#018: Teaching Kids, Creating Curriculums and Marketing Your Music School – Chat with Dave Simon of Kidzrock

From the early beginnings of Kidzrock, Dave Simon has been well-known in the guitar teaching and online music teaching social media circles. In this episode, he tells us about his personal experiences and journey that led him to create this very successful guitar music program for kids. In particular, we discuss how his own experiences helped shape his vision and goals for Kidzrock, how he built it, expanded it, and the most important things you need to know to help you grow your own business just like he did.

• Dave shares more about his story, building his school and his music education licensing business.
• Learning more about his program, Kidzrock, and what makes it special.
• Advice for people who are hesitant to teach kids.
• Tips for guiding your studio teachers to teach the way you want them to.
• The importance of learning improvisation for students.
• Dave tells us the process of learning under the Kidzrock program.
• He shares one story about a student who has stuck with him for a number of years.
• His hopes and goals for teaching Kidzrock.
• The expansion of Kidzrock across the globe.
• The story of why and how he sold his school.
• The importance of understanding the business side of things as music teachers.
• Tips for marketing and growing your small business.
• Book recommendations from Dave.
• The integral part that communication music and our lives.
• One final piece of wisdom for guitar and music teachers.

Books Mentioned

• Seth Godin – This is Marketing 
• Made to Stick – Chip and Dan Heath
• Donald Miller – Building a Story Brand, Business Made Simple, Marketing Made Simple. 
• Zig Ziglar Books

Guest Links

• Dave Simon’s Website
• Dave Simon’s Music Enterprise Facebook Page
• Dave Simon’s Music Enterprise Instagram

Guitar Teaching Resources Mentioned

• Free Guitar E-book Resources

Today’s Guest

Dave Simon licenses his group music classes Kidzrock/Jr. Rockerz, and Piano Jam to educators worldwide. His programs allow complete beginners to experience the ultimate musical thrill – learning and performing music in an ensemble. Dave ran and operated a music school for 17 years in St. Louis Missouri where he developed a passion for marketing. He is also the host of the business growth podcast, Music Lessons and Marketing.

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