Music Academy Success® Podcast

With the evolution of the internet there's been a lot of coaching programs formed for music school owners. But since 2008 Music Academy Success® has emerged as the world's largest and most established. On this podcast we interview three current Music Academy Success® (MASS) members on how they think MASS compares to other programs. So if you're looking forward to an honest insider's look into how MASS can help you grow and build your music school you'll want to listen to this asap. Not all coaching programs are the same. So enjoy this podcast as we pull back the curtain and examine the opinions of current MASS members as to why it's their #1 choice for coaching.

If you want to grow your studio by 10 students, 100 students or 1,000 you can't miss this podcast with Valencia Giles, Director of the Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music (Atlanta, Georgia). She has an amazing and compelling story to tell. On this podcast you'll learn how she gained the confidence and skills to go from teaching in her home, to owning one of the largest music schools in Georgia. A true "Teacher's Teacher" she's taken her students to perform at Carnegie Hall and the Fox Theater in Atlanta. She has created her own teaching materials and is a powerhouse entrepreneur that any music teacher / studio owner can learn from. Be sure to listen to this podcast twice and take lots of notes so you can follow in her foot steps of success!

Sam Beckford is a legend and pioneer in the music and dance school industry. Since 2003 he has coached almost 2,000 music and dance schools to greater success. He has now retired from coaching and is focused on his cutting edge software Studio Auto Pilot ( www.StudioAutoPilot.com ). Tune in to this podcast to learn about Sam's amazing history as one of the world's leading business coaches. Hear his thoughts on the state on commercial real estate for music school owners. And also his endorsement of Music Academy Success® as his top recommendation for those looking for a coaching program and what lead him to that decision. Sam says... "When I decided to retire from studio business coaching to focus 100% of my effort on my online registration software, I made an announcement that shocked more than a few people. I recommended my long-time competitor Marty Fort as the new coach they should use. There are a bunch of people running around claiming to have the answers to help your business. Some don't even actually run studios anymore. Marty is the guy who has the real experience, wisdom and ethics to really help you reach your goals. If you are on the fence about getting involved with a coaching program, rest assured you are making the right choice with Marty." Sam Beckfor - Creator StudioAutoPilot.com

If you're looking for some inspiration to grow your music studio, this is the podcast you've been waiting for. Check out the latest version of the Music Academy Success® (MASS) podcast with MASS national school of the year award winner Camille Hastings. She's the Director of Leading Note Studios in San Diego California. On this podcast you'll learn how she's able to have an amazing work life balance as a Mom, wife, musician, teacher and entrepreneur. Camille digs deep and share her story and tips for growing your music school to multiple locations while still having a life. A true creative spirit, always making cool new things for her business, you cannot afford to not hear her story so you can use her techniques in your music studio.

Music Academy Success® is an international program with members on six continents. Our Canadian clients have had an especially tough year with COVID and very strict lock downs. No matter where you are in the world, if you want to get some insight into perseverance to grow your business, this podcast is for you. Despite all of the odds, James has grown his school during this unprecedented time and is experiencing record sales. If you're ready to get your enrollment back (and quick) this podcast will give you many tools you can use for your music school (or any business). More about James Franczek... James Franczek is one of the most sought-after guitar and fiddle teachers in Southern Ontario Canada. He owns and operates the Academy of Music in Oakville and Georgetown Ontario and can be seen performing his driving Celtic Fiddle tunes in local pubs and events. Although James prefers to perform close to home he has been featured at a variety of festivals throughout Canada and the US and has joined with music industry leaders to perform at Steinway Hall in NYC. James is also the founder and director of the Oakville Celtic Fiddle Orchestra. The OCFO is a 40-piece fiddle orchestra that was created to bring like minded Celtic musicians and enthusiasts together to learn and perform traditional Celtic music from Scotland, Ireland, and Cape Breton Island Canada. During his time as the orchestra conductor the orchestra has raised over $30,000.00 for local charities through bi-annual concerts and other events. In 2016 James launched the Canadian operation of the Musical Ladder System. Along with Musical Ladder System creator and US operator Marty Fort, James continues to support music school owners throughout North America by giving them powerful tools to keep their students engaged in music and staying in lessons longer. In addition to his performance and business schedule James loves to spend time with his wife and two sons and has spent several years as a councillor in a local Cadet program.

