Rock School Proprietor Podcast
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 your music lesson business. Host John Kozicki played in punk rock bands and went to school for business, while co-host Mandy York studied vocal performance and sang classical music. With vastly different background, these friends both run successful music lessons businesses and decided to record their conversations. From philosophy and culture to teaching and business strategy, each week John and Mandy turn their experiences into practical advice you can use to improve your music lesson business.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
38: RSP Book Club -- Books to Inspire Music Instructors
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 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) dive into book recommendations that can benefit music instructors and studio owners alike.
Mandy's Pick: Music and Mind edited by Renee Fleming, featuring an array of essays that delve into the profound connection between music, the brain, and human experience.
John's Pick: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, which examines the learning process and how to leverage that knowledge to be an effective teacher. Grant even dedicates a chapter to learning music, which offers insights into the learning processes of musicians and the nuances of effective practice.
Each book offers valuable perspectives for educators, providing a deeper understanding of how music enriches lives beyond the classroom.
Don't miss our discussion on how these reads can transform your approach as a music teacher or studio owner, offering fresh insights and practical takeaways. Whether you’re looking to enhance your teaching methods or understand the broader impact of music education, this episode is packed with enlightening content. Join our conversation and consider these books for your next read!
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:
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
37: Can Early Exposure to Music Enhance Ability to Learn?
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 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) discuss the intriguing connection between early exposure to music and possibly links to ease of learning. They discuss how early experiences with music—as infants and toddlers—can significantly influence a child's ability to grasp new concepts later in life. The conversation explores how music exposure is akin to language development, highlighting the importance of rhythm and pitch practice in early years.
Mandy shares her insights from teaching Music Together, a research-based program, where she observes the developmental stages from infancy through elementary years, and their impact on musical learning.
In this episode:
Breaking down the developmental stages of music learning from birth to elementary school age.
How engaging with pitch and rhythm is essential, and how even older learners can benefit from going back to these basics.
The importance of viewing music as a language, and drawing parrallels to other language learning.
Through anecdotes and research, John and Mandy examine why some students seem inherently easier to teach and how foundational musical practices at home can set the stage for successful music lessons later on.
Click here to Watch Victor Wooten's Ted Talk, Music as a Language
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:
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
36: Tim Topham | From Tradition to Innovation -- Teaching Music Differently
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) is joined by Tim Topham, a pioneer in music education and the founder of Top Music. Tim shares his insights on a student-focused approach to teaching music, emphasizing the importance of playing music first and reading second.
In this episode:
The evolution of music education from more traditional to modern strategies.
Highlighting the value of community and collaboration in taking a more holistic approach to music lessons.
Moving beyond traditional method to focus on creativity and intuition.
Marketing strategies that focus on social aspects for students.
Tim's No Book Beginners approach to piano.
Tim Topham's Podcast: The TopCast with Tim Topham
For all of Tim's resources for music teachers visit TopMusic.co
Mentioned in this episode:
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Music Instructors: What They Can Learn From One Another
Prioritize Playing Over Teaching in Private Lessons
BONUS: The Unbelievable Five-Day ChatGPT Experiment
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:
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
35: Is Reading Music Necessary to Play Music?
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) engage in a spirited debate on the necessity of teaching note reading in today's world. They explore their differing musical backgrounds and ponder whether reading music is essential for students or if playing by ear and leveraging modern technology replace the need for note reading.
In this episode:
historical perspectives of reading music and the evolution of music education
how icons like The Beatles and Pavarotti found success without reading music
why reading rhythms is universal and may be more important than reading notes on the staff
Finally, they discuss the implications for music educators and students alike, striving to find a balance between maintaining the art of reading music and embracing new teaching techniques.
Click this link to sign up for Danny Thompson's FREE Music School Marketing Newsletter!
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:
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
34: Chris Bates | The Power of Mindset and Strategic Planning
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com welcomes friend and entrepreneur Chris Bates (Teacher Zone) for an insightful discussion on mindset and strategic planning. With rich experience in multiple industries, and co-owning Los Rios Rock School, Chris brings valuable insights into the world of business in the arts.
