The Teacher Zone: Recent Episodes
Chris Bates and Tyler Marolf
The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler is a podcast dedicated to lesson and class business owners, directors and managers. If you are wanting to grow your private lesson or group class business or education based charitable organization, our show is here to help. We feature some of the best and brightest minds in Education and Business. Chris and Tyler are not only fellow learning business owners, they have also created the only whole system for our industry called TeacherZone.com.
Re-Ignite Your Lesson and Class Business
Are you ready for a reboot? Are you ready to grow again and re-ignite your business? You don't need a pandemic or New Years to re-ignite... NOW is always to good time to get out of old thinking and grow!
The FIVE Re’s
You are already AMAZING let’s REMEMBER that....
Reorganize Your Rules and Procedures
RealignYour Team and Delegate
Reconsider Your Pricing and Simplify
Respond to Market Changes Regarding Technology
Reconnect with Your Past Customers
In this episode of The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler they review the concept of stirring things up to keep things exciting and fresh for staff and students even while you have repeatable systems. There are many great examples of this as noted in "Decoding Greatness" by Ron Friedman including Marvel Movies, Apple and more.
In this episode of The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler they interview John Kozicki of Michigan Rock School and go more granular regarding the four types of characters we all play in our learning businesses. John explores role playing to help with messaging in sales and marketing to highlight the concept of Hero.
- Victim
- Villain
- Hero
- Guide
You're going to love this episode about how to role play to make sure you are most appealing in your messaging for treating students like the Hero's they are. :)
In this episode of The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler they have special Guest Brad Alexander from Clarity Creative (www.clarityalwayswins.com). We've been exploring the four types of characters we all play in our lives and how to apply those in your business.
- Victim
- Villain
- Hero
- Guide
This discussion covers how to make the the Students the Hero in your messaging and with your staff.
In this episode of The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler they explore the four types of characters we all play in our lives and how to apply those as a Guide to your Teachers and for them to convey to your students.
- Victim
- Villain
- Hero
- Guide
We believe you are an amazing Hero on a Mission for your business and also a Guide for your staff and students!
In this episode of The Teacher Zone with Chris and Tyler they explore the four types of characters we all play in our lives through Donald Miller's book "Hero on a Mission".
- Victim
- Villain
- Hero
- Guide
We believe you are an amazing Hero on a Mission for your business and also a Guide for your staff and students!
Part 4 of 4 on the Transformation Framework with Chris and Tyler. This is the Transform episode. In this episode they explore team members that are involved in implementing the most important “Transformation” strategy to ensure you are changing lives as you set out to do when you began your lesson/class business.
Part 3 of 4 on the Transformation Framework with Chris and Tyler. This is the Deliver episode. In this episode they explore team members that are involved in implementing a strong “Deliver” strategy to make the case or “proof” to customers that you are giving what you promised.
Part 2 of 4 on the Transformation Framework with Chris and Tyler. This is the Convert episode. In this episode they explore team members that are involved in implementing a strong "Convert" strategy to take new Students from a prospect to a customer.
Part 1 of 4 on the Transformation Framework with Chris and Tyler. This is the Attract episode. In this episode they explore team members that are involved in implementing a strong "Attract" strategy.
True life story!! Robbie tells all about a horrible motorcycle accident causing him to have to delegate everything in his business instantly. We talk about how we don't have to wait on tragedy to learn to start delegating NOW!
Chris and Tyler Discuss the 7 things they wish they had known when they were starting their companies.
Live are being changed. A community is being built. People cannot wait to be a part of what we are doing!
We're no longer just teaching lessons. We own the fact that we are thriving business owners!
This is where the lights come on and we remember why we started a lesson business to begin with!
Once you understand the chaos in your business you are now ready to get organized! Chris and Tyler discuss how to get organized and the benefits of implementing the right systems so you can move on to stage 3!
Chris and Tyler discuss the first stage of the series, Chaos to Culture which is chaos. We can't avoid it or go around it but there things we can do to to get out of it!