An amazing family story...The Rios family owns and operates one of California's largest performing arts schools with over 1,000 students. On this podcast you'll hear about their journey as a family, continuing their father's piano teaching legacy. If you want to get an insight on how a family business can run at the very highest level, achieving financial and artistic success, be sure to check out this podcast! MORE ABOUT THE RIOS FAMILY Siblings Francis, Teresa, and Augustina Rios have spent their entire lives in the music school business. Students, recitals, and workshops were everyday surroundings growing up with their father’s piano studios. Being the children of a pianist -performer and educator Dr. Robert Rios, the siblings began contributing to the schools at a very young age. From folding programs and emceeing on stage to eventually making phone calls and teacher assisting, there was always something to do –all while still enjoying their childhood. Upon the passing of their father -after a nine-year battle with cancer, the Rios siblings and their mother Thuy were left with a functioning but crippled business. It was up to them to revive what was once a prospering staple in the community. The school, however, was not the only thing the family had to attend to. Everyone had their own lives, and losing their father and husband was enough disruption on its own. The siblings would have to decide if they wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps. A few years later, the commitment was made. In 2016, the trio formed Multiriver Studios, LLC in pursuit of taking Dad’s legacy to whole new levels. The now “Siblings in Business” learned to work together and build a strong team, but they were still in need of specific music school business guidance. They found Marty Fort and his Music Academy Success System. After implementing many key strategies, the Rios’s took the now named Westminster Arts Academy from an active enrollment of 300 to 1000 in just three years with the program. Quickly becoming one of the largest single location art schools in Southern California, in 2019, Westminster Arts Academy was awarded the National Music School of the Year, and as a result, appeared on the cover of the Los Angeles Times. Francis, Teresa, and Augustina don’t plan on slowing down. Plans to open up more locations are in the works.

Want to know how to go from zero students to 4,000? Then this podcast is one you cannot afford to miss. Director of the Vivaldi Music Academy in Houston, Texas, Zeljko Pavlovic gives an amazing interview detailing his journey from humble beginnings to multi million dollar music schools. An accomplished violinist and Bosnian refugee, he has literally lived the American Dream and on this podcast he shares how he got there. Whether you have five students or 500, you can learn a lot from his story. More about Zeljko Pavlovic, Founder and CEO of Vivaldi Music Academy His North American debut performance of the Mendelssohn violin concerto with the Frisco Symphony Orchestra received great acclaim as being “reminded of Fritz Kreisler, there was such natural elegance in Pavlovic’s playing” (The San Francisco Classical Voice). With his father as his greatest musical influence and a musical heritage that spans two hundred years in his family, Mr. Zeljko Pavlovic began his music education at the age of 3 in Sarajevo, Bosnia. After leaving his hometown, Mr. Pavlovic went on to study at the University of Novi Sad Academy of Arts at the early age of 16 as one of the youngest students. He earned his master’s degree in violin performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Liege, Belgium and won several national and international competitions throughout his career. As a recitalist, he has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Having developed an equal passion for orchestral playing, Mr. Pavlovic was appointed Associate Concertmaster of Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic. He performs regularly with the Houston Symphony and was honored to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City and in the United Kingdom HD Odyssey Tour. In addition he has had the privilege of sharing the stage with the Houston Symphony in performances of legends such as Tony Bennett, Lang Lang, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Emanuel Ax, Yo Yo Ma, Smokey Robinson, and Andrea Boccelli. Having seen first hand the positive impact of music on individuals and communities and as the Founder and CEO of Vivaldi Music Academy, Mr. Pavlovic offers innovative and engaging music programs and serves on various the Board of Directors. Mr Pavlovic was recently named as an honoree for Houston Business Journal's 40 under 40 Class of 2015 and Most Admired CEO in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his two very energetic young children. Author of "Failure Is Not An Option: My Story of Business, Survival, And Success in Life" Pavlovic shares his life story after his incredible escape from war-torn Bosnia and subsequent arrival in the United States to the opening Vivaldi Music Academy in 2013. The school became an overnight sensation, and since then it has grown into one of the largest music schools of its kind. His unique business acumen has earned him international attention—and now he is telling that story in his own words. About Vivaldi Music Academy Vivaldi Music Academy has been setting a new standard of music education for the past eight years, and has earned numerous accolades along the way— including National Music School of the Year in 2014, Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies list three years in a row, and is one of Houston Business Journal’s 100 fastest growing companies in a three year streak.

