Rock School Proprietor Podcast

20: Rob Spampinato | Success with In-Person Studio, YouTube channel, and Online Courses

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford), speak with Rob Spampinato of Rob's School of Music in Suffern, NY. In addition to Rob's brick-and-mortar lesson studio, he also has a very successful YouTube channel, Instragram account, and book -- This Book Shreds. Rob delves into how he skillfully juggles his various roles while maintaining a successful hybrid business model, effectively merging his brick-and-mortar music school with his expansive online reach.
In this episode:
Rob's journey from his early days starting a music studio within a local music store to achieving 150,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel
Rob's YouTube and online courses, and building a brand around his own personality
Balancing social media and online personas with an in-person studio
Rob's band program and Rob's School of Music
Finding work/life balance, time management, and advice for other studio owners
Join hosts John Kozicki and Mandy York as they discuss with Rob Spampinato the importance of adaptation and consistency in the music education industry, exploring the dynamic interplay between personal passion and professional growth.
 
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

19: Managing Expectations Keeping Student Goals In Mind

On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss how our own expectations of students aren't always their expectations.  Reflecting on their own experiences as "weird" students, they challenge the assumption that every student learns the same way, and how most students do NOT think about private lessons like we (instructors) did as students ourselves.
In this episode:
Educating parents and instructors on what to expect from their students, and advocating for the student's goals.
Aligning those expectations for the student's success
We (instructors) were likely the "star" student, and our experiences as students were not the norm, so we can't rely on them
Accountability in learning and managing expectations for progress (or lack of progress).
John and Mandy explore the importance of understanding diverse student motivations and how varied expectations can impact both teaching and learning. Through engaging dialogue, they discuss why aligning expectations among students, parents, and instructors is crucial and share effective strategies to motivate and enrich every student's progress in learning music.
 
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

18: Why Music Lessons Are Losing to Sports

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 the pressing issue of why music lessons are often overshadowed by sports. They discuss the common reasons students leave music lessons for sports and the unique benefits sports offer, such as teamwork, social skills, and physical health.
John and Mandy explore the challenges music instructors face in retaining students and propose innovative solutions to counteract these issues. They emphasize the importance of creating a sense of community and collaboration in music programs, akin to the team spirit in sports, to enhance student engagement and retention.
Join the conversation as they share personal experiences, insights, and practical strategies to make music lessons more appealing and resilient against the lure of sports, ensuring that the joy and benefits of music remain a vibrant part of students' lives.
 
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.

17: Sam Reti | AI and the Future of Music Lessons

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.

16: Unlocking the Secrets of Licensed Curriculum for Music Studios

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.

15: Should You Offer a Free Trial Lesson? A Balanced Perspective

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.
 
Episode Transcript:

14: Danny Thompson | Delivering Amazing Online Music Lessons Part 2

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:

13: Danny Thompson | Shifting to Online Music Lessons Part 1

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
Danny's decision to continue with the online private lesson model
Changing your business model to fit your personal lifestyle
Music lessons as a commodity.
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.
 
Episode Transcript:

12: Can Studio Policies Enhance Culture and Expectations for Music Lessons?

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.
The importance of using policies to establish clear expectations for both families and students
How to be an authority without an being authoritarian.
The challenges of updating policies for effective change
How to handle difficult conversations with parents who push back.
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.
 
Episode Transcript:

11: Battling Burnout: Strategies for Music School Owners

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
Why those working in the arts, such as music instructors and studio owners, might be more susceptible to burnout compared to other professions.
John and Mandy compare their experiences in the corporate world to self-employment
Strategies for dealing with burnout, including the importance of remembering your 'why,' practicing gratitude, seeking collaboration, and taking breaks.
John and Mandy also emphasize the value of talking it out with peers and focusing on the positives to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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: