From Solo Teacher to Mega Music School: Kelly Kennedy's Insane Journey

In the South Island of New Zealand, a remarkable story of entrepreneurship, passion, and perseverance has unfolded. Kelly Kennedy, a mother of two and once a piano teacher with just 25 students in her spare bedroom, has transformed her modest beginnings into a music school empire. Today, the Kennedy School of Music boasts 700 students, 15 staff members, and a reach that extends to 14 schools in the local area.

A Vision Born from Necessity 

Kelly's journey began with the birth of her first child. Needing someone to teach her students during her maternity leave, she enlisted the help of musical friends. This simple act of delegation became the catalyst for what would evolve into a full-fledged music school.

"I started my music school because I noticed a gap in the market," Kelly explains, her eyes lighting up with passion. "There was a need for contemporary music education that brought children together in small groups, offering performance opportunities and band programs. At the time, there was nothing that allowed children to come together and move through a curriculum in a way that they could share with others."

From Spare Bedroom to Commercial Space

The growth of Kelly's vision was organic but deliberate. From teaching in her home, she moved operations to a local church, renting rooms and hauling equipment in and out each day. This intermediate step allowed for growth while keeping overhead costs low.

"Once we were there, I started to bring in new tutors who could offer tuition in different instruments," Kelly recalls. "I created a simple Facebook page, jumped on Vistaprint and created my own logo. It was a starting point that allowed us to build a following."

Explosive Growth and Overcoming Challenges

Kelly's school experienced explosive growth, expanding from 180 to 700 students in a short period. This remarkable achievement came with its own set of challenges, particularly in areas where her music education hadn't prepared her. It was during this time that Kelly discovered the Build a Music School program and became part of the #BAMSQUAD, which would prove essential in her journey.

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"One of the biggest challenges for me moving into business was not knowing what I didn't know," Kelly admits. "I went to university and studied music, but I didn't study business. There were a lot of things I had to learn around accounting, business strategies, management, and leadership. It was a very big learning curve."

Kelly found support in the #BAMSQUAD, a community of music school owners facing similar challenges. "Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who understood my vision was crucial," she says. "The Build a Music School program and the #BAMSQUAD provided a structured approach to growth and a community that celebrated wins and shared advice. It was a game-changer."

The Importance of Community and Support

Despite the challenges, Kelly's success story is not just about numbers. It's about creating a community where everyone feels valued and connected. "For us, it's not just about music lessons," she emphasizes, her voice filled with warmth. "It's about providing a space where everybody feels part of a community and is valued for who they are."

This sense of community extends to her involvement with the #BAMSQUAD. "Being part of the #BAMSQUAD means you're never alone in your journey," Kelly explains. "Whether you're facing a difficult decision or celebrating a milestone, there's always someone who understands exactly what you're going through."

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly shares some valuable lessons and advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps:

• Don't wait for the perfect moment: "There is never going to be the perfect time to start your music school. All your ducks do not have to be in a row. Just get started."
• Invest in yourself: "Start with the things that you're good at, and invest in yourself to become good at the things that you don't necessarily have a lot of knowledge or experience in yet."
• Pay attention to finances: "Not paying enough attention to my finances was one of my biggest mistakes. It's crucial to know what's actually happening with your school's finances to allow for proper scaling."
• Track student retention: "Not tracking how many students were coming in and dropping out each month was another mistake. Implementing a tracking system allowed us to follow up with students and significantly improve retention."
• Embrace delegation: "Learning to delegate was crucial. Put in place training and procedures to ensure that standards are always going to be high regardless of who's implementing the task."
• Join a supportive community: "Becoming part of the #BAMSQUAD has been invaluable. The support and shared knowledge have accelerated my growth and helped me avoid common pitfalls."

A Day in the Life of Kelly Kennedy

 Kelly's typical day starts early, balancing family responsibilities with the demands of running a successful business. As a mother of two children, aged 13 and 10, she prioritizes being present for her kids while managing her thriving school.

"I'm up early two days a week so I can be at work by seven," Kelly shares. "The other three days, it's school lunches, uniforms, breakfast, getting the house sorted, and the kids off to school before I head to work."

Kelly meets with her leadership team every Monday to discuss goal-oriented aspects of the school, from teacher training and mentorship programs to curriculum development and community sponsorships. She credits the strategies learned through the Build a Music School program and shared by fellow #BAMSQUAD members for helping her structure these meetings effectively.

"I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do drink tea," Kelly adds with a laugh, giving a glimpse into her daily routine. "Then I'll be back to check my emails, look at the profit and loss forecast, and ensure we're on budget, on schedule, and on track."

As Kelly continues to grow her music school, she remains committed to her original vision of making music education accessible and engaging for all. Her story serves as an inspiration not just to aspiring music school owners, but to entrepreneurs in all fields.

"I love working for myself," Kelly concludes”The ability to leverage my time as a business owner, to be present for my kids when they need me, and to make a difference in the community – these are the things that drive me. As just a solo music teacher, I don't believe that I would be able to have the same impact or provide the same opportunities."

From a spare bedroom to a thriving music school with hundreds of students, Kelly Kennedy's journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and community. As she continues to inspire both students and aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is clear: with passion, dedication, and the right support anyone can turn their musical dreams into a thriving reality.

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