Chris and Tyler talk about the touch points of their upcoming series Chaos To Culture and the 5 stages of growth a lesson business must grow through.
Chris and Tyler have their special guest and owner of GrowYourMusicStudio.com, Daniel Patterson, on the show to discuss the 6 drivers of studio growth every business owner should know and live.
We're all working on something to make our business's better but are we ignoring anything important?
Find out how to create the business culture that you've always dreamed of with your staff and customers.
Chris and Tyler Go deep on the the fear we all get when its time to implement change so our business's can grow again! Tune in for the solutions we all need to hear including some real life current issues we're tackling now at our own music school.
Chris and Tyler discuss the different strategies the lesson business space utilizes. Tune in for some solid solutions!
Tim Topham drops in to TeacherZone headquarters to talk about creativity in our lesson business's and inside the lessons themselves!
Special Guest and owner of Rockdale Music in PA joins Tyler to discuss how new systems at his lesson business have changed everything!
Live at Winter NAMM 2019 Chris and Tyler were asked to speak at NAMM University on How to Start a Podcast! If you've been waiting start one here you go!
In this episode we have special guest Roger Chow who is a career public educator and administrator (former Curriculum Director for Tacoma Schools, Literacy Director for Denver Schools, Executive Director of Secondary Education in Pueblo). In this episode Roger talks about the best way to promote learning and bring joy back to the process. He talks about some of the bright spots that we can utilize in our lesson programs including asking questions 80% of the time. You don't want to miss these insights and more from someone who is very passionate about helping students grow.
A very special guest and episode dedicated to all of our teachers and school owners out there. Current Exercise Physiologist, Mentor, Teacher, Entrepreneur and former Navy SEAL, Jeff Nichols, shares his experience with purpose, love, mentorship, drive and more on todays episode. Jeff sheds an amazing light on his experience and we get the real deal break down of all these important attributes applied to our lesson business's in Episode 22!
Special guest Danny Thomspson joins us again for a talk on different ways to approach pricing in our lesson business's.
Chris and Tyler along with special guest, Danny Thompson from MLBA talk about solutions and action instead of excuses and paralysis within your business.
Chris and Tyler review 2018 stats at Los Rios Rock School and discuss Big Hairy Audacious Goals for 2019!
Chris and Tyler discuss how they create powerful moments and trust within their lesson business.
In this podcast Chris and Tyler interview employment law expert Holly Stamm on best practices in our lesson businesses. Have you been wondering if you should hire employees or independent contractors? This episode will help you decide.
Chris and Tyler go big on the topic of teaching vs mentoring. An episode you dont want to miss!
The Big Why at Los Rios Rock School (An in depth look into a premier performance program)
At Los Rios Rock School we have built our renown Live program over the last nine years step by step. Now we help hundreds of students play 250+ songs at over dozen professional venues per year. For more information please visit: www.LosRiosRockSchool.com or see live performances on our YouTube.
FIRST AND FOREMOST – Our Mission, Vision and Values as a culture and school are adamant upon selecting who we will enroll at our school. WIthout the right student/families the extraordinary results will not happen.
No price on website
Phone call with owner
Owner led tour designed for the student
Student Sent home to think about it and see if this is TRULY for them and are ready to truly invest into who they are and who we are as a school.
Private Mentorship is the core foundation
1 hour a week lesson private lesson program/ High Trust Mentorship
Tuition, Communication, Learning and Practice through TeacherZone
Access to live rooms during privates with multi instrumentalist instructor – working on actually playing and experiencing what they learn across from their teacher.