Starting from small beginnings with just 60 students, educator, entrepreneur and author Dr. Talonda Thomas exploded her business to 700 students. Check out this podcast to learn more about her background in public education and her transition into small business success. The New York metro area was hit hard by COVID, but no challenge slowed her down as she led her school, teachers and staff on the path to restoration. Dr. Talonda Thomas is an author, musician, educator, public school administrator, business owner, and marketing consultant. She got her start in business at the age of twenty-one, marketing music lessons from her New York City apartment to avoid eviction. After receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from the Crane School of music, Dr. Talonda went on to earn two Master’s and a Ph.D. in education while working as a middle school chorus teacher. In addition, she serves as a public-school music administrator overseeing vocal and instrumental programs in Long Island, NY. In addition to serving the public schools of New York, Dr. Talonda is the owner of the award-winning New York Musician’s Center (NYMC) in Bellmore, NY. NYMC is New York’s premier academy serving more than 700 students each week through private music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, and more! In addition, NYMC has been recognized locally as the best music school music school on Long Island along with winning the Music Academy Success System™ national school of the year award in 2015. Dr. Talonda Thomas is the author of the best-selling book Screw the Business Plan, the Best of Long Island #1 award-winning business coach to local small business owners, and a mom of 19-year-old sons Malachi and 12-year-old Julien. In addition, she is the founder of the Dr. Talonda Thomas Foundation, Inc, providing educational scholarships and mentorship to at-risk children.

On this edition of the Music Academy Success® podcast, we feature Tim Benson, Director of the Music Academy of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. Tim is also the CEO of two marketing service companies Phone Score which offers mystery shopping services and Net Secore which helps businesses with their SEO and online marketing. Tune in to hear how Tim navigated his school successfully through COVID and how you can do the same. Tim is candid and tells his story of taking guitar lessons as a child, going to college, his first teaching job and the founding of his school which now has over 500 students. More about Tim Benson TIM BENSON IS A MUSICIAN, ENTREPRENEUR, MARKETING CONSULTANT AND PHONE SALES ADVISOR. Tim received a B.M in guitar performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and was the college of the arts graduate of the year in 2000. Tim has gone on to tour with several music groups and shared the stage with various major label artists from all over the U.S. In addition to his musical projects he owns and operates one of the largest music schools in South Louisiana; The Music Academy of Acadiana, which specializes in private music lessons for piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, brass and woodwinds. The school was awarded the Music Academy Success System™ national school of the year award in 2014 and has been a top finalist in the local best music school competition since 2015. Tim also launched PhoneScore in 2018 which specializes in business secret shop “mystery” phone calls that helps business owners audit their incoming customer calls. Through this service, businesses all over the U.S. have been able to monitor their front desk staff phone etiquette, improve their salesmanship and also can role-play with PhoneScore to achieve better call results. Another venture that Tim has launched is called NetScore which focuses on digital marketing for small businesses; website creation, social media advertising, Google search ranking and graphic design. Founded in 2019, it has quickly become the go-to company for small businesses looking to improve their online marketing visibility. Tim is also a diamond level coach in the internationally acclaimed music coaching program, the Music Academy Success System™ (MASS). Through this system, Tim has been able to implement and improve his own businesses while being a coach / mentor to other music schools business owners across the world.