John Kozicki is a musician, a songwriter, and a music fan. He’s taught hundreds of students all across the country. Some have found success in the music industry through touring and recording ventures, while others have found a fulfilling hobby in playing and performing music. In all of his students though, he’s learned that their individual interests and enjoyment are just as important to the learning process as the content.
John began teaching guitar and songwriting full-time in 2004 when he moved from Michigan to Colorado to teach at the Denver School of Music. While in Denver he found that encouraging his students to perform resulted in increased motivation, greater longevity in lessons, and ultimately a greater understanding of their instrument and music in general. In the years that followed he began integrating things like open mic performances, instructed band rehearsals, and other interactive performance opportunities into his teaching. In 2008 John moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and established Music & Rock School. As the owner of the studio John was able to develop an environment focused on performance and band/ensemble work where students performed and rehearsed in groups on a regular basis. As the owner of Music & Rock School, John oversaw a roster of nearly 150 students with the help of the most talented instructors in the Raleigh/Durham area, and established Music & Rock School as the area’s top music school. Under John’s guidance, in 2012 Music & Rock School was honored with a Diamond Award from Cary Living Magazine, voted “Best Place to Expand Your Horizons.” He was also an active member of the Apex Downtown Business Association in Apex, North Carolina. In 2011 he cofounded the Apex Jazz and Music Festival (now Apex Music Festival). At the end of 2013 Kozicki decided to move back to Michigan to raise his kids closer to family. While he no longer runs Music & Rock School, the studio and programs he established continue under the leadership of two of the school’s senior instructors. In early 2014 John set out to establish a similar musical environment in Oakland County, and Michigan Rock School was born.
As a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Kozicki has been performing and studying music for over 25 years. He has performed, toured and recorded with independent and major label acts, and as a solo performer. In addition to his music career, John holds a degree in marketing from Oakland University. He has used those skills working for a public relations firm, a non-profit organization, even a skate park, but the office life just didn’t suit him. He’s much happier making his living teaching people how to rock out.