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From the filings

+4.167% franchised outlets YoYHQ-led decisions

America's Music School and Bach to Rock

Education

Software purchasing at America's Music School and Bach to Rock (AMS/B2R) is controlled at the headquarters level, with Vice President of Franchise Development and Sales Ralph M. Rillon and President Brian Gross among the executives listed in the 2026 FDD. The system already mandates Ableton, Harmony Gateway, Pro Tools, and Serato across its 59 locations. For software vendors, this represents a compact but high-AUV education franchise where technology mandates create both integration opportunities and replacement windows.

For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.

Live signals

Total units
59
50 franchised
Franchised outlet growth
+4.167%
Item 20, last two year-ends
AUV
$587K
Item 19, 2025
Royalty
7% component; full terms unconfirmed
percentage component
Ad fund
3%
percentage component
Initial fee
$50K
per unit
Investment range
$259K–$574K
all-in, Item 7
Procurement
Approved supplier
from the filing
Non-compete
2 years
from the filing
Item 19
Claims
from the filing

Ordinary royalty terms

7% component; full terms unconfirmed

Complete royalty terms are not confirmed for the selected filing.

Recorded percentage components

These are recorded percentage components. Each has its own base and conditions; the chart does not state the total payment or confirm ad-fund completeness.

1recorded components (FY2026)

Recorded percentage components (FY2026)Ad fund 3%. Components use their own filing bases and conditions. Drawn against a 15% reference scale.

15% reference

Ad fund 3%

Mandated & recommended tech

The systems vendors compete with

Systems named in Item 11 of this filing. None is recorded as mandated here, which is not the same as the filing mandating nothing. Read Item 11 before treating the category as open.

AbletonAbleton
Industry softwareItem 11

The typical laptop computer used for the Beat Refinery and early education programs is a mid- level laptop with the following characteristics:  Windows 10 or higher  Meets minimum system requirements for the current version of Ableton and Serato The typical School will have 9 computers installed in the following areas or for the following people: Bach to Rock FDD (2026) 42 81570575v2  Site Director – this system should have the latest version of MS Office installed and should be connected to the internet via the LAN. The Site Director may have a desktop or a laptop computer system.

Avid Pro ToolsAvid Pro Tools
Industry softwareItem 11

 Reception Desk – this system should have the latest version of MS Office and the POS software installed. This station should also be connected to the internet via the LAN. The Reception Desk should have a desktop computer.  Control Cart/Room – this system will be used to facilitate recordings for student graduations, camps, parties and client recording sessions. This device will run Pro Tools software and be connected to the internet via the LAN.  Early Education Room/Beat Refinery – typically, a School will have 6 laptops that are installed to support the early education/Beat Refinery programs. While MS Office is not required for these systems, the MS Office “reader” programs (free download from the Microsoft site) should be loaded on these systems in addition to any music instruction software.

FacebookMeta
MarketingItem 11

We or our affiliates will maintain a website for the benefit of ourselves, our affiliates and our franchisees. You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing. We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within the website. (The term “website” means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), blogs, vlogs, and other applications, etc.). If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate website (although we are not required to permit you to do so), then we have the right to require that you comply with the standards, specifications, conditions, and requirements relating to such website that we may periodically prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or through electronic or other formats. We may from time to time establish policies regarding social media as we determine appropriate for the System. Any use of social media using the Proprietary Marks is considered advertising, and you must comply with our social media and advertising policies, including approval requirements. We may modify these policies as we determine appropriate, including as available technologies and advertising methods change.

InstagramMeta
MarketingItem 11

We or our affiliates will maintain a website for the benefit of ourselves, our affiliates and our franchisees. You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing. We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within the website. (The term “website” means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), blogs, vlogs, and other applications, etc.). If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate website (although we are not required to permit you to do so), then we have the right to require that you comply with the standards, specifications, conditions, and requirements relating to such website that we may periodically prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or through electronic or other formats. We may from time to time establish policies regarding social media as we determine appropriate for the System. Any use of social media using the Proprietary Marks is considered advertising, and you must comply with our social media and advertising policies, including approval requirements. We may modify these policies as we determine appropriate, including as available technologies and advertising methods change.

