Jessica Schatz is an entrepreneur on the way up; she wasted no time turning her concept of launching a music academy into a reality. Expressions Music Academy now works with 1,400 students across three different locations. With determination and ambition driving her success, Schatz was inspired to take a bold leap just a few months after graduating college. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident from a young age, displayed through acts such as organizing and mentoring others throughout her formative years.
Jessica Schatz’s determination and ambition were clear when she opened the Novi Piano Academy in 2009, just months after graduating from Rochester College. With only three students in tow, Schatz wasted no time as her business quickly grew to 18 students by December of that year. Despite the daunting task ahead of her, Schatz was not deterred, often talking with her father, Mark, to remain inspired and motivated. It was during one such conversation, in the basement of their home while preparing for a family Christmas party, that Mark encouraged his daughter to take a bold leap and pursue something greater – which eventually resulted in the birth of Expressions Music Academy.
Fast forward to today, and Expressions Music Academy is a thriving business with three locations in Novi, Troy, and Plymouth-Canton. In addition to having 85 teachers employed as independent contractors, Expressions also has eight employees helping keep operations running smoothly. Beyond the traditional instruments such as voice, piano, brass, strings, and woodwinds, Expressions reaches an impressive 1,400 students. With plans for a fourth location in the works for next year, Jessica Schatz’s dream of bringing music education to even more people is becoming a reality.
Early Leadership Qualities
Jessica had no prior experience in entrepreneurship before launching Expressions, but she has always been passionate about it and had a leaning toward it. Even as a youngster, she displayed leadership qualities by organizing her sisters into structured activities, creating gifts for people, developing shows for extended family, or putting together Olympic tournaments for the neighborhood kids. She has always enjoyed coaching and mentoring others, showing a natural aptitude for leading others.
To ensure she was adequately prepared for her venture, she read numerous books and attended a seminar. She also utilized the internet as a resource to research other studios, learn about their programs, policies, and rates, and even explore facility photos.
Customer Service and Quality of Instruction
Expressions Music Academy is uniquely distinguished from other music schools by its exemplary customer service and quality of instruction. Its organizational systems and structures create a consistent service experience for all parents and students, which is not the industry standard. Expressions is proud to have a team of highly credentialed and experienced teachers who possess outstanding personalities to ensure a positive student experience.
Additionally, the school offers many unique opportunities such as monthly recitals, competitions, and events along with its Level Up student motivation program.
Expansion Plans
The team at Novi has had an impressive track record of success, so when they chose their second and third locations they made sure to pick communities that shared similar demographics, schools, and household income. With a target student range of 3-year-olds up to retired adults, their most common age range is between 6-10. The growth plans include opening a fourth location in 2019 (city TBD) and potentially other off-site locations in different states. It is clear that the team at Novi has big ambitions and will continue to strive for further success.
Overcoming Challenges
Jessica has faced several challenges along the way as both a creative entrepreneur and business owner. From personnel issues to legal issues, landlord problems to facility-related issues, no challenge has been too great for this individual. When opening their second location in Troy, their staff in Novi called in a panic about a pipe burst flooding the whole 5,000-square-foot building. Despite the difficulty, she rallied the parents and students to help in controlling the flood, proving that no challenge is too difficult to overcome.
January of 2014 was a trying time for the team, as they arrived to survey the damage that was done. Despite the hardship, the team persevered and eventually managed to launch the second location – an accomplishment that should be celebrated.
The Power of Systems
Advice from successful entrepreneurs for those looking to open their businesses often includes never giving up through the hard times, but one unique perspective to keep in mind is the power of systems. It is essential to set up a business with scalability and automation in mind, which will lead to consistency of service and growth potential. This is an incredibly useful tip for anyone looking to open their own business.
Today, Jessica Schatz and Expressions Music Academy are a beautiful testament to the power of taking bold leaps and dreaming big. Within a very short time, Expressions is now providing music education to 1,400 students across its three locations with a fourth in the works for the coming year. Having conquered many obstacles along the way, the success story of Expressions Music Academy stands as an inspiration to anyone wanting to follow their ambitions and prove that anything is possible.
