Rock School Proprietor Podcast

By John KozickiMusic

Rock School Proprietor Podcast episodes

May 2796: 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.
18 min
May 2095: 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.
54 min
May 1394: 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.
20 min
May 0693: 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.
31 min
April 2992: 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.
15 min
April 2291: 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.
46 min
April 1590: 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.
19 min
April 0889: RSP Book Club -- Power of Play in Learning and Life
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) share two of their latest book recommendations for private music instructors and lesson studio owners.

Mandy's pick: Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown, and as the extended title suggests, all the benefits of play-based learning.
John's pick: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek, which examines the concept of viewing your business as not a game to be won or lost, but something to play indefinitely -- an infinite game.

Both books that approach growth, learning, and long-term thinking from different angles but land in surprisingly similar places. The conversation connects both books to the day-to-day reality of running a music school and makes a case for why the ideas inside them are worth your time as an instructor or lesson studio owner.

In this episode:
Why play is not just for kids, and how it drives creativity, resilience, and emotional development at every age.
What Stuart Brown's research reveals about the role of play in learning and how it applies directly to music education.
Simon Sinek's concept of the infinite game and why running a music school with no defined finish line is actually a strength, not a problem.
How play strengthens relationships between students, parents, and teachers.
How the infinite game mindset shifts the way you think about growth, competition, and success in your studio.
Why integrating play into your teaching and your business culture fosters the kind of engagement that lasts.

--------------------------------------------------
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.
40 min
April 0188: Brian Carrion | Using AI to Unlock Efficiency In Your Music School
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) talks with Brian Carrion, founder of Best Lesson Ever in Friendswood, Texas, about how he is using AI tools to build custom applications for his music school and automate operations in ways that go well beyond the basics most studio owners are experimenting with.
Brian is not just using AI to write marketing copy or generate images. He is using tools like Claude, Lovable, and OpenClaw to create actual software solutions tailored to the specific problems his school faces. The conversation gets practical fast, with John walking through a real use case: building a concert planning app that factors in venue capacity, student experience levels, sibling scheduling, and set length. It is a concrete example of what becomes possible when you start treating AI as a builder, not just an assistant.
In this episode:
How Brian is using Lovable to build AI-powered apps and web tools for his music school without a traditional development background.
What OpenClaw is and how Brian uses it to give AI agents access to his business apps and communication channels.
How his team interacts with AI agents directly inside their workflow, not just as a behind-the-scenes tool.
Brian's longer-term goal of building an AI agent capable of running an online business autonomously.
A practical walkthrough of building a concert planning app, and what that process reveals about what AI can actually do for studio operations.
How studio owners can start moving past surface-level AI use and into tools that solve real, specific business problems.
If you have been using AI mostly for content creation, Brian's approach is a clear look at what the next level actually looks like.
Brian's website: https://www.bestlessonever.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.
45 min
March 2587: How Early Childhood Music Boosts Development & Retention
In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explore early childhood music education and why starting younger than most studios allow can actually set kids up for long-term musical success.

Many private lesson studios set firm age requirements based on assumptions about readiness, like can the child read, or will they practice? John and Mandy challenge those assumptions, making the case that play-based, organic learning in the early years primes students for deeper engagement down the road, builds lifelong musical instincts, and creates the kind of retention that transforms a studio's long-term health.

In this episode:
Why common age requirements in private studios are often based on the wrong definition of readiness.
How early childhood music education supports development before formal reading or practice expectations are appropriate.
Why a play-based approach sets a healthier precedent for how students relate to music long-term.
The role parents play in early childhood music programs and how to engage them effectively.
How transitioning students from group early childhood classes into private lessons creates exceptional long-term retention.
Mandy shares how she structures enjoyable, low-pressure programs that prime children for future musical growth.
If your studio has a minimum age requirement, this conversation will challenge some of the assumptions behind it and give you a practical case for rethinking when music education should begin.

--------------------------------------------------
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.
37 min