School of Rock has officially expanded its Johannesburg footprint with the launch of its new Sandton campus, the second School of Rock location in the city. To mark the occasion, the campus is opening with a full-day Next Gen Rockfest aimed at bringing young musicians into the spotlight alongside industry veterans.
Taking place on 18 April, the free event brings together high school bands, working artists, and aspiring performers for a day of jamming and learning. Headline appearances from Black Cat Bones and Indie Dog anchor a lineup that also prioritises emerging talent, with ten high school bands slated to take the stage.
Beyond the live sets, the day is structured as an open-access entry point into music-making. Free workshops across guitar, bass, drums, vocals and keys run alongside meet-and-greets, Q&As and collaborative jam sessions. The programme also includes a performance by the School of Rock Parktown North House Band and prizes throughout the day, creating a festive atmosphere for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
The aim is creating a space that feels closer to a working music ecosystem than a traditional launch event. “Next Gen Rockfest is our way of giving youngsters a platform to express themselves, connect with peers, and learn directly from artists they admire,” said franchise owner Russell Lund, pointing to a broader focus on access and visibility for the next generation of performers.
The Sandton School of Rock opening signals the brand’s growing investment in performance-led music education locally. It joins a global network of more than 80,000 students across 17 countries, reinforcing the brand’s growing footprint in South Africa and its commitment to performance based music education.
