Rock School Proprietor Podcast

John Kozicki
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Music
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    106: Sam Reti | Revolutionizing Online Music Lessons with Muzie 2.0

    In this episode, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) interviews Sam Reti, founder of Muzie.live. Sam discusses the full rebuild of Muzie, the online music lesson platform, and why his team rebuilt it from the ground up. He also shares how their innovative tech used to deliver live video music lessons online inspired Sam and his team to launch a completely new company called Hiyve.io and compete with the likes of zoom and Google Meet. In this episode: The evolution of the Muzie platform and why it made sense to for Sam and his team to completely rebuild it to best serve online music instructors. Which features from the old version of Muzie are still available in the new version, which features were cut, and how new features will improve online music lessons. How a casual discussion between John and Sam about online drum lessons sparked what could be one of the most innovative new features to Muzie and a complete game-changer for practical online drum lessons. How enhanced audio and video quality from Muzie has launched a new company called Hyive.io What the future of online music lessons holds for both music instructors and their students. The episode closes with thoughts on where online music lessons are headed and how music teachers can use these tools to expand recitals, masterclasses and hybrid teaching opportunities.   ------------------------------------------ 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.

  2. Jul 29

    105: How To Make Your Music School Stand Out in Your Market

    In this episode (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explore what really makes a music lesson studio stand out beyond table-stakes features like qualified instructors and flexible scheduling. They discuss how specialized programming (bands, unique curricula), parent education, cohesive visuals, and authentic storytelling create emotional connections before a family even walks through the door. They cover practical marketing choices—showing your expertise, using professional photography and a consistent brand palette, highlighting community presence, and solving distinct student problems—that help studios attract the right families. In this episode: How to develop a differentiation strategy for your music lesson studio Why intentional marketing and branding strategies for music schools is an easy way to pull ahead of your competition How your music school own unique features and real stories that already have can be the key to helping you stand out. The episode is equal parts strategy and self-reflection: figure out what you do best, lean into it, and communicate that identity clearly so your studio becomes the obvious choice for your ideal clients.   Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms. -------------------------------------- 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.

  3. Jul 22

    104: One-Star Hits Home -- Handling Negative Reviews for Music Schools

    In this episode Mandy York (Music Time of Milford)shares a recent experience with a negative Google review and how she handled it, then she and John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) use that story to explore the broader effects reviews have on reputation and website SEO. We cover Google’s updated rules on review solicitation, what practices are now risky, and practical approaches (calm responses, surveys, and steady community engagement) to protect your business. We also talk about the emotional toll of public criticism and why building genuine community trust and doing reliable, everyday work matters more than trying to game the review system. The episode mixes strategy, cautionary tales, and teacher-best practices for running a sustainable, trusted music school. In this episode: How to navigating negative reviews of your music school and strategies to approach client conflict resolution How Google’s evolving policies on reviews and rating manipulation could potentially negatively impact your lesson studio if you aren't careful The practical strategies for encouraging genuine reviews that won't get you flagged What you can do to balance your lesson studio policies, where to be flexible, and and how client education should be an ongoing initiative How review ecosystems impact SEO and your small business's reputation Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar? We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episodes on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to info@rockschoolproprietor.com with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details. -------------------------------------- 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.

  4. Jul 15

    103: How to Create Unforgettable Band Concerts -- Part 7 of Band Program Series

    This episode is part 7 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com). In this episode John shares insights on how to create memorable and effective band concert experiences that boost student retention and engagement. Learn practical tips on venue selection, student and staff preparation, audience experience, and additional touches to elevate your performances. Included: The differences between a recital and concert, and how venue selection can influence overall enjoyment of student and audience members How a well-planned event starts with clear expectations for your staff and instructors working the concert, and how that can enhance the experience for students Ways to leave parents and audience members engaged and excited about the concert experience Special touches to add to the concert checklist that students and families will love, including merch, an exciting MC, and photos. If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention. Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar? We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to info@rockschoolproprietor.com with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.   Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   ------------------------------------------ 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.

  5. Jul 8

    102: Why Your Music School's Facebook Posts Aren't Being Seen

    Organic reach for Facebook business pages has collapsed, and this episode explains what that means for music studio owners and where to focus content creation instead. In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) share insights on adapting strategies in a shifting digital landscape to maintain effective engagement and grow small businesses. They explore why your email list and website SEO are now your most valuable marketing assets, how a recent Google change may surface social posts in search and maps, and practical steps to spend less time on unpaid platform labor. In this episode: How the decline of organic social media reach has evolved over the past decade or more The impact of algorithm changes on business pages means for music schools and local services like music lessons The growing importance of owning communication channels How email marketing and SEO are still some of the most important areas of focus in growing a music lesson business     Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar? We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episodes on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to info@rockschoolproprietor.com with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details. -------------------------------------- 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.

  6. Jul 1

    101: Behavior Management in Band Class -- Part 6 of Band Program Series

    This episode is part 6 of the Building a Band Program series on the Rock School Proprietor podcast, hosted by John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com). In this episode John shares strategies for managing student behavior during band rehearsals. He explains how to address poor behavior from band members when it comes up, and how to redirect and create a positive environment that promotes musical growth and student accountability. Included: Key principles of behavior management in band rehearsals How to use personalized approaches like "The Talk" to address individual student issues How to implement group strategies such as band meetings and email communication with parents to get the behavior you need in group classes Effective use of consequences and the "five-minute break" strategy to reinforce rules The importance of clear expectations and routine for a smooth rehearsal environment with kids. If you're interested in starting a band program in your music teaching studio or looking for ideas to enhance or grow an existing program, this series is for you! In it we will cover how a band program can create a strong community in your studio, increase profit margins, and lead to greater student retention. Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar? We're planning a free live webinar to accompany this series on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on these topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to info@rockschoolproprietor.com with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details.   Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   ------------------------------------------ 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.

  7. Jun 24

    100: Q&A Episode | When an Instructor Steals Your Students

    On this Q&A episode of the Rock School Proprietor Podcast, John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York respond to a listener whose long‑time instructor left, opened a competing studio, and poached students. Now a competitor, this instructor also reused photos and reviews from the original school. They unpack what options the studio owner has, explain how copyright and DMCA takedowns can help with images, and discuss the realities and limits of enforcing non‑competes. In this episode: We celebrate 100 episodes of Rock School Proprietor podcast. The emotional impact of a former instructor poaching students and what legal recourse is possible in these situations. The steps studio owners can take in protecting intellectual property, including photos and website copy, where where reviews fit in. If non-compete agreements are enforceable in music lesson studios, and if it is in your best interest to pursue legal action if one is a non-compete contract is broken. How to handle conflicts with instructors or former instructors if they begin teaching independently outside of your studio. The hosts also cover boundary setting, trust breakdowns, practical steps to protect your business going forward, and when it’s worth pursuing legal action versus focusing on retaining and serving your own students.   Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   ------------------------------------------ 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.

  8. Jun 17

    99: Are Kids Too Busy for Music Lessons?

    Kids are busier than ever with travel sports, marching band, theater and other time-intensive activities, and it’s directly impacting private music lessons. In this episode John Kozicki (Michigan Rock School and RockSchoolProprietor.com) and Mandy York (Music Time of Milford) explore why these shifts are happening and share practical steps studio owners can take to retain student. In this episode: How kids' increasing activity load due to sports and other extracurriculars is impacting attendance and retention in private music lessons Strategies for studio owners to retain students amidst busy schedules, even when other activities demand more of their time The importance of empathy and relationship-building in student retention, even if a student needs to take time off from lessons Why the way that you communicate with clients in these situations can help or hurt your word of mouth marketing. This episode explores the increasing busyness of kids due to sports and extracurricular activities. The way in which private lesson instructors and studio owner handle these difficult situations can impact if they retain or lose students. Tune in for strategies to adapt and maintain relationships with students and parents when music lesson schedules compete with sports.   Rock School Proprietor is a podcast for independent music school owners and lesson studio operators looking to attract more students and create a sustainable business. New episodes drop Wednesdays at RockSchoolProprietor.com and on all podcast streaming platforms.   Interested in the Building a Band Program webinar? We're planning a free live webinar to accompany the Building a Band Program series of episodes on Friday, July 24, 2026. John will go deeper on the topics and answer your questions directly. If you're interested, send an email to info@rockschoolproprietor.com with the subject line Webinar and we will be in touch with details. -------------------------------------- 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.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    John Kozicki
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Rock School Proprietor Podcast

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