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 101 episodes available.

Rock School Proprietor Podcast episodes:

June 17, 202699: Are Kids Too Busy for Music Lessons?
Kids are busier than ever with travel sports, marching band, theater and other time-intensive activities, and it’s directly impacting private music lessons. In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explore why these shifts are happening and share practical steps studio owners can take to retain student.
In this episode:
How kids' increasing activity load due to sports and other extracurriculars is impacting attendance and retention in private music lessons
Strategies for studio owners to retain students amidst busy schedules, even when other activities demand more of their time
The importance of empathy and relationship-building in student retention, even if a student needs to take time off from lessons
Why the way that you communicate with clients in these situations can help or hurt your word of mouth marketing.
This episode explores the increasing busyness of kids due to sports and extracurricular activities. The way in which private lesson instructors and studio owner handle these difficult situations can impact if they retain or lose students. Tune in for strategies to adapt and maintain relationships with students and parents when music lesson schedules compete with sports.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episodes on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.
--------------------------------------
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
June 10, 202698: How to Run A Productive Band Class -- Part 5 of Band Program Series
This episode is part 5 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com).
In this episode John shares how to plan, structure, and execute productive band rehearsals. From setting up expectations with students to creating a predictable routine that gets band members working together effectively, John share things to do as well as things to avoid.
Included:
The structure of an effective band rehearsal session
Essential rules and expectations for students
Techniques for mixing and listening skills development
Chunking songs into sections for focused practice
Communication strategies between coaches, students, and private instructors
The importance of room maintenance and professionalism
Setting and reinforcing rehearsal agendas
Managing student behavior and engagement in rehearsals
If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention.
Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
21min
June 03, 202697: How Listening Can Help Book More Students
On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explores a compelling story about a 13-year-old music student facing challenges and discovering new ways to connect with music. They highlights the importance of personalized teaching, understanding student strengths, and the power of flexibility in music education.
In this episode:
How understanding the challenges and goals of students (and parents) can create a blueprint for personalized teaching
Why parents don't always view musical progress as the main measure of success in music lessons, and how just acknowledging students' strengths and challenges may mean more to parents.
The impact of learning differences on music education, and how to tailor lesson content to each individual student.
If you goal is attracting more students for you lesson studio, understanding the unique goals of students and parents will help. This episode provides a unique perspective centered on getting to know your students before they even walk through the doors of your music lesson studio.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episodes on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.
--------------------------------------
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
May 27, 202696: Choosing Songs for Bands -- Part 4 of Band Program Series
This episode is part 4 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com).
In this episode John shares tips on how to select songs for band programs. He covers the importance of matching song difficulty to student ability, structuring songs predictably, and maintaining variety to keep students engaged and confident.
Included:
How to select songs for different band levels that will highlight their abilities and minimize areas of struggle.
How song structure and predictability can play a major role in a band sounding great or mediocre.
How to balance the level of challenge and confidence in student performances when choosing songs for groups.
If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention.
Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
18min
May 20, 202695: Tony Parlapiano | Holistic Piano Teaching With popMATICS
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) interviews Tony Parlapiano, founder of popMATICS, about his innovative online piano curriculum that focuses on playing by ear, creativity, improvisation, and practical theory. Tony explains how he's built a strong online student community through popMATICS. He also discusses how storytelling and collecting 'musical souvenirs' deepens listening, and how he balances structure with freedom to help students play and create music every day.
In this episode:
How Tony's methods focus on teaching piano through creativity and personal connection rather than traditional method books. He emphasizes understanding music beyond just reading notes, fostering a community where students can explore music freely.
How popMATICS uniquely blends curriculum and an online community that encourages students to learn by doing and sharing experiences. This approach helps students of all levels, from beginners to those with formal music education, to connect with music in a meaningful way.
Tony's concept of "souvenirs" to help students retain musical lessons. This strategy encourages students to find personal connections with music to make learning more engaging and memorable.
The importance of authenticity in Tony's marketing strategy and how he shares content that reflects his teaching philosophy, attracting the right students for his approach to piano.
For those looking to grow as instructors and build your music school, Tony shares his truly innovative approach to teaching piano that emphasizes creativity, community, and understanding music as a life skill. His unique methods foster deep connections with students of all levels and backgrounds, and highlight practical strategies for integrating music into everyday lives of students.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