Learning to speak the language of music with another accelerates
Learn to count in – song structure – Good tone – good rhythm
Mentorship on how to interact with other musicians
Mentorship on how to lead or be led in jamming environments
Ultimate Gear etiquette knowledge – keeping gear in tip top shape and sounding its best
Instructors help students prepare and execute required audition video for the desired level of performance group
Jam 100 (for beginners if needed)
1 hour every saturday with RSVP available to all new students (rsvp ensures the right amount and types of instruments to work together
No live show – So no stress for the nervous students
Students already understand how to play together due to their private instruction with their teacher and live room experience
Curriculum/Songs are the audition material to get into our Jam 101 Live Performance Group
1 to 2 LRRS directors with help of advanced Jr Counselor lead the youngsters through the sections of the songs together in one of our live rehearsal rooms or stage.
Kids get to meet other kids in the same boat and level and start to form friendships
Player Audition and Selection Process – Program Director
Audition Videos to be turned into Program and Curriculum director 30 days before the next show if you’re new or you want to move to a more advanced group
VIdeos Reviewed and and results sent to the family via teacherzone
If kids do not make it their instructor is informed and starts the mission to find out why and keep moving forward to prepare for next audition.
150 students are placed into their groups. Many stay in the same groups and some move around for different reasons.
TEACHERZONE groups are created by our ops manager and the CHAT is initiated before the big meeting to get the kids ideas flowing for the next production
The BIG MEETING
(1st 45 minutes) Players and their families gather in our Lobby/Performance Venue (around 100 or so make it on average out of the 150)
Owners and Staff all on stage with a microphone welcoming everyone!
We have the Rookies come on stage with all the LRRS staff and owners and they introduce themselves to the owners. Their name, age, school, music teacher, and a fun fact (sometimes up to 20 rookies)
Then we have the veterans take the microphone and give the rookies advice. The under 12’s first and then the over 12’s
Then we review the last show season (quality, attendance, flow, etc)
Then we talk about the theme for improvement or change for the new semester. How can we be better?
SONG SELECTION
(next 60 minutes) PLAYERS THEN BREAK OFF into their groups and start the song selection meeting with their directors
They put their songs in the mix and the director adds them to a Spotify playlist
They go through each song choices played through the PA speakers and start to vote on songs
The final verdict is a 5 song jam 101 list or a 11 song 102/advanced set list
QC check on the set for vocal range, music skill level, inappropriate content etc
SMARTSHEET
Band Directors log all players into smartsheet by Song Name, Student Name, and instrument. They may be on a few different songs and a few different instruments. Maybe even a few different groups. (such as horn sections that travel to each group)
Once complete the directors give the green light to the program director.
In all private lessons the instructor searches smartsheet by that students name and EVERY project he or she was assigned to will come up with options for notes and direct line item project updates from band director to private instructor and vice versa.
Charts and music are gathered or made by private instructors and assigned in TEACHERZONE
Students practice all required material through teacherzone at home and with their instructor in the live rooms or private offices
Jam 101, 102, Advanced, Classic Album Series
Jam 101 –
List Audition examples——->
7 to 10 students per group (guitar/bass/keys/drums/vocals/back up vocals)
1 hour rehearsal with a Director and Jr Counselor every Saturday (CLOSED 1st SATURDAY)
They pick their own 3 to 5 songs with their directors help
Each player plays on at least 2 of the songs especially the one they chose
Director QC’s the song list (no swearing, or inappropriate content, and especially making sure the players are within the songs skill level to succeed.
Average about 9 to 11 rehearsals
Perform at the BIG SHOW! Pro show Real Venue Friday or Saturday nights
Jam 102
List audition examples
15 to 20 students
11 songs chosen by the group
2 hour rehearsals Saturdays (closed 1st Saturday)
Two band Directors
9 to 11 rehearsals
QC set list
Perform the Big Show
Advanced Groups
List audition examples
15 to 20 students
11 songs chosen by the group
2 hour rehearsals Saturdays (closed 1st Saturday)
Two band Directors
9 to 11 rehearsals
QC set list
Perform the Big Show
Chris and Tyler Podcast on site at Summer NAMM 2018! They jump into the topic of identifying and creating relationships with the leaders in your community to help your business thrive even more than before! Special guest Warren Huart from Produce like a pro and special mention of Chris Bates interview with the President of NAMM and Canadian Music Lesson Power House Cosmo Music!
