In this episode Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) are joined by Sam Reddy, founder of Muzie.live, to explore the transformative potential of AI in music education. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of music lessons, examining whether AI could eventually replace traditional instructors or serve as a powerful assistant.

Sam shares insights into how AI can enhance teaching platforms like Muzie.live, offering features such as high-fidelity online lessons, hybrid teaching capabilities, and AI-driven note-taking. The discussion touches on the progression from guitar tabs to YouTube tutorials, and how AI could be the next step in making music education more accessible and personalized.

The episode also explores the role of AI as a tool for teachers, helping them adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the human connection essential in music education. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the balance between embracing AI innovations and preserving the essence of music instruction.

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

In this enlightening episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive deep into the world of licensed curriculum for music studios. Mandy shares her extensive experience, having built her entire studio around a licensed program, and offers valuable insights on everything from costs and training to marketing assets.

Join the discussion as John and Mandy explore the pros and cons of adopting a licensed curriculum, the importance of brand identity, and the benefits of having a supportive network. They address common concerns like fee structures, instructor training, and the balance between using provided materials and adding a personal touch.

In this episode:

John and Mandy’s individual experiences with licensed curriculum.  John with Kidz Rock and Mandy with Music Together.

Analyzing the fee structure of licensed curriculums

The important and nuanced element of training included with licensed curriculums

Marketing assets, resources, and strategies

Whether you're considering implementing a licensed curriculum or just curious about how it could enhance your studio, this episode is packed with tips and advice to guide your decision-making process. Discover how to leverage licensed programs to solve common challenges and elevate your music education offerings.

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

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the topic of offering free trial lessons or demo classes. They explore whether this strategy is beneficial for music studios and examine it from both the studio owner and the parent/student perspectives.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the primary reasons studios might consider offering free trials: as a tactic to attract more students and fill up schedules. John and Mandy weigh the pros and cons of this approach and share personal experiences from their own studios.

From the parent's viewpoint, they discuss the appeal of free trials as a way to lower the risk of committing to lessons, particularly for those unsure if their child will enjoy music lessons. However, John argues that a free trial lesson may simply delay the risk instead of truly informing the parent about the child's interest and commitment.

The hosts also offer alternative strategies to free trials, such as offering studio tours, discounted rates for longer commitments, and integrating new students into established classes to give them a sense of the studio's culture and community.

Finally, John and Mandy emphasize the importance of evaluating whether a free trial strategy aligns with a studio's goals and suggest ways to make it work effectively for both the studio and the prospective students.

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

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In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Danny Thompson, a seasoned music lesson business owner from Music Factory in Orange County, California.  This is part 2 of our conversation, in which Danny discusses the evolution of online music lessons from clunky Skype sessions to utilizing specialized platforms like Muzie.Live, designed specifically for music lessons.

In this episode:

Leveraging new technology for online music lessons

Adapting instructor strategies for online teaching

Choosing the right platform for online music lessons

Differentiating student expectations and experiences in the online model

The conversation explores the challenges of changing perceptions about online lessons, educating parents and students about their benefits, and the critical role of technology in overcoming traditional teaching limitations. Danny also provides valuable advice for instructors looking to improve their online teaching techniques and the importance of having a structured lesson plan.

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, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Danny Thompson, a seasoned music lesson business owner from Music Factory in Orange County, California. Known for his insightful podcast, Music Lesson Business Academy, Danny shares his extensive experience of over 20 years in the music industry.

In this episode:

• Shifting to online lessons during the pandemic

In Part 2 Danny will reveal how he creates an exceptional online lesson experience and addresses the marketing challenges and strategies of the virtual format. 

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

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In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive deep into the topic of studio policies.

In this episode:

• Mandy shares her insights on how policies are essential for shaping and enhancing the culture of your studio.

Tune in to learn practical tips on how to communicate your policies effectively, ensure they are respected, and use them to build a professional and thriving studio environment.

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

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In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) tackle the topic of burnout, specifically burnout in running your music school. They discuss how it happens and strategies to overcome it.

In this episode:

• John and Mandy share their personal stories and insights

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, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the importance of making the act of playing music a central focus in private lessons, rather than just teaching and learning new concepts.

We discuss the common pitfalls that can cause the essence of playing music to get lost, from the pressures instructors feel to constantly provide new material, to the routines that can become too focused on mechanical learning. Mandy shares her personal experience of learning the ukulele, illustrating how finding enjoyable repertoire can reignite the joy of playing.

We also provide practical tips for instructors to bring the joy of making music back into their lessons. These include playing music together with students, choosing the right repertoire, and incorporating peer-to-peer band programs. By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on how to balance technical learning with the sheer enjoyment of making music.

Join us for an insightful conversation that aims to transform your approach to music instruction and bring back the fun and creativity that lies at the heart of musical education.

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, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss productivity for music school owners and teachers. They kick off with an exciting announcement about their new private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

John and Mandy discuss the essence of productivity, especially for the self-employed, highlighting the importance of self-accountability, time management, and setting personal goals. They share personal anecdotes and strategies, from using weekly planners and semester planners to adopting robust database systems that streamline administrative tasks.

John introduces his time-blocking method, which helps alleviate decision fatigue by organizing tasks into 15-minute increments throughout the week. Mandy shares her approach of maintaining a comprehensive weekly planner and semester planner to stay on top of her responsibilities and delegate tasks effectively.

In this episode:

• Productivity and Self-Accountability

Listen in for practical tips, real-life experiences, and productivity hacks that can help you maintain balance, stay organized, and ensure the smooth running of your music school. Don't forget to visit their website for a FREE downloadable time-blocking schedule template and other resources!

Episode Transcript:

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and co-host Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive deep into the world of rock band programs. Whether you run a rock school format or are curious about expanding into band programs, this episode has got you covered.

John and Mandy explore the rock band model, discussing its benefits, especially in terms of student retention and motivation. Mandy takes the reins, asking the essential questions every music studio owner might have, from getting started to choosing the right repertoire and equipment.

In this episode:

The benefits of a band program and students playing as a group

Steps to starting a band program

Practical formula for a monthly band program

Growing and transitioning to a weekly band plus lessons program

Strategies to group students based on age and skill level

John shares a step-by-step formula for launching a successful rock band program in any studio, and creating a thriving community centered on playing music. 

Don't miss out on the FREE downloadable guide, How to Start (or Grow) a Rock Band Program In Your Music Lesson Studio, available at rockschoolproprietor.com, which includes song suggestions and practical steps to get your rock band program off the ground.

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