Tony's links:
popMATICS on TikTok
popMATICS 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.
Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.
...more
54min
May 13, 202694: Grouping Students in Bands -- Part 3 of Band Program Series
This episode is part 3 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com).
In this episode John shares strategies for effectively grouping students into bands in your music school. This includes using variables like age, ability level, and musical interests in conjunction to find the best fit for students to build an engaging group environment that students will love.
Included:
Variables for grouping students: age, ability, musical interest
The importance of social development in band rehearsals and finding balance with ability levels
Strategies for flexibility when grouping by age and ability levels
Avoiding some common pitfalls when putting students in groups for your band program.
If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention.
Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
20min
May 06, 202693: Employees or Contractors? What Music School Owners Need to Know
On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) tackle whether music instructors should be classified as employees or independent contractors and why that decision is important for every studio.
They break down the criteria the IRS uses to assess classification by behavioral control, financial control, and the relationship of the parties. John and Mandy also trace how our industry evolved from music-store lessons to dedicated lesson studios, and how the instructor classification may just be slower in that evolution. They also discuss practical considerations like contracts, insurance, background checks, and how employment status shapes studio culture.
Topics discussed:
Evolution of music studio business models from retail to education
IRS criteria for classifying employees vs contractors
Legal and tax considerations for music instructors
The importance of consulting professionals for business setup
Whether you’re starting a studio or re-evaluating your setup, this episode offers a clear framework to help you rethink instructor roles and make informed decisions.

Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episoders on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.
--------------------------------------
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
31min
April 29, 202692: How to Choose Band Instructors -- Part 2 of Band Program Series
This episode is part 2 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com).
In this episode John offers insight on selecting the ideal instructor to lead band programs, emphasizing qualities like multi-instrumentalism, a producer-like perspective, and decision-making skills.
Included:
Qualities of effective band instructors
Importance of multi-instrumental skills
Producer-like perspective in band leadership
Decision-making and leadership in band rehearsals
Setting realistic goals and expectations for bands
If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention.
Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
15min
April 22, 202691: Levi Clay | Finding Balance in Playing And Learning Music
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) talks with Levi Clay—author, transcriber and online instructor—about balancing instant access to tabs, tutorials and AI with the human skills that make music meaningful. The two explore effective teaching strategies, the importance of foundational skills like ear training, and how modern technology influences guitar learning.
In this episode:
The significance of interest-driven learning and curriculum design
The dangers of relying solely on tabs and AI for learning music
Building a musical community through jam nights and social interactions
Teaching students to develop ear training and transcribe songs
The importance of understanding the "why" behind playing music
Future challenges and opportunities in music education amidst AI advances
Encouraging students to internalize instead of depend on technology
Recommendations for instructors to help students so they can eventually "graduate" lessons
Remember: The most effective music teachers inspire curiosity, focus on foundational skills, and foster genuine musical community—both online and in-person.

Levi’s Links:
https://leviclay.com/
https://guidedpracticeroutines.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/LeviClay

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators interested in building and growing their business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
46min
April 15, 202690: How To Structure a Band Program -- Part 1 of Band Program Series
This episode is part of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com).
In this episode, John shares his insights on how to structure a successful band program, covering planning, goal setting, and anticipating future growth.
Included:
Planning your band season
Setting achievable goals for students
Creating a rehearsal timeline and schedule
If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention.
Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar?
We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series where John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.

Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.

------------------------------------------
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
19min

FAQs about Rock School Proprietor Podcast:

How many episodes does Rock School Proprietor Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 101 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