Today we’d like to introduce you to David Rhodes.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After finishing my Master’s degree at CalArts, I was driving around to many student’s homes teaching piano lessons. My teaching schedule kept getting busier and busier, and I realized that I was at a point where I was spending more time in my car than I was teaching.
I found a small office on Larchmont Blvd. I chose it because it was very much in the middle of where my drive-to clients were, and I wanted (and hoped) they would all continue with me. Almost all of them did.
As my small one-person operation grew (I was up to 55 private students per week at one point), I expanded in the office building twice to gain more rooms and add more instruments and teachers.
I quickly outgrew the office building and moved up the street into our current location in the heart of Larchmont Village. We outgrew that space within a year and had to knock out a wall to add more rooms.
We now have nine instruction studios, 40 staff, and 550 students.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been mostly smooth. The biggest struggle for me was learning how to run a business really well. You see, I am a musician at heart and the skills required for business were not inherent. I had to read a lot of books, attend seminars, and get coaching to ensure the school would be the best it can be.
Running a business in California is very difficult, and there were many obstacles that I didn’t know how I would overcome. After many panicky and overwhelming situations, I began to learn that those panicky and overwhelming situations are just a natural part of running a business and remaining calm and staying focused will help you get through them.
My business skills improved dramatically, and my business mindset is always improving and allowing me to face larger challenges to ensure we are providing an exceptional experience to our clients while continuing our growth.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rhodes School of Music – what should we know?
I am a pianist and composer, although I don’t to as much of that as I would like as the school requires a lot of attention. I also teach piano a couple of days per week.
We specialize in private one-on-one music lessons for almost every instrument. Our individual approach to each student and their families have really set us apart. We don’t just work with students, we work with her or his family as much as possible to foster a greater love for music.
I hire teachers who are of a very specific demeanor. Teachers that I know are both experts at what they do, but also have warm and inclusive energy making sure the environment is always welcoming and is a place people love to visit and hang out.
I want every parent’s interaction with every teacher, front desk staff, and myself to be a positive, feel-good experience. Music is supposed to feel good and be a positive experience. I want the musical experience to be felt by all who interact with us.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve been encouraged and supported by friends and family to keep moving forward with my goals and with the school. Running a business takes an army. Opening myself up to the experience and wisdom of others was a game changer.
Getting business coaching, working with a financial advisor, lawyers, Facebook groups, newsletters, books, blogs, and many other resources have given me the skills to move the school to its current level and beyond.
My musical training was also of great benefit. I was able to apply the process of learning an instrument for running a business. I had to find great business teachers and be open to their methods, business acumen, and advise. When I realized that running a business doesn’t have to be a do-it-yourself operation, I grew very quickly.
It must also be mentioned that our clients are tremendously supportive of all we do. Their referrals and confidence in us is partially responsible for our quick growth.
Pricing:
- $176 per month for 30-minute lessons (one per week)
- $264 per month for 45-minute lessons (one per week)
- $352 per month for 60-minute lessons (one per week)
Contact Info:
- Address: 215 N. Larchmont Blvd. Unit C Los Angeles, CA 90004
- Website: https://rhodesschoolofmusic.com
- Phone: 323-522-4888
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rschoolofmusic/
- Facebook: facebook.com/rhodeschoolofmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/rschoolofmusic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rhodes-school-of-music-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Christopher Bordeaux
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