Acquisition expands Spark Harbor’s youth activities platform into music education, its third brand in as many years
Spark Harbor, a platform operator of franchised youth activity brands, has acquired Bach to Rock, the modern music school franchise redefining how students learn, play, and perform music, from Cambridge Information Group (CIG), a private investment firm.
Recognized as a Franchise 500 brand for the last 10 years and currently ranked among the top concepts in children’s music education, Bach to Rock operates 57 locations nationwide with an additional 10 units in development and continued franchise momentum. The brand has built a highly scalable system supported by a seasoned leadership team, strong unit economics, and a differentiated offering that blends music education with performance-based learning.
“Bach to Rock has developed exactly what we look for: a curriculum that keeps students coming back year after year, a franchisee base that believes in the model, and schools that provide a third place for kids to find community and confidence,” said Jeff Phillips, Founding CEO of Spark Harbor. “We are bringing operator experience and franchise development expertise to accelerate growth and reach more families across the country.”
Bach to Rock’s leadership team has been instrumental in driving the brand’s success and will continue to lead the business moving forward. Together, this team has built a best-in-class operating model rooted in proprietary curriculum, strong unit-level support, and a consistent, high-quality customer experience.
“This transaction is a testament to the strength of the Bach to Rock system and the team behind it,” said Brian Gross, President of Bach to Rock. “We’ve spent years building a model that delivers for franchisees, students, and families alike. Partnering with Spark Harbor validates that work and gives us the resources and strategic support to scale even further.”
Spark Harbor’s involvement will allow the brand to accelerate expansion under the platform, which is purpose-built to scale high-performing, family-focused brands.
“CIG acquired a single Bach to Rock site in 2007 and helped build the company into the top-tier national franchisor it is today,” said Andy Snyder, CEO of Cambridge Information Group. “We are excited about Spark Harbor’s vision for the brand and their ideal stewardship of Bach to Rock’s next chapter.”
Spark Harbor’s growing portfolio includes leading youth activity brands such as Water Babies (2024 acquisition), the world’s leading baby and infant swim school, which has recently begun franchising in America, and USA Ninja Challenge (2025), the market leader in youth obstacle course training. The addition of Bach to Rock expands the platform’s presence in the music education category and reinforces its strategy of acquiring differentiated brands with strong consumer demand and franchise scalability.
As Bach to Rock enters this next chapter, the company remains focused on expanding its footprint, supporting franchisees, and continuing to deliver engaging, high-impact music education programs to students across the country.
East Wind Advisors served as financial advisor to Bach to Rock in this transaction.