Rock School Proprietor Podcast

By John Kozicki

Visit http://RockSchoolPropietor.com for FREE resources!

Teaching you the secrets of running a successful rock band program, or just how to create an inspiring community centered on making music in yo... more

· Music

1010 ratings

FAQs about Rock School Proprietor Podcast:

How many episodes does Rock School Proprietor Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.

Rock School Proprietor Podcast episodes:

February 04, 202680: How Greg Hipskind Built a Lasting Music School Legacy
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) reflect on the recent passing of Greg Hipskind, founder of QC Rock Academy, and how his authenticity, dedication to teaching, and focus on community created an enduring legacy beyond running a business.
This episode explores purpose-driven daily choices, the power of live music and student opportunities, and practical questions about preparing a music school to continue and serve its community without its founder.
In this episode:
Purpose-driven actions lead to a meaningful legacy.
Creating a culture of impact requires dedication and authenticity.
Leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining a school's mission.
Engaging with the community enhances the music education experience.
Advocating for music education fosters a supportive environment.
Legacy is about more than business; it's about the impact on lives.
If you've not listened to Episode 26: Greg Hipskind | Building a Rock Solid Culture, it is highly recommended as a companion to this episode.

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Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
35min
January 28, 202679: How Educating Parents Can Strengthen Your Music School
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the importance of educating parents in music lessons. They explore various strategies for setting expectations, providing feedback, and reinforcing learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication with parents, the role of repetition in learning, and the balance between reading music and playing by ear. They also highlight the evolving nature of parent education and the significance of building confidence through group learning.
Areas of focus:
Educating parents is crucial for successful music lessons.
Setting clear expectations helps align student and parent goals.
Repetition aids in the retention of information for both kids and parents.
Feedback and anecdotes can enhance parent engagement.
Building confidence in students often comes from group learning experiences.
Effective communication strategies are essential for parent education.
Understanding progress in music can be challenging for parents.
Balancing reading music and playing by ear is important for student development.
Parent education strategies should evolve over time.
Encouraging parents to let go of expectations can foster a better learning environment.
Building a great music school and studio business happens when we focus our education on students and their parents.

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Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
37min
January 21, 202678: Sam Lellouche | Building Opus1 for Music School Management
In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) speaks with Sam Lelouch, founder of lesson studio management software Opus1.io. Sam recounts how his frustrations with available tools turned into developing a studio management platform built to solve real music-school problems like scheduling, billing, makeups, communication and staff workflows. As co-owner of a music school with his wife, paired with his background in tech, Sam understands customer-driven product development, automation that reduces admin workload, and metrics that help schools scale profitably.
In this episode:
Opus1 started with a small music school and grew significantly.
The software was developed to solve specific problems faced by music schools.
Flexibility in scheduling and billing is crucial for customer retention.
Customer feedback directly influences the development of new features for Opus1.
The software aims to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens.
Data-driven decisions are essential for scaling a music school.
The importance of having a supportive team and community in the music education sector.
Opus1 offers a comprehensive solution for managing music schools.
Investing in the right software can save time and increase profitability.
This episode is packed with insights on customer-centric development, pricing strategies, and the key traits of successful music school owners. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, innovation, and understanding the unique needs of music education. From starting a music lesson business to growing and scaling your studio, this episode is filled with usable information!

-------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
59min
January 14, 202677: Lauren Bateman | The Grind Behind YouTube Success
On this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Lauren Bateman, a successful music educator and YouTube guitar teacher with over 600 thousand subscribers. They discuss the balance between running brick-and-mortar music schools and an online presence, the realities of achieving success on YouTube, and the importance of authenticity in content creation. Lauren shares insights on hiring, narrowing down niches, and navigating the challenges of algorithm changes. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in music education and the significance of coaching others in the industry.
In this episode:
How Lauren finds balance running two music schools and a successful YouTube channel.
How balancing multiple business ventures requires effective time management and delegation.
Lauren shares insight about on how YouTube success is not guaranteed and often takes years of consistent effort, and that authenticity is crucial for connecting with an audience on YouTube.
Hiring instructors requires looking for animated and engaging personalities.
Narrowing down a niche can help attract a specific audience.
Post-COVID, online learning has become more accepted, but competition has increased.
Diversifying platforms can protect against algorithm changes.
AI is becoming a significant player in education, but human interaction remains valuable.
Coaching others can be a fulfilling way to share knowledge and experience.
From balancing her brick-and-mortar music schools to navigating the digital landscape, Lauren's journey is a testament to hard work and authenticity. Lauren shares a wealth of knowledge in this episode on growing a thriving music school and online community.
Lauren's website: https://www.laurenbateman.com/
Lauren's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/LaurenBateman

-------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
42min
January 07, 202676: Reflections & Aspirations -- A 2026 Blueprint for Music School Success
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing the importance of setting goals, evaluating successes and failures, and learning from challenges. They emphasize the significance of writing down goals, the impact of unexpected surprises, and the growth that comes from both personal and professional milestones. As they look ahead to 2026, they share insights on building a stronger studio culture and the actionable steps they plan to take in the new year.
In this episode:
Reflecting on the past year is crucial for growth.
Writing down goals increases the likelihood of achieving them.
Evaluating both successes and failures helps in future planning.
Unexpected challenges can lead to personal growth.
Actionable goals are more effective than vague aspirations.
Building a strong studio culture requires intentional effort.
Surprises can be both positive and negative in a business context.
Learning from past experiences is essential for improvement.
Setting measurable goals helps track progress effectively.
Celebrating milestones can enhance motivation and morale.
Building a great music school and studio business happens by taking slow, deliberate actions. The new year is a great time to reflect on those small actions that resulted in long-term growth, and establish future actions. Happy New Year!

