Music, Maestro, Please!

In this segment of our newsletter, we’ll take a look at how the

world of franchising and the world of music interact. There are

many types of businesses which involve music and some use

franchising as their business model.

Music Instruction

Today, many people want music lessons and training for their

children or themselves! The advantage of franchising such

services is that name recognition can often attract clients.

The Ontario Conservatory Of Music has been training aspiring

musicians since 1939 and has expanded, through franchising, for

over 40 years. They can therefore offer their franchisees the

advantages which come with a known, recognized and respected

name. The Ontario Conservatory Of Music has 30 locations across

southern Ontario in Canada.

Wendy’s Music is an Australian company who currently have three

franchised locations in that country but are actively seeking

franchisees to further expand their operations. They offer music

instruction, rent and sell instruments and provide music for

churches.

Playtime Piano Corps recently began franchising after its owners,

a husband-and-wife team of piano teachers, found there was a

greater demand than they could comfortably handle themselves!

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, their main area of expertise is

teaching piano to children. They hope to expand throughout the

U.S.

Record Sales
CD Warehouse, Inc. sells used CD’s through a worldwide chain of

franchised stores located across four continents. Although most

cities have one or more dealers in used CD’s, this chain has the

advantage of name recognition. Even though much music today is

exchanged over the Internet there is still a demand for used

CD’s, especially those no longer in print!

Kids’ Juke Box franchisees operate kiosks in shopping centers or

at portable locations which can be set up at special events. All

they require is a current computer with a CD-RW drive (”CD

burner”) and the hardware to print and attach labels to them.

Franchisees are supplied with copyrighted songs and software

which enable the CD’s they create to be personalized with

children’s names. This is something which sells well to many

parents today!

Instrument Sales
Music Go Round franchisees sell musical instruments (both new and

used) and offer musicians the opportunity to search all their

locations for some specific instrument, amplifier or piece of

musical gear. This is a definite advantage for all involved for

musicians are often very particular about wanting a specific

item! Music Go Round operates 41 locations across the U.S. and is

known as the “Worlds Largest Used Musical Instrument Dealer.”

Music services
Complete Music operates over 100 franchised locations across the

U.S. and Canada. Its franchisees provide “deejay” services for

special events such as weddings, parties and corporate functions.

The firm trains its franchisees who then can (but are not

obligated to) purchase equipment and recordings from the parent

company. Since most companies of this type are local, one-person

operations with small budgets for promotion (if any), Complete

Music gives its franchisees a definite advantage when it comes to

advertising and name recognition.