Rock School Proprietor Podcast

30: Inside Look at Why Parents Pull Kids from Music Lessons

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive into the common issue of parents withdrawing their children from music lessons due to a lack of practice. They explore alternative ways to measure success beyond just practice hours, emphasizing the joy and engagement in music as key indicators.
The hosts discuss real-life anecdotes and the importance of understanding each child's individual learning journey. They highlight the need to communicate effectively with parents and redefine what counts as practice in the realm of music education.
For additional tips on talking with parents about practice, and how to take the focus off practice as the sole metric of success, check out Episode 4: What "counts" as practice? Redefining practice In music lessons
 
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Episode Transcript:

29: Dave Simon | Revisiting the 'Practice Problem' & Rethinking Music Lessons

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dave Simon, known for his podcast "Music Lessons and Marketing" and innovative music programs.
In this episode:
Explore the concept of the "practice problem," which challenges the traditional focus on practice as the sole measure of success in music lessons for children.
How to reframe the concept of practice in music lessons to effectively keep students engaged
Understanding parent expectations and how to effectively guide them to success in your studio
Dave shares insight on developing and effectively delivering licensed curriculum programs
Dive into the insights Dave shares from his extensive experience working with lesson studio owners and discover the common traits of successful music schools. Gain a new perspective on how group learning and a focus on fun can enhance the musical journey of young learners.
This episode ignites a dialogue on the importance of reframing the practice narrative to motivate students and satisfy parents, ultimately fostering a lifelong love for music.
Referenced in this episode:
Episode 4: What "counts" as practice? Redefining practice In music lessons
Episode 10: Prioritize Playing Over Teaching in Private Lessons
More info about Dave Simon at https://davesimonsmusic.com/
Dave and John talk more on a recent episode of Dave's podcast Music Lessons and Marketing here: Bridging the Gap Between Rock and Classical Music Education with John Kozicki: Ep 245
 
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:

28: Mastering Behavior Management in Group Music Classes

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) delve into the complexities of managing behavior in group music classes. John and Mandy share their experiences and discuss effective strategies for different age groups, from preschool to high school.
Mandy talks about her experiences teaching mixed-age music classes and rhythm kids, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of working with various age groups. From setting expectations and establishing routines to employing different engagement techniques, they explore how to create an environment where children not only learn but also enjoy.
Also in this episode:
Strategies for keeping kids engaged during group classes
How a routine and repetition can help set expectations in groups
Balancing goals set by instructors with a fun environment, and leveraging rewards to achieve goals.
Ways to address negative behavior when it escalates.
Strategies John and Mandy have found effective in maintaining a productive and enjoyable classroom environment.
John and Mandy share valuable tips on behavior management in music education so you can learn how to connect better with young musicians, and ensure your classes are both fun and fulfilling for everyone involved.
 
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:

27: Capturing Amazing Photos for Marketing Your Music School

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss marketing your lesson studio through photography. They explore how having high-quality, authentic photos can elevate the appeal of your music school across social media, websites, and other marketing channels.
In this episode:
How to find the right photographer to fit your music school's brand
What you can expect to pay for a great photographer, or how you might be able to get one for free
Ways that the investment in great photos can pay off and the many ways you can use photos in marketing, branding, and even to get positive reviews of your lesson studio.
John and Mandy emphasize the importance of capturing candid and genuine moments that represent the diversity and vibrance of music classes, explaining the impact of these visuals on potential clients. They offer insights into finding the right photographer, whether through trades or hiring, and share tips on maximizing the use of photos in studio decoration, online presence, and beyond.
 
 
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:

26: Greg Hipskind | Building a Rock-Solid Culture

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Greg Hipskind of QC Rock Academy.  With a roster of to 400 students, Greg's lesson studio has become a beacon of music education excellence in the Quad Cities area of Iowa. With an emphasis on performance opportunities and fostering real-life music experiences, Greg has cultivated a thriving culture at QC Rock Academy.
In this episode:
How Greg has created a culture centered around live performance, and connected with venues in the community to be front-of-mind for student performers
How participation in QC Rock Academy's band program increases student retention significantly, and how that culture helps him retain employees
His unique tactic of hosting talks and clinics with touring musicians, and the positive impact that has on the student experience
Greg also shares how a typical student could progress through his school from beginner to playing in one QC Rock Academy's performance bands.
The episode also explores how Greg cultivates a community network, making QC Rock Academy the go-to resource for performances at local events, and his approach to teaching students the ins and outs of being professional musicians. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on creating a vibrant, engaging, and sustainable music school environment.
 
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:

25: When Success Becomes a Challenge -- Handling Overbooked Classes

On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) work through a challenge Mandy is currently facing in her studio: what to do when your classes are fully booked and there's still high demand for enrollment.  Mandy shares her unique predicament as she starts a new semester with her music classes entirely filled, leaving her to ponder the next steps for accommodating eager students.
In this episode:
Possible strategies when to meet additional demand, like creating new classes, hiring additional instructors, or even opening another location
More creative solutions that could would with few demands on Mandy's time like offering special drop-in classes or themed sessions to keep prospective students engaged and interested
The emotional aspects of managing a these situations, and practical tips and insights into expanding offerings without compromising personal capacity or the quality of service.
Find out how John and Mandy navigate these waters and share valuable advice on sustaining demand, managing customer expectations, and possibly using scarcity as a strategic advantage. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the educational or creative service industries.
 
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:

24: Mike Grande | TikTok Shop & Diversifying the Lesson Business

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, host John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) is joined by the Mike Grande, owner of three music schools and founder of the Rock Out Loud Live online lesson platform. Mike shares his some of his many strategies to diversifiy in the music lesson and related businesses including:
Leveraging TikTok and the TikTok Shop to significantly boost sales of his music lesson-related products
The nuances involved in creating and selling products through you music lesson business
Delegating and building a team that thrives on autonomy and creativity
Embracing new opportunities when the arise, and identifying your unique selling proposition.
Mike's strategies reveal how to transform creative ideas into profitable ventures. Tune in for inspiring advice and practical tips on achieving financial freedom and successfully diversifying your music lesson business.
 
 
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:

23: Setting and Achieving Goals in Your Lesson Business for 2025

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk about goal setting for the new year. They share insightful strategies and templates that studio owners and instructors can use to set and achieve their objectives for 2025.
In this episode:
The benefits of physically writing down your goals, and how we are statistically much more likely to NOT achieve the goals when we fail to write them down.
How to categorize goals in your music lesson studio to include both business as personal goals.
Strategies to plan our the steps to reach your goals.
John and Mandy also discuss the power of visualization, setting specific targets, and staying accountable. They share practical advice on how to break down big goals into manageable steps and the value of prioritizing objectives. Tune in for actionable tips and tricks to ensure your 2025 goals are not just set but accomplished. Plus, find out how a strategic approach can help balance both professional and personal aspirations.
Download your 2025 Studio Goal Planning Guide here!
 
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22: Making Smart Choices when Hiring for Your Music Studio

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) delve into one of the most daunting tasks for music studio owners: hiring instructors and staff.
In this episode:
why anxiety and urgency influence the hiring process and how you can overcome these challenges
the importance of having a documented process that can ease the hiring burden
How employee training processes can make hiring easier or less stressful
Internal recruitment for hiring and training student instructors
Personality can be as important, if not more important than skill-set when hiring the right instructor or staff member for you music lesson studio.
 
John and Mandy share personal experiences and ways to ease the hiring burden. They explore how to handle the complexities of hiring, including understanding what to look for in a candidate and how to develop a successful onboarding process. This episode offers valuable advice to help you build a strong, cohesive team for your music lesson studio.
 
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

21: Q&A Episode | How to Shift From Private Lessons to Group Classes

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) answer a question from a fellow studio owner: how to successfully shift from offering mostly private lessons to offering and filling group classes.
Fellow studio owner, Alex, has found it difficult to fill group classes in his primarily private lesson environment. Mandy and John share insights and strategies to shift to a more group-oriented model, and highlight some of the unique benefits of group learning that are often overlooked.
In this episode:
Marketing techniques to highlight benefits of group classes
Pricing strategies when a studio offers both private lessons and group classes
Differentiating group learning from private, one-on-one lessons
Creating a structured timeline as a benefit for group classes.
The importance of training instructors for group settings, setting realistic enrollment expectations, and providing incentives for teachers.
Mandy offers valuable advice from her experience running a group-based music studio, and John provides a detailed analysis of Alex's situation to offer practical solutions and encouragement for other studio owners facing similar challenges.
 
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.