--------------------------------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
34min
December 31, 202575: Greatest Hits With Dave Simon & Tim Topham
On this special “Greatest Hits of 2025” episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) brings together some of the most impactful moments from two standout conversations of 2025, featuring Dave Simon and Tim Topham. This curated episode highlights big ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies for lesson studio owners who want to elevate the student experience and strengthen their business.
In this episode:
Rethinking the “practice problem” with Dave Simon—why traditional views on practice fall short and what to do instead.
How to reframe practice in a way that keeps students motivated and parents confident in their child’s progress.
The traits Dave sees most often in successful music schools, and how group learning and fun-driven instruction help students stay engaged longer.
Insights from Tim Topham on shifting toward a student-focused approach to teaching music.
Why “playing first, reading second” can unlock creativity, intuition, and deeper musical connection.
How modern music education is moving beyond traditional methods and leaning into collaboration, community, and real-world musical experiences.
This episode brings together the wisdom of two influential voices in music education, offering studio owners fresh ways to think about practice, teaching approaches, and building thriving learning communities. It’s a perfect year-end reflection to spark ideas and inspiration as you look ahead to the future of your studio.
Full versions of the episodes featured:
29: Dave Simon | Revisiting the 'Practice Problem' & Rethinking Music Lessons
36: Tim Topham | From Tradition to Innovation - Teaching Music Differently
--------------------------------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
28min
December 24, 202574: Mistakes We Made Running our Studios (And How We Fixed Them)
On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) have an honest conversation about the mistakes they’ve made while running their music lesson businesses, and more importantly, the lessons that came out of them. From pricing missteps to programs they didn’t promote soon enough, this episode pulls back the curtain on some real challenges studio owners face as they grow.
In this episode:
The early mistakes that cost time, money, and momentum, including undervaluing services and offering too many unpaid demos.
Why promoting full band programs matters and how overlooking them slowed down growth.
The importance of qualifying ideal clients and how misalignment can drain energy and resources.
How delaying key hires created bottlenecks—and what changed when they finally brought new team members on.
This candid conversation offers a look at the missteps that many studio owner encounters, along with the simple shifts that can help you avoid them. If you’re building a lesson program or growing a team, these insights will help you spot challenges early and make confident, sustainable decisions for your studio.
--------------------------------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
38min
December 17, 202573: Eric Branner | Teaching Boldly and Founding Fons
In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) interviews Eric Branner, founder of FONS studio management software, and host of the 440 Podcast. The two have an introspective conversation about treating teaching as a calling and building a studio grounded in purpose. They discuss Eric's journey founding FONS, automating scheduling and payments, owning your pricing, perceived value, and how bold decisions create momentum for studios and teachers.
In this episode:
How teaching is a calling and should be embraced as such, and success in teaching often comes from confidence and clarity in purpose.

Why perceived value significantly influences student enrollment, and parents often seek the best for their children, impacting their choices.

How taking a bold approach to pricing can actually attract more students.

How mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth, and mindset shifts can lead to increased opportunities.
Tune in for practical lessons on elevating your business, cultivating community, and rethinking what music teaching can mean for your life and career.
Eric's Podcast, The Fourfourty (440) with Eric Branner
Eric's Website
-------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
46min
December 10, 202572: Which "Hat" Do You Wear in Your Business - Technician, Manager, or Entrepreneur?
Hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) adapt Michael Gerber’s E-Myth to music schools, breaking down the three essential roles—technician, manager, and entrepreneur—and how each impacts running your studio.
They discuss how to identify which role fits you, practical ways to delegate or hire, using systems and tech to streamline work, and why shifting from “how” to “who” can prevent burnout and enable growth.
In this episode:
There are three primary roles in every business: technician, manager, entrepreneur.
How to identify your role, or the role you're best suited for in your lesson business.
The technician is often the doer, focused on the technical aspects.
The manager oversees operations and ensures efficiency.
The entrepreneur drives vision and innovation.
Self-awareness helps in identifying which role you play, and which you want to play.
Each role has its own set of characteristics and challenges, and how balancing these roles can lead to better business outcomes and greater personal fulfillment.
Recognizing your strengths can enhance your effectiveness in your role and how collaboration among roles is key to a successful business.
--------------------------------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
34min
December 03, 202571: Sara Campbell | Stop the 'Ick' -- Authentic Marketing for Music Teachers
John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) talks with business and marketing coach Sara Campbell of Savvy Music Studio about using your existing student relationships to transform your marketing. Instead of inventing ideal client personas or copying flashy social media tactics, Sarah shows how the language you already use in lessons and the real progress you see every week are your best marketing tools.
In this episode:
Why inauthentic tactics (fake scarcity, polarizing posts, product-style marketing) feel icky for music teachers
How focusing on truth, trust, and niche specialization attracts better-fit clients.
Why authenticity in communication is more effective than marketing jargon, and how to niche down to find your unique voice as an instructor
Practical tips like capturing small lesson moments, asking students what mattered in a lesson, and marketing to your current families as much as to prospects.
This episode offers clear, actionable advice for studio owners who want to market more authentically, improve retention, and grow by leaning into what already works in their studio.

-------------------------
Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!
Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Visit the Resources section of our website to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
38min

FAQs about Rock School Proprietor Podcast:

How many episodes does Rock School Proprietor Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 82 episodes available.

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Rock School Proprietor Podcast

FAQs about Rock School Proprietor Podcast:

How many episodes does Rock School Proprietor Podcast have?

Rock School Proprietor Podcast episodes:

FAQs about Rock School Proprietor Podcast:

How many episodes does Rock School Proprietor Podcast have?

More shows like Rock School Proprietor Podcast

Up First from NPR

Music Lessons and Marketing

A Bit of Optimism

The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner