Discover the Story behind 'Build a Music School'!
Our mission is to support music educators through our Build a Music School Membership. With resources ranging from expert coaching and personalized guidance to comprehensive online tools, we provide everything you need to grow your music school and achieve your vision.
Ready for more focused support? Join the waitlist for the first Build a Music School Accelerator intake.
JOIN THE ACCELERATOR WAITLISTWhere it started...
In the heart of Upper Hutt, nestled among the quaint charm of New Zealand’s suburban landscape, Jonny Wilson’s music school began its remarkable journey. It all started in an old shed with just 30 enthusiastic drum students. The small space was abuzz with youthful energy and rhythmic beats, setting the stage for a transformation that would ripple across the globe.
Jonny, a passionate musician and a natural teacher, faced an early challenge when his waiting list grew longer than he had anticipated. Driven by a deep-seated desire to help, he tapped into his university network, offering jobs to fellow musicians. This act of generosity marked the beginning of an expanding venture. As more teachers joined, Jonny’s vision broadened from a drum-centric school to a multi-instrumental haven.
The evolution of the school was nothing short of extraordinary. Jonny, alongside his wife Kate, managed the school’s growth with steadfast dedication. When the student base hit 600, Kate joined Jonny in the daily operations, bringing a new level of organization and insight. Together, they expanded to multi-site campuses, and the vision of a central concert and lesson venue in Wellington came to life. This venue became a cornerstone of their mission, hosting not only lessons but also the launchpad for the ‘Goodtime Foundation,’ a program dedicated to providing lessons and mentoring to at-risk students.
The music school’s influence grew exponentially. What began with a single music bus evolved into a fleet of five, bringing lessons to 30 schools across Wellington. From one teacher to a staff of 60, and from 30 students to over 2000, Jonny’s school became a beacon of musical education and inspiration. The success wasn’t just in the number of students but in the comprehensive approach to teaching: from students to teachers, managers, and eventually to music school owners around the world.
The turning point came as Jonny’s reputation as a mentor spread. Music school owners sought his guidance, recognizing his expertise in navigating the complex landscape of running a music school. This led Jonny to create the 'Build a Music School' Membership, affectionately known as the #BAMSQUAD. What started with 25 committed beta members evolved into a thriving community where Jonny shared his journey and insights, helping others avoid pitfalls and achieve their own dreams.
By the end of 2019, Jonny and Kate made the heartfelt decision to sell their school. This transition marked the end of a significant chapter but also opened doors for new opportunities.
Where it's grown to...
Among the success stories was Nick Tucker, founder of ‘Spark School of Music & Dance.’ With over 600 students and a keen eye for technical and growth strategies, Nick’s school flourished under the mentorship of Jonny and the #BAMSQUAD. In 2024, Nick and his wife Anna became co-owners of #BAM, further strengthening the community.
As Jonny’s journey continued, he recognized a growing need for personalized coaching. The introduction of the #BAMSQUAD ELITE brought a new dimension to the membership. This top-tier group offered access to over 30 coaching calls a month with industry experts, each bringing their own experiences and expertise to the table.
And now the new chapter...
Build a Music School has helped hundreds of private music teachers and music school owners grow with practical resources, real-world strategies, coaching, and community.
Now, we’re moving into a more focused 12-week accelerator model designed to help school owners implement faster, stay accountable, and get more structured support.
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What the remains true...
From a small shed in Upper Hutt to a global music community—the #BAM story stands as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a willingness to help others. The legacy of this work lives in the thriving network of #BAMSQUAD members, each one carrying forward the vision of nurturing musical talent and fostering a supportive community of music educators.
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