In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss why being selective about students and families helps you build the studio culture you want. They share real examples and practical strategies for setting expectations, protecting staff time, and aligning families with your lesson studio philosophy.

Key takeaways include:

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. 

Episode Transcript:

On this Q&A episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) tackle a messy situation: a talented instructor with persistent communication and scheduling problems who has started teaching elsewhere and even picked up former students privately. They walk through how to decide whether to keep or cut ties, how to open a calm, curiosity-driven conversation, and practical steps to tighten communication and set clear expectations.

Do you have a problem in your studio you think we could help with? Send us a message and we could do a Q & A episode discussing your problem.  Click here to send a message to Mandy and John.

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. 

Episode Transcript:

John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Kristen Blanchard, 2024 Michigan Band Director of the Year. A middle school band director (Muir Middle School) of nearly 30 years, she shares how music education has evolved and how her methods have also changed over the course of her career.  Kristin highlights why creating a fun, engaging environment is so important in her band room. 

They discuss practical approaches to practice, the value of performance traditions, and how private instructors and school programs can work together to grow lifelong musicians and music lovers.

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. 

Episode Transcript:

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) Kelly Bennett, co-owner of Valencia School of Music, about taking a group of teenagers from her music school on tour. They discuss all the challenges and successes involved in organizing this huge project. Kelly shares insights on how to create a supportive community for young musicians and the importance of performance opportunities in music education. 

Kelly walks through organizing a student band tour from New Jersey to Nashville—covering timeline, budgeting, accommodations, chaperones, rehearsals, workshops, and live performances. She explains lessons learned and how Kelly is refining plans to make future experiences sustainable and meaningful.

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. 

Episode Transcript:

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) speaks with Brady Davies, the founder of One Music Schools. Brady shares his family's journey of opening a single piano lesson studio (The Piano Place), expanding to multiple locations, and now leading a company that purchase music schools.

Join us as Brady delves into the intricacies of acquiring music schools, what he looks for in potential buys, and the seamless ways he integrates them into his successful brand while preserving their unique legacies.

In this episode:

Gain valuable insights into the importance of robust systems and processes in running multiple music schools efficiently, and why these are essential whether you are planning to sell or simply wish to streamline your operations.

Get the FREE eBook, 6 Stages to Selling Your Music School, by visiting OneMusicSchool.com

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. 

Episode Transcript:

On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast host John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) has a fascinating conversation with Eric Bourassa (UnlimitedGuitar.com), the former owner of the Fort Worth Music Academy. Eric shares why he chose to sell his thriving music business and the personal insights he gained afterward. This episode unveils the intricacies of selling a business, the emotional journey involved, and the surprising regrets that came with it.

In this episode:

Eric candidly shares his motivations, the challenges he faced in the negotiation process, and how his passion for being a full-time musician influenced his decision. If you're contemplating selling your own music school or simply curious about the journey of a business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest reflections.

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. 

Episode Transcript:

Join hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) as they celebrate a year of conversations on the Rock School Proprietor Podcast. In this special episode, they reflect on their journey of over 50 episodes, sharing their top takeaways from conversations and listener interactions.

Mandy and John both share their top 3 most insightful episodes and why.

Whether it's discussing the gap between traditional music method books and students' desires, promoting practical learning approaches, or exploring the innovative world of AI in music education, John and Mandy cover the spectrum of topics that impact music educators and studio owners.

Tune in for a rich discussion that balances education with community-building, offering valuable insights for instructors and music lovers alike. Celebrate a year's worth of growth, challenges, and exciting content, and look forward to what the future holds for music education!

Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!

Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

In this enlightening episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) are joined by Nicole Kovar, founder of Piano and More. They discuss the ins and outs of operating a mobile music lessons school that only offers in-home private lessons. Discover how Nicole breaks geographic barriers by sending instructors to students' homes throughout Northern Virginia, making music accessible to everyone.

In this episode:

If you've contemplated how to navigate in-home lessons and set up a mobile studio, this episode dives deep into the challenges and rewards.

Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!

Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

Episode Transcript:

Join us on an extraordinary episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast as host John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) welcomes back Mike Grande, owner of three music schools and founder of the Rock Out Loud Live online lesson platform.

On Episode 24 Mike joined us to share how he was using TikTok Shop to sell his Card Chords product, and how it ultimately launched him into the top 4% of US sellers on TikTok. After his remarkable success, counterfeiting thieves hacked Mike’s website, locking him out of his bustling business.

In this compelling conversation, Mike shares the challenging odyssey of battling counterfeiters across multiple platforms and countries, offering us valuable insights into intellectual property protection.

Mike also gives us an exclusive first look at his latest invention, Kapsoul.  Tune in for an inspiring masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurship.

Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!

Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

Episode Transcript:

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss hosting memorable events that do more than just showcase musical talent. Explore how well-run events can bolster community bonds, enhance your studio's reputation, and create lasting memories for students and families alike. All leading to greater retention and longevity in your studio!

John and Mandy share their experiences and insights on what's made their events a success, including a deep dive into Mandy's ten-year studio anniversary celebrations. Learn about innovative event ideas like outdoor concerts, parent-only gatherings, and live collaborations that go beyond traditional music recitals.

The duo also reveals how to simplify the process, offering strategies for efficient event management—think minimal effort for maximum effect. Whether you’re seeking ways to engage your local community, expand your brand reach, or just want to run smoother events, this episode is packed with actionable tips and creative ideas tailored for music studios.

Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated!

Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

Episode Transcript: