Rock School Proprietor Podcast

In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) reflect on the recent passing of Greg Hipskind, founder of QC Rock Academy, and how his authenticity, dedication to teaching, and focus on community created an enduring legacy beyond running a business. This episode explores purpose-driven daily choices, the power of live music and student opportunities, and practical questions about preparing a music school to continue and serve its community without its founder. In this episode: Purpose-driven actions lead to a meaningful legacy. Creating a culture of impact requires dedication and authenticity. Leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining a school's mission. Engaging with the community enhances the music education experience. Advocating for music education fosters a supportive environment. Legacy is about more than business; it's about the impact on lives. If you've not listened to Episode 26: Greg Hipskind | Building a Rock Solid Culture, it is highly recommended as a companion to this episode.   -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the importance of educating parents in music lessons. They explore various strategies for setting expectations, providing feedback, and reinforcing learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication with parents, the role of repetition in learning, and the balance between reading music and playing by ear. They also highlight the evolving nature of parent education and the significance of building confidence through group learning. Areas of focus: Educating parents is crucial for successful music lessons. Setting clear expectations helps align student and parent goals. Repetition aids in the retention of information for both kids and parents. Feedback and anecdotes can enhance parent engagement. Building confidence in students often comes from group learning experiences. Effective communication strategies are essential for parent education. Understanding progress in music can be challenging for parents. Balancing reading music and playing by ear is important for student development. Parent education strategies should evolve over time. Encouraging parents to let go of expectations can foster a better learning environment. Building a great music school and studio business happens when we focus our education on students and their parents.    -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) speaks with Sam Lelouch, founder of lesson studio management software Opus1.io.  Sam recounts how his frustrations with available tools turned into developing a studio management platform built to solve real music-school problems like scheduling, billing, makeups, communication and staff workflows. As co-owner of a music school with his wife, paired with his background in tech, Sam understands customer-driven product development, automation that reduces admin workload, and metrics that help schools scale profitably. In this episode: Opus1 started with a small music school and grew significantly. The software was developed to solve specific problems faced by music schools. Flexibility in scheduling and billing is crucial for customer retention. Customer feedback directly influences the development of new features for Opus1. The software aims to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens. Data-driven decisions are essential for scaling a music school. The importance of having a supportive team and community in the music education sector. Opus1 offers a comprehensive solution for managing music schools. Investing in the right software can save time and increase profitability. This episode is packed with insights on customer-centric development, pricing strategies, and the key traits of successful music school owners. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, innovation, and understanding the unique needs of music education. From starting a music lesson business to growing and scaling your studio, this episode is filled with usable information!   ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

On this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) talk with Lauren Bateman, a successful music educator and YouTube guitar teacher with over 600 thousand subscribers.  They discuss the balance between running brick-and-mortar music schools and an online presence, the realities of achieving success on YouTube, and the importance of authenticity in content creation. Lauren shares insights on hiring, narrowing down niches, and navigating the challenges of algorithm changes. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in music education and the significance of coaching others in the industry. In this episode: How Lauren finds balance running two music schools and a successful YouTube channel. How balancing multiple business ventures requires effective time management and delegation. Lauren shares insight about on how YouTube success is not guaranteed and often takes years of consistent effort, and that authenticity is crucial for connecting with an audience on YouTube. Hiring instructors requires looking for animated and engaging personalities. Narrowing down a niche can help attract a specific audience. Post-COVID, online learning has become more accepted, but competition has increased. Diversifying platforms can protect against algorithm changes. AI is becoming a significant player in education, but human interaction remains valuable. Coaching others can be a fulfilling way to share knowledge and experience. From balancing her brick-and-mortar music schools to navigating the digital landscape, Lauren's journey is a testament to hard work and authenticity. Lauren shares a wealth of knowledge in this episode on growing a thriving music school and online community. Lauren's website: https://www.laurenbateman.com/ Lauren's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/LaurenBateman   ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing the importance of setting goals, evaluating successes and failures, and learning from challenges. They emphasize the significance of writing down goals, the impact of unexpected surprises, and the growth that comes from both personal and professional milestones. As they look ahead to 2026, they share insights on building a stronger studio culture and the actionable steps they plan to take in the new year. In this episode: Reflecting on the past year is crucial for growth. Writing down goals increases the likelihood of achieving them. Evaluating both successes and failures helps in future planning. Unexpected challenges can lead to personal growth. Actionable goals are more effective than vague aspirations. Building a strong studio culture requires intentional effort. Surprises can be both positive and negative in a business context. Learning from past experiences is essential for improvement. Setting measurable goals helps track progress effectively. Celebrating milestones can enhance motivation and morale. Building a great music school and studio business happens by taking slow, deliberate actions. The new year is a great time to reflect on those small actions that resulted in long-term growth, and establish future actions. Happy New Year!   -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

On this special “Greatest Hits of 2025” episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) brings together some of the most impactful moments from two standout conversations of 2025, featuring Dave Simon and Tim Topham. This curated episode highlights big ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies for lesson studio owners who want to elevate the student experience and strengthen their business. In this episode: Rethinking the “practice problem” with Dave Simon—why traditional views on practice fall short and what to do instead. How to reframe practice in a way that keeps students motivated and parents confident in their child’s progress. The traits Dave sees most often in successful music schools, and how group learning and fun-driven instruction help students stay engaged longer. Insights from Tim Topham on shifting toward a student-focused approach to teaching music. Why “playing first, reading second” can unlock creativity, intuition, and deeper musical connection. How modern music education is moving beyond traditional methods and leaning into collaboration, community, and real-world musical experiences. This episode brings together the wisdom of two influential voices in music education, offering studio owners fresh ways to think about practice, teaching approaches, and building thriving learning communities. It’s a perfect year-end reflection to spark ideas and inspiration as you look ahead to the future of your studio. Full versions of the episodes featured: 29: Dave Simon | Revisiting the 'Practice Problem' & Rethinking Music Lessons 36: Tim Topham | From Tradition to Innovation - Teaching Music Differently -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

On this episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) have an honest conversation about the mistakes they’ve made while running their music lesson businesses, and more importantly, the lessons that came out of them. From pricing missteps to programs they didn’t promote soon enough, this episode pulls back the curtain on some real challenges studio owners face as they grow. In this episode: The early mistakes that cost time, money, and momentum, including undervaluing services and offering too many unpaid demos. Why promoting full band programs matters and how overlooking them slowed down growth. The importance of qualifying ideal clients and how misalignment can drain energy and resources. How delaying key hires created bottlenecks—and what changed when they finally brought new team members on. This candid conversation offers a look at the missteps that many studio owner encounters, along with the simple shifts that can help you avoid them. If you’re building a lesson program or growing a team, these insights will help you spot challenges early and make confident, sustainable decisions for your studio. -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) interviews Eric Branner, founder of FONS studio management software, and host of the 440 Podcast. The two have an introspective conversation about treating teaching as a calling and building a studio grounded in purpose. They discuss Eric's journey founding FONS, automating scheduling and payments, owning your pricing, perceived value, and how bold decisions create momentum for studios and teachers. In this episode: How teaching is a calling and should be embraced as such, and success in teaching often comes from confidence and clarity in purpose.   Why perceived value significantly influences student enrollment, and parents often seek the best for their children, impacting their choices.   How taking a bold approach to pricing can actually attract more students.   How mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth, and mindset shifts can lead to increased opportunities. Tune in for practical lessons on elevating your business, cultivating community, and rethinking what music teaching can mean for your life and career. Eric's Podcast, The Fourfourty (440) with Eric Branner Eric's Website ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Sign up for our email newsletter on the website, and visit the Resources section to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

Hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) adapt Michael Gerber’s E-Myth to music schools, breaking down the three essential roles—technician, manager, and entrepreneur—and how each impacts running your studio. They discuss how to identify which role fits you, practical ways to delegate or hire, using systems and tech to streamline work, and why shifting from “how” to “who” can prevent burnout and enable growth. In this episode: There are three primary roles in every business: technician, manager, entrepreneur. How to identify your role, or the role you're best suited for in your lesson business. The technician is often the doer, focused on the technical aspects. The manager oversees operations and ensures efficiency. The entrepreneur drives vision and innovation. Self-awareness helps in identifying which role you play, and which you want to play. Each role has its own set of characteristics and challenges, and how balancing these roles can lead to better business outcomes and greater personal fulfillment. Recognizing your strengths can enhance your effectiveness in your role and how collaboration among roles is key to a successful business. -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) talks with business and marketing coach Sara Campbell of Savvy Music Studio about using your existing student relationships to transform your marketing. Instead of inventing ideal client personas or copying flashy social media tactics, Sarah shows how the language you already use in lessons and the real progress you see every week are your best marketing tools. In this episode: Why inauthentic tactics (fake scarcity, polarizing posts, product-style marketing) feel icky for music teachers How focusing on truth, trust, and niche specialization attracts better-fit clients. Why authenticity in communication is more effective than marketing jargon, and how to niche down to find your unique voice as an instructor Practical tips like capturing small lesson moments, asking students what mattered in a lesson, and marketing to your current families as much as to prospects. This episode offers clear, actionable advice for studio owners who want to market more authentically, improve retention, and grow by leaning into what already works in their studio.   ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Visit the Resources section of our website to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

Which music school management software is best? The answer will vary based on your specific needs, but on this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) does a deep-dive into MyMusicStaff with Adam Pattee, the platform's demo & onboarding specialist. This episode digs into the benefits of integrated studio management software with. We cover the importance of time management in lesson business operations, emphasizing how integrated systems can significantly reduce manual work and improve efficiency. Adam highlights how automation and connected tools save studio owners hours, enforce policies without drama, simplify instructor training, and support growth from solo teachers to large schools. Adam dispels the myth that MyMusicStaff is only for small studios and shares how the platform is built to grow as your studio grows. It is used by solo instructors and multi-location studios with thousands of students. Learn about scheduling, billing, website and tagging features, and how these systems free you to focus on teaching and growing your music school business.   ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Visit the Resources section of our website to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explain how to use surveys to develop new programs, evaluate instructors, and measure overall client satisfaction in your music studio. They cover what to ask (and what to avoid), how often to survey without causing fatigue, tips on platforms and question wording, and how to use feedback to improve scheduling, event planning, staffing, and studio practices. You can leverage all of this information to determine what resonates with your current clients, and use that to attract more students. Build your music school smarter, not harder!   -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) each share the three technologies they rely on to run their music studios more smoothly. The cover platforms from project management and scheduling to email marketing and team communication. They discuss tools like Trello, ActiveCampaign, Acuity/Squarespace scheduling, Slack, ClickSend, Canva, and payment processors, plus tips on choosing the right features and avoiding shiny-object overload. Many of these platforms offer free or low-cost options that work well for most studios, and the episode focuses on practical integrations that save time and reduce admin work so teachers can focus on teaching and growing their studios.   -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

On this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) reacts to Dave Simon's podcast about the three P's of music lesson success—pleasure, practice, progress—and proposes a fourth P: purpose. He argues that understanding why a student is taking lessons changes how we weight practice and progress, and can improve retention. The episode explores how emphasizing practice without knowing a family’s goals can push students to quit, offers practical thinking for teachers, and points to resources for redefining what counts as practice and aligning lessons with student purpose. Additional suggested listening: Music Lessons & Marketing: The 3 Metrics Parents Use to Define Music Lesson Success | EP268 Ep. 29: Dave Simon | Revisiting the 'Practice Problem' Ep. 30: Inside Look at Why Parents Pull Kids from Music Lessons Ep. 4: What "Counts" as Practice? Redefining Practice in Music Lessons -------------------------------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

Your website might be doing a great job explaining what you offer but is it helping parents feel confident about choosing you? On this episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) are joined by Demitris Maddox (Provide Impact) to talk about the strategic use of video on your music school's website. Most schools still aren’t using video on their sites in the right way, and it is such low-hanging fruit to boost conversions and grow your studio. Demitris explains three easy to create videos to add visitor value to your website, and how strategic placement of those videos can go a long way to making better connections with prospective students and families. What Happens at The First/Intro Lesson? The 7 Top Questions Parents Ask Us What Happens When I Fill Out This Form? Demetrius explains how well-placed videos answer parents' questions, address their concerns, and build trust before they even reach out. The videos he recommends require very little effort and can be shot on your phone — this isn’t about fancy production, it’s about using video strategically to turn website visitors into enrolled students and build your music school.   To access the BONUS video mentioned in the episode, visit http://provideimpact.com/videofour To hear Demitris Maddox on a previous episode of the show: 40: Demitris Maddox | Designing Music School Websites That Attract & Convert ------------------------- Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Visit the Resources section of our website to get FREE guides to help grow your music school, improve retention, and more. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming. 

On this Q&A quick-fire episode of Rock School Proprietor Podcast, hosts John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) answer three listener questions studio owners are asking: Investing in a licensed curriculum for group classes. What to consider, questions to ask, and where to start? Which studio management software is best? Core features like automatic billing and payment, schedule features, and add-ons. How to market your lessons when the concept of marketing seems overwhelming? John and Mandy offer practical advice to help you make choices that have the biggest positive impact on your studio. Additional resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 16: Unlocking the Secrets of Licensed Curriculum for Music Studios Episode 6: Mastering Music School Marketing with Adam Wilson - Part 1: Building your Brand Episode 7: Mastering Music School Marketing with Adam Wilson - Part 2: Your Marketing Plan   Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.   

John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss the fear and insecurity that arise when a new music studio opens nearby, sharing a personal story about feeling threatened and how that led to mistakes. They explore how to shift from reactive competition to a healthier, more constructive mindset. Practical takeaways from the discussion: compete with yourself learn from others stay true to your core values maintain an abundance mindset protect your mental health consider collaboration to strengthen your local music community.   Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.    Episode Transcript:

Studio owner Darvin Lau (BayRidge School of Music) found his concerts costing more than they earned — until Mike Grande (Rock Out Loud Live) helped him change the playbook. On this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com), with help from Mike and Darvin, walk through concrete steps that transformed Darvin's costly concerts into profitable events. Tips to make it happen: negotiating venue deals selling VIP tickets bundling registrations and tickets creating band slots instead of solos hiring photographers selling merch leveraging scheduling to retain students Hosts share practical examples, pricing tips and timing strategies you can use to make your recitals pay for themselves while improving the experience for students, families and staff. BONUS: download the FREE guide with all the tips form this episode, "How to Turn Student Concerts Into Profitable Events." Get it at https://rockschoolproprietor.com/resources/   Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.    Episode Transcript:

On this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) teach music school owners how to get free publicity. Newspapers, magazines, online outlets, and even TV news are regularly LOOKING for stories to cover. Knowing how to craft newsworthy stories, write effective press releases, build relationships with journalists, and use photos can increase your chances of coverage. We also explain why publicity can be more valuable than paid ads for long-term credibility and visibility. And the best part is that it doesn't cost you a cent!   Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.    Episode Transcript:

In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) discuss why being selective about students and families helps you build the studio culture you want. They share real examples and practical strategies for setting expectations, protecting staff time, and aligning families with your lesson studio philosophy. Key takeaways include: Choosing the right students is crucial for studio culture. Building community among families enhances the studio experience. Clear communication of policies helps set expectations. Parents' expectations for practice should align with studio philosophy. Creating a positive environment for instructors is essential. Setting boundaries is necessary for studio management. Understanding family dynamics can aid in student selection. Regular feedback from families can improve studio offerings. A strong community attracts like-minded families.   Your ratings and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify are always appreciated! Join our private Facebook group, "The Modern Music School," a community for like-minded professionals to connect and share insights. Looking for a simple and effective guitar curriculum that includes FREE instructor training and support? Consider John's book, Complete Guitar Strumming.    Episode Transcript: