What began as a simple idea in Letizia’s mind has blossomed into an inspiring reality. Years ago, she never imagined that the dream of bringing School of Rock to Paraguay would come true. The required investment and conditions initially seemed overwhelming, yet she held onto the idea with quiet determination.
“I did not believe at first that it could become real. It was just a wish I kept in the back of my mind,” Letizia recalls. School of Rock Asunción offers lessons in guitar, drums, vocals, bass, keyboard, and piano, providing opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels to explore and develop their musical talents.
A powerful partnership
In 2019, Letizia met Julio Troche, guitarist of the Paraguayan band Kchiporros, who shared her passion for establishing a unique music school in the country. They soon discovered a shared ambition: to make music education engaging and exciting for children, teenagers, and adults, far from the often tedious experience of traditional music lessons.
“When I told Julio about the School of Rock philosophy and methodology, he fell in love with it immediately,” she says. “We knew this was something special, something that could transform the way music is taught here.”
School of Rock is a real-world music-education franchise founded in 1998 by Paul Green in Philadelphia. It teaches kids, and adults, to play instruments and perform in rock bands through private lessons and group rehearsals. The programme operates in multiple countries, focusing on performance-based music education.
Launching amid a global crisis
With strong passion and the support of key partners and sponsors, they signed the franchise contract in December 2019. Although the original plan was to open in early 2020, the pandemic caused an unexpected delay, pushing the launch to October of that year. In the end, the timing proved fortuitous, as the school became one of the first places where children could reunite, connect with others, and enjoy making music together after months of isolation.
The timing, unexpectedly, worked in their favour. As schools and extracurricular activities gradually reopened, School of Rock quickly became a welcome space for children to reconnect and rediscover joy through music. Within its first month, the school enrolled over 200 students, eventually reaching a peak of 320.
Creating a musical community
What truly sets School of Rock Asunción apart is its strong sense of community. Students form bands, rehearse together, choose their performance outfits, and take part in live shows, all with the support of enthusiastic families.
“Watching teenagers who had tried music before and given up now performing live in bands is incredibly rewarding,” Letizia shares. “They learn far more than just music: teamwork, resilience, how to support one another on and off stage. It truly feels like a family.”
In an age increasingly dominated by screens and virtual communication, School of Rock Asunción offers a refreshing space for real-life connection and creative collaboration. Adults are also welcome, often fulfilling long-held dreams of learning an instrument or performing live on stage.
Looking ahead
Letizia dreams of expanding the project to other cities in Paraguay, such as Ciudad del Este and Encarnación. “My hope is that the children who pass through our school become tomorrow’s leaders. In their cities, companies, and even governments,” she says. “And I want to see our bands shine on international stages, showing the world what Paraguay can do.”
Everyone involved in the school is deeply committed to its mission of changing lives through music. The team shares a genuine belief in the power of music education and witnesses its impact daily through the stories, challenges, and successes of their students. Visitors are warmly encouraged to explore the school and experience its vibrant, supportive atmosphere firsthand.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asunción Times, you receive a 10% discount at School of Rock, applied to your monthly tuition, simply by presenting your VIP Member card, just one of the many VIP Member Benefits.
Additionally, enrolment is completely free for VIP members, making it even easier to start your musical journey. The school is located at Avenida España 1272. Classes are held on-site from Monday to Saturday, and there is no need to bring your own instrument.
School of Rock Asunción opening hours
Monday: 2:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
For more information check School of Rock on Instagram.
