Down and out rock star Dewey Finn is fired from his band, and he faces a flood of debts and depression. He got a job as a 4th grade substitute teacher at a private school where attitudes and his action have a strong influence on his students. He also meets Zack, a 10-year-old guitar prodigy, who could help Dewey win a "battle of the bands" competition, which will solve his financial problems, and brings him back to the spotlight.