LinkedInLinkedIn
MarketingItem 11

We or our affiliates will maintain a website for the benefit of ourselves, our affiliates and our franchisees. You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing. We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within the website. (The term “website” means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), blogs, vlogs, and other applications, etc.). If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate website (although we are not required to permit you to do so), then we have the right to require that you comply with the standards, specifications, conditions, and requirements relating to such website that we may periodically prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or through electronic or other formats. We may from time to time establish policies regarding social media as we determine appropriate for the System. Any use of social media using the Proprietary Marks is considered advertising, and you must comply with our social media and advertising policies, including approval requirements. We may modify these policies as we determine appropriate, including as available technologies and advertising methods change.

SeratoSerato
Industry softwareItem 11

The typical laptop computer used for the Beat Refinery and early education programs is a mid- level laptop with the following characteristics:  Windows 10 or higher  Meets minimum system requirements for the current version of Ableton and Serato The typical School will have 9 computers installed in the following areas or for the following people: Bach to Rock FDD (2026) 42 81570575v2  Site Director – this system should have the latest version of MS Office installed and should be connected to the internet via the LAN. The Site Director may have a desktop or a laptop computer system.

TwitterX
MarketingItem 11

We or our affiliates will maintain a website for the benefit of ourselves, our affiliates and our franchisees. You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing. We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within the website. (The term “website” means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), blogs, vlogs, and other applications, etc.). If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate website (although we are not required to permit you to do so), then we have the right to require that you comply with the standards, specifications, conditions, and requirements relating to such website that we may periodically prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or through electronic or other formats. We may from time to time establish policies regarding social media as we determine appropriate for the System. Any use of social media using the Proprietary Marks is considered advertising, and you must comply with our social media and advertising policies, including approval requirements. We may modify these policies as we determine appropriate, including as available technologies and advertising methods change.

YouTubeGoogle
MarketingItem 11

We or our affiliates will maintain a website for the benefit of ourselves, our affiliates and our franchisees. You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing. We have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s) to your Franchised Business, as we may periodically designate, within the website. (The term “website” means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including but not limited to the internet, World Wide Web, social networking sites (including but not limited to Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), blogs, vlogs, and other applications, etc.). If we ever do approve in writing a request for you to use a separate website (although we are not required to permit you to do so), then we have the right to require that you comply with the standards, specifications, conditions, and requirements relating to such website that we may periodically prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or through electronic or other formats. We may from time to time establish policies regarding social media as we determine appropriate for the System. Any use of social media using the Proprietary Marks is considered advertising, and you must comply with our social media and advertising policies, including approval requirements. We may modify these policies as we determine appropriate, including as available technologies and advertising methods change.

Franchisor behaviours

What the franchisor requires

23 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 6 explicit no's; 5 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.

Accounting

Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?

Yes

Item 11

We will have the right at any time to access and retrieve data and information from your Computer System in any manner we deem necessary or desirable and you must allow us to audit your records to confirm compliance with any data or information- related requirements.

Must the franchisee submit periodic financial statements (monthly, quarterly or annual) to the franchisor?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You agree to submit (a) within twenty (20) days after the end of each calendar month, a balance sheet and income statement for the previous month, (b) if we so request, within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, a balance sheet and income statement and such other data and reports as we may…

How the franchisor buys

Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?

Yes

Item 11

In 2023, we created three franchise advisory committees—a Conference Committee, a Marketing Committee, and a Harmony/Operations Committee (collectively, the “Advisory Committees”).

How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?

10989.58

Item 8

$10,989.58 (or of our total revenues) was due to our franchisees’ purchases and the remainder was from our affiliates’ purchases.

Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?

Yes

Item 8

We receive a rebate of $1 per book from the supplier for books purchased by franchisees.

Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?

70

Item 8

approximately 70% to 90% of your total purchases in the continuing operation of the Franchised Business.

Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?

Yes

Item 6

Supplier Testing Cost of inspection On demand Only payable if you propose a and evaluation.

Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?

Yes

Item 8

If you would like to use or offer items (other than the Bach to Rock curriculum), equipment, supplies, and other materials, products and services that we have not approved, or to purchase from a vendor, supplier, distributor, or other source (together, “supplier(s)”) that we have not approved, then you must submit to…

Communications

Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?

Yes

Franchise agreement

In addition, you must stop making any use of any telephone number and/or any domain name, website, email address, and any other identifier (whether or not we have authorized its use) that you used in connection with the Franchised Business, and you must promptly execute such documents or take such steps necessary to…

Data and IT

Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (“PCI DSS”) as they may be revised and modified by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (see www.pcisecuritystandards.org), or such successor or replacement organization and/or in accordance with other standards as we may specify…

Franchise management

Must the franchisee participate in a customer-satisfaction or net-promoter survey program?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You must participate in customer service programs that we have the right to specify from time to time in the Manuals.

Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?

Yes

Item 11

We may conduct, as we deem advisable, periodic inspections of the Franchised Business, and we may interview students, employees and customers and review your business records.

Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?

Yes

Franchise agreement

We have the right to amend and supplement the Manuals from time to time by letter, email, bulletin, videotape, audio tape software or any other form of communication.

Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?

Yes

Franchise agreement

You may not lease or otherwise acquire the right to occupy the proposed site without our prior written approval.

Marketing

Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?

Yes

Item 11

You may not establish a website or permit any other party to establish a website that relates in any manner to your Franchised Business or referring to the Proprietary Marks, except as we may designate or approve in writing.

Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?

Yes

Item 11

You must conduct a Grand Opening Advertising Program for the Franchised Business during the five-month period beginning two months before the Opening Date and ending three months after the Opening Date, spending an amount not less than $25,000.

Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?

Yes

Franchise agreement

As of the Effective Date, you must spend three percent (3%) of Gross Sales on local advertising as required under Section 9.5 below

Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?

Yes

Item 11

Programs and services for frequent students and/or loyalty programs, which may include providing discounts or complimentary services, classes or equipment.

Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?

Yes

Franchise agreement

If we have established a Regional Fund for the geographic area in which your Franchised Business is located by the time you commence operations hereunder, you must immediately become a member of such Regional Fund.

Payments

Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?

Yes

Franchise agreement

We require payment via wire transfer to our bank account or electronic debit from your bank account, and you must maintain a sufficient balance in your operating account to meet the payment requirements.

Point of sale

Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?

Yes

Item 11

You must record all sales on computer-based point-of-sale systems that we have the right to designate or approve in the Manuals or otherwise in writing (“Point-of-Sale Systems” or “POS Systems”).

Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?

Yes

Item 11

You must afford us unimpeded and independent access to your Computer System in the manner, form, and at the times we may request.

Training

Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?

Yes

Franchise agreement

We may charge you our then-current training fee and our out-of-pocket expenses for all additional training programs, whether mandatory or optional, or whether you request or we require such training, which fee will be as set forth in the Manuals or otherwise communicated to you in writing or through electronic or…

The filing answers no to 6 questions
  • Must the franchisee use an accounting or bookkeeping system designated or approved by the franchisor?Item 8
  • Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?Item 8
  • Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
  • Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?
  • Must employees wear uniforms specified by the franchisor?Franchise agreement
  • Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?Item 11

The vendor opportunity at America's Music School and Bach to Rock

America's Music School and Bach to Rock (AMS/B2R) operates 59 locations—50 franchised and 9 company-owned—with an average unit volume of $587,341. The system grew units by roughly 4.2% year-over-year, adding a handful of new locations. For a software vendor, the total addressable market is modest at 59 units, but the AUV signals healthy per-location revenue that can support technology investment. The brand is headquartered in Maryland and appears independently owned, with no parent company on file.

The franchise disclosure document for 2026 reveals a system that already mandates specific music-production and gateway software. That creates a dual dynamic: vendors whose products complement or integrate with Ableton, Pro Tools, Serato, and Harmony Gateway may find a receptive audience, while vendors selling competing tools face a mandated-stack barrier unless they can demonstrate clear superiority or a compelling replacement case during a renewal or upgrade cycle.

Who controls software purchasing

The FDD’s Item 1 lists the executives who hold decision-making authority. Robert N. Snyder serves as Chairman of AMS and MMH, and Chairman of Cambridge Information Group. Andrew M. Snyder is Director of AMS and MMH, and Director and CEO of Cambridge Information Group. Brian Gross holds the title of President, AMS and MMH. Matt Brehm is CFO across AMS, MMH, and Cambridge Information Group. Ralph M. Rillon is Vice President of Franchise Development and Sales for AMS.

No dedicated Chief Information Officer or VP of Technology is named in the filing. In practice, software purchasing decisions likely route through President Brian Gross and CFO Matt Brehm, with Ralph M. Rillon influencing tools that touch franchise development and sales operations. Vendors should prepare to engage this small, senior group rather than a large procurement department.

Mandated and current tech stack

The 2026 FDD explicitly mandates four technology platforms: Ableton, Harmony Gateway, Pro Tools, and Serato. These are music-education and audio-production tools, not traditional business-operations software. No point-of-sale system, scheduling platform, customer relationship management tool, or learning management system is disclosed as mandated or recommended in the FDD.

This gap is significant. While the music-production stack is locked down, the operational side—scheduling, billing, CRM, marketing automation, and franchisee performance management—appears open. Vendors in those categories should investigate whether AMS/B2R uses homegrown tools, manual processes, or non-disclosed third-party software that could be displaced.

Procurement, renewals, and timing

The FDD does not include an Item 8 extract, so the formal procurement model—whether designated supplier, approved supplier, or open—is not publicly known. This absence itself is a signal: the franchisor has not codified a rigid procurement framework in its disclosure document, which may mean purchasing processes are less formalized than in larger franchise systems.

Renewal conditions under Item 17 offer a potential entry point. These requirements create natural moments when franchisees and the franchisor reassess operational tools, including software.

With an initial term of 10 years and a 5-year renewal, the first major renewal wave for units opened in the system’s early years may already be underway or approaching. Vendors who time outreach to align with renewal-driven technology evaluations may find more receptive conversations.

How to read the America's Music School and Bach to Rock FDD

The full 2026 FDD is embedded below. Key sections for software vendors include Item 1 (executives and ownership), Item 11 (mandated technology and assistance), Item 8 (procurement restrictions, though absent here), and Item 17 (renewal and transfer conditions that trigger tech reviews). Reading these sections with a vendor lens—rather than a franchisee-investment lens—surfaces the buying center, the locked-in stack, and the gaps where your software could fit.

For a ranked target list of franchise systems that match your software category, talk to FranCloud.

Ordinary royalty terms

Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.

Questions vendors ask

America's Music School and Bach to Rock, answered from the filing

The FDD lists Brian Gross (President), Matt Brehm (CFO), and Ralph M. Rillon (VP of Franchise Development and Sales) as key executives. Purchasing authority likely sits with this group, though specific IT or procurement titles are not disclosed.
The 2026 FDD mandates Ableton, Harmony Gateway, Pro Tools, and Serato. No point-of-sale, scheduling, or CRM systems are named as mandated or recommended beyond these four music-production and gateway platforms.
There are 59 total units: 50 franchised and 9 company-owned. Year-over-year unit growth is approximately 4.2%, suggesting slow, steady expansion.
The most recent FDD does not include an Item 8 procurement extract, so whether the system uses designated suppliers, approved suppliers, or an open procurement model is not publicly disclosed.
Initial franchise terms run 10 years, with a 5-year renewal requiring a successor agreement, business plan, and a fee of 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee. Renewal-triggered tech reviews may create openings, but no specific contract cycles are disclosed.
The 2026 FDD is filed with state franchise regulators. You can view the embedded PDF viewer below to read the full document, including Item 1 executive disclosures and Item 17 renewal conditions.
Source

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America's Music School and Bach to Rock2026 FDDView only

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Operator footprint

Who runs the locations

30 operators run 31 mapped locations. 1 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.

Operators by units owned

Single-unit29
2–9 units1

Top states by locations

CA5
GA4
NJ4
MN4
IN3

Ownership

The portfolio behind America's Music School and Bach to Rock

Parent company: Music Makers Holdings LLC.

Related Education brands

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Primary franchise filings · updated June 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.