Chris and Tyler dig into some of the different threats within our industry and talk about how to eliminate them!
Chris Bates and Tyler Marolf go deep into culture strategies that improve rentention within our business's. Learn new ways to hold on to your students and staff longer!
Chris Bates and Tyler Marolf dive into the secrets of Sales and Marketing in thier very succesful performance academy and lessons studio. Hear about the road they took to get Los Rios Rock School from $300k to $900k from 2013 to 2017.
Roles and Org Charts PART 1 of 3
Creating a Lesson Business that Lasts!
Our goal is that we all continue to love what we do and have the life we’ve always dreamed of. We essentially have the best “lifestyle” business imaginable. Most people are very jealous of us (if they only knew)
Three part podcast...
What does creating a lasting business look like?
Part 1: Roles (Organizational Chart)
1 Roles Necessary at our Studios
Mandatory things to implement with staff to create a lasting business:
Write it down = Contracts, Technology
Stay Connected = Monthly Meeting
Teamwork = Delegate, NO GOSSIP
School Roles:
Vision and Hiring (Tyler and Chris)
Big Challenges (Tyler and Chris)
Sales and Marketing (Tyler and Chris)
Metrics (Tyler and Chris)
Delegated
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Program Director
Director of Curriculum
Office Manager
Inventory Control
Facilities Manager
Janitorial
This is a very deep podcast with a very real subject. Join Chris and Tyler on their journey through the darkest day in the history of their music school and the solutions they had in place to overcome.
Putting Students First - Top 10 Ways
Attendance (Are students showing up?)
Reminders (How are we reminding them about a lesson, practice..etc.?)
In Lesson (What are we doing to make sure our lessons are impactful?)
Practice (How are we encouraging and monitoring practice?)
Family Involvement (Are we engaging and involving the families?)
Purchases (What are we encouraging them to buy/lease on their journey?)
Communication (How are we talking with them outside a lesson?)
Flipped Learning (Are you giving students direct access to the knowledge when they’re not with you?)
Community (How are you creating a community for your School?)
Performance (Are you doing everything you can make performances special for your students?)
Chris Bates is on location with Dave Simon the owner and creator of Kidz Rock, Jr. Rockerz and Dave Simons Rock School in St Louis, Missouri
Warren talks with us about how his and other artists he has produced success was not just luck! Owner and star of Produce Like a Pro and also a multi-platinum producer, Warren Huart gives it to us straight about producing, coaching, teaching, motivating and so much more in this episode. Join us for one of the most colorful conversations yet on The TeacherZone with Chris and Tyler.
Chris and Tyler have the Executive Director of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Rob Max, on Episode 5 of The TeacherZone. Rob Max is an extraordinary guest who's passion is to help musicians through this amazing organization. Hear amazing stories, history and strategies Rob and his team use to move the Sweet Relief Charity through the last 9 years of success. Truly a great work. Please go to SweetRelief.org to learn more or donate.
Chris and Tyler, podcast hosts and owners of TeacherZone.com go into depth on their mission to help connect music schools, teachers and people all over the world so they can play more music. Hear details on Chris's extensive global software background and how he and Tyler not only play in a band together, but also have joined forces to make this mission come to life.
Chris and Tyler talk with Special guest Scott Duffy about the strategies and layers to launching and growing your music school or teaching business.
Chris and Tyler talk with special guest, Dr. Clinton Haycraft, about the ins and outs of getting Southern California music school, Los Rios Rock School, accredited.
In this episode of The Teacherzone, Chris and Tyler speak with Danny Thompson owner of Music Factory School of Music and Drummer of OC punk band Face To Face about brand identity, marketing, authenticity and purpose within your school or business's story. Danny, Chris and Tyler go deep in to two different Music Schools stories and discuss the strategies behind their success.
Teacherzone.com
theMusicFactoryOC.com
LosRiosRockSchool.com
TZpodcast.com