School of Rock rolls into Burr Ridge

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Updated: April 2, 2012 1:55AM

One of the Burr Ridge Village Center’s newest tenants tends to be a little louder than most.

But so far, no one has complained, said Chris Catalano, chief executive officer of School of Rock.

While no drum lessons or jam sessions will take place at the Burr Ridge property, music is an integral part of the work environment for the 14-year-old company, which moved its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to the Burr Ridge Village Center.

A resident of Hinsdale since 2000, Catalano became CEO of the company in 2010. His said his desire to maintain his Hinsdale residence wasn’t the only reason behind the decision to move the company westward.

“The owner of the lion’s share of the equity is Chicago-based,” said Catalano, speaking of Sterling Partners in Northbrook.

Sterling Partners is a major investor in the company, which takes an unconventional approach to teaching music.

School of Rock’s instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboard and drums includes opportunities to perform for audiences and with other musicians. Catalano said students of the School of Rock not only learn to play rock music, they learn the confidence and teamwork it takes to perform on and off the stage.

Just two employees chose to make the move to Burr Ridge. The rest will be replaced with new hires.

“So we’re bringing some new jobs to the area, too,” Catalano said.

One of the two employees is Mark Biondi, vice president of marketing. He and his family have settled into a home in Westmont. Chief Financial Officer Andy Pillari also will work from the new headquarters.

When hiring is complete, the Burr Ridge office will serve as the workplace for 16-20 School of Rock employees.

Located just above Eddie Bauer on Village Center Drive, the 3,500-square-foot space offers room for expansion.

“I think we’re going to need that,” Catalano said. “We’ll be growing here.”

The company expects to add several hundred School of Rock locations across the country in the next few years. It boasts 22 company-owned schools and 58 franchise schools, with another to open soon in Hinsdale.

Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, whose office is next door to School of Rock, said he’s pleased to have them as his new neighbor in the Village Center.

“They’re great neighbors,” said Grasso, confirming that he isn’t bothered by the new tenant’s workplace soundtrack.

“They’ve agreed to every once in a while, take a request from me,” Grasso said.