Rock School Proprietor Podcast

10: Prioritize Playing Over Teaching in Private 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) 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.
 
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9: Productivity Hacks 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) 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
Decision Fatigue
Tools for organization
Strategies for balancing tasks and setting deadlines
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!
 
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8: Rock Bands for Dummies: How to Start and Grow a Band Program

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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7: Mastering Music School Marketing with Adam Wilson - Part 2: Your Marketing Plan

This is part 2 of a 2 part conversation on marketing with Adam Wilson.
In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) has an engaging conversation with Adam Wilson, co-founder of the boutique advertising agency, D/Cal. This is part two of my conversation with Adam, and in this episode Adam shares valuable advice for business owners and music schools on developing a marketing strategy and practical social media tips.
We discuss the evolution of marketing messages in the music education space, the importance of understanding your brand's core values, and how to effectively communicate these to your target audience. Adam emphasizes the significance of having a clear 'why' behind your brand, which can guide all your marketing decisions.
Additionally, Adam provides actionable steps for creating a consistent brand identity, from logo design to social media content. Whether you're a solo music instructor or running a music school, this episode is packed with insights to help you refine your marketing efforts and connect better with your audience.
In this episode:
Essentials for developing your brand
Understanding your audience
Social media strategy insights and simplifying content creation
Finding your brand's Why, and using it in your marketing
If you haven't listened to part 1, we highly recommend doing so for additional context. Tune in to learn how to elevate your music school’s marketing game!
 
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6: Mastering Music School Marketing with Adam Wilson - Part 1: Building your Brand

This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation on marketing with Adam Wilson.
In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) has an engaging conversation with Adam Wilson, co-founder of the boutique advertising agency, D/Cal. Adam's portfolio includes work for global brands like Gibson, Carhartt, and Wolverine Boots. Adam founded D/Cal with skateboard legend and entrepreneur Tony Hawk, which brings a unique perspective to understanding target markets and subcultures.
With over 25 years of experience, Adam shares invaluable insights into the conceptual aspects of marketing, including brand building, logos, and colors, in part one of our discussion. Even if you don't have a marketing background, Adam's explanations are clear and informative. In part two, he offers practical advice that music lesson businesses can readily apply.
We delve into the importance of understanding your audience, crafting effective messaging, and distinguishing between branding and marketing. Adam also emphasizes the emotional connection and consumer empathy crucial for any successful brand. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you elevate your music school’s marketing strategy.
In this episode:
Understanding marketing and branding, and the differences between the terms
Exploring brand identity
How emotional connection guides both your brand identity and consumer purchasing habits
Creative messaging for music schools and lesson businesses
In Part 2, Adam and John discuss practical applications for music school, as well as a usable social media strategy.
 
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5: Discovering Your Why: The key to marketing, culture, and studio growth.

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 importance of discovering your "why" in your music lesson business. They discuss how to find your why, articulate it, and use it to fuel your passion and drive. Whether you're a music instructor or a studio owner, understanding your why can help you stay motivated, connect with your students, and build a successful and fulfilling music school.
John and Mandy share personal stories, including the transformative power of group music-making experiences and the unique role music plays in connecting people. They also offer practical advice on how to uncover your why by reflecting on meaningful experiences and asking others for feedback.
In this episode:
Discovering your Why in your lesson studio
How your own Why becomes contagious and attracts students, families, and employees
Using your Why to connect with students and families 
How personal stories can uncover your purpose
Ways to use your Why in your marketing and studio culture
For additional resources or to connect with us, visit RockSchoolProprietor.com.
 
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4: What "counts" as practice? Redefining practice in music lessons

In this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive into the often contentious topic of music practice. They challenge the traditional time-based practice recommendations and introduce a more balanced approach that defines two categories -- skill development and experiential practice.
John and Mandy explore how different types of practice can foster creativity, maintain student interest, and prevent burnout. They discuss the importance of incorporating both skill-building exercises and activities that bring inspiration to the student. From playing old favorites to exploring new genres, this episode is filled with practical advice for music educators and parents alike.
In this episode:
Redefining practice for students, parents, and instructors
Skill-Development practice
Experience practice
What "counts" as practice
Balancing the different categories to maximize student engagement
Plus, you can download a special guide and worksheet to help redefine practice in your own music studio. Visit https://rockschoolproprietor.com/resources/ to access the guide for free!

3: Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Music Instructors: What they can learn from one another

Join John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School & RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) as they dive into the art of teaching music by exploring the balance between traditional and non-traditional approaches. Discover the pros and cons of each method, and meet the ultimate music instructor avatar, Steve Connolly, who embodies the best of both worlds. 
In this episode:
Defining a “Traditional” Music Instructor Avatar (Mrs. Connely the piano teacher)
Defining a “Non Traditional” Music Instructor Avatar (Steve the guitar teacher)
Pros and cons of each approach
The sweet spot is in the middle of these two opposite approaches.
What could Mrs. Connely do to move closer to the center?
What could Steve the guitar teacher do to move closer to the center?
 

2: Are parents the REAL students in music lessons?

n this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School, RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) delve into a unique perspective on music education: teaching the parents. John shares his 20-year journey in rock band programs and Mandy discusses her Music Together center, where the focus is on involving caregivers in early childhood music education.
Listen in as they explore the idea of educating parents about expectations, and how their involvement and understanding can significantly impact a child's musical journey. From building confidence in young learners to creating a family-friendly learning environment, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice for music educators and parents alike.
Whether you're a studio owner, instructor, or a parent wanting to understand more about your child's musical education, this conversation is sure to provide valuable takeaways. Join us as we uncover the magic that happens when parents and educators work together to foster a love for music in children.
In this episode:
Why it is important to educate parents and families in music lesson studios
Mandy explains why parents are the real students in Music Together
How Mandy teaches the parents in her music lesson studio
John explains how he educates parents on expectations of private lessons and how they may not be right for all kids
How John teaches parents that ability to read music shouldn’t be the top metric in measuring success in music lessons
Where confidence grows as students learn to play an instrument
The benefits gained by studio owners when they educate parents about music lessons.

1: Harmonizing Differences: Building a Music School Culture

Welcome to the Rock School Proprietor Podcast! In this episode, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) dive into the core philosophies that shape their music schools. John, who runs a rock school, and Mandy, who manages an early childhood music center, explore how their vastly different backgrounds contribute to a shared passion for music education.
John and Mandy share personal stories from their early music experiences that have influenced their teaching philosophies. John recounts his challenging piano lessons as a child and how they shaped his approach to making music enjoyable for his students. Mandy discusses the joy of discovering the Music Together program with her children and how it revolutionized her understanding of early childhood music education.
Together, they emphasize the importance of creating a positive and engaging music culture in their schools. They discuss the significance of understanding and communicating their core beliefs to build a community that resonates with both instructors and families. John and Mandy also offer practical advice for other music school owners and instructors on finding and sharing their authentic stories to enhance their teaching practices.
Join John and Mandy as they harmonize their differences to create a richer, more inclusive music education experience for everyone involved.