Listen as John and Chris discuss how mindset can impact success, the balance between working in and on your business, and how aligning your personal goals with your business aspirations can lead to genuine fulfillment. Drawing from personal stories and key lessons, they explore the importance of strategic planning and practical steps toward scaling your music lesson business while maintaining your passion and love for music.
Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to craft a business and life you never want to retire from!
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Download FREE resources for instructors and studio owners at RockSchoolProprietor.com
Episode Transcript:
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
33: Future-Proofing Music Lessons in the Age of AI
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 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) explore the concept of future-proofing music lessons, ensuring they offer more value than readily available online resources like YouTube tutorials, and the prospective threat of AI-driven music instruction.
In this philosophical discussion, John reads from his 'manifesto' about the impact of social media, AI, and the abundance of online information on traditional music lessons. Mandy and John discuss how music instructors can adapt by highlighting the irreplaceable human connection, emotional depth, and sense of community that in-person lessons provide.
Through the lens of music's magic and the importance of shared experiences, this episode challenges instructors to emphasize the emotional and social benefits of music, encouraging them to market these unique aspects effectively. John and Mandy share how to stay relevant and thrive in an AI-enhanced future.
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:
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
32: Q&A Episode | Getting Better Results in Groups & Bands
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this insightful episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) tackle a common challenge faced by studios offering rock band programs: managing young rock band programs effectively. Responding to a listener's question about improving results from groups and instructors, John and Mandy share practical strategies to ensure a successful band program, particularly for younger students aged 9 to 12.
In this episode:
the importance of structured rehearsal routines
effective communication among instructors
setting clear expectations for both instructors and students
the significance of documenting processes
providing supportive training for band coaches to maintain consistency and quality across studio programs
Tune in to discover actionable insights that can help studio owners empower their instructors and create an engaging, productive environment for young musicians.
Also check out: Episode 28: Mastering Behavior Management in Group Music Classes
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:
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
BONUS: The Unbelievable Five-Day ChatGPT Experiment
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
In this bonus episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explore an unexpected and enlightening encounter with artificial intelligence.
After assigning a seemingly straightforward task to ChatGPT, they unravel a five-day saga of delays and deception. Through a detailed transcript reading, John and Mandy discuss the implications of AI's limitations and the importance of human judgment in evaluating AI-generated content. Tune in for a fascinating journey into AI missteps, accountability, and the vital role of critical thinking in navigating technological advancements.
Referenced in this bonus episode and further related listening:
31: Sam Reti | Real-Time Feedback from AI in Music Lessons
17: Sam Reti | AI and The Future of Music Lessons.
Join our private Facebook group, "Performance-Based Music Programs and Rock Schools," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
31: Sam Reti | Real-Time Feedback from AI in Music Lessons
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
On 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 Reti, founder of Muzie.live,. Sam previously visited the show to contemplate how advancements in AI could change how music lessons are delivered. Speculation on that episode has become a reality, but even quicker than anticipated! Sam and the hosts explore the rapidly advancing world of AI in music education, discussing how a recent update to ChatGPT now means that AI can provide real-time feedback on things like technique when playing guitar.
Reflecting upon a prior conversation with Sam, they delve into the unexpected pace at which AI has evolved, offering insights into its role as a teaching tool rather than a replacement for human instructors. They share practical recommendations on how music teachers and studio owners can leverage AI to enhance their teaching, improve productivity, and attract more students.
Listen in for a thoughtful exploration of how AI can be integrated into music education while preserving the essential human element that makes music so special. From innovative lesson notes to creating engaging marketing content, discover strategies that will help music educators remain relevant in a tech-driven world.
To hear the previous conversation about AI with Sam Reti, check out Episode 17: AI and The Future of Music Lessons.
To view the OpenAI video Sam Reti mention that inspired this discussion, check out Video in Advanced Voice on YouTube.
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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:
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
30: Inside Look at Why Parents Pull Kids from Music Lessons
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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
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:

Meet the Host John Kozicki
With nearly 20 years of experience teaching private lessons and facilitating rock band programs, Kozicki has seen firsthand the benefits of a more dynamic, experiential approach to music lessons. Having built two successful rock schools from the ground up – from opening, to operating, and selling – he has years of experience in nearly every aspect of running a music lesson business.