JCCC's Kansas Small Business Development Center helped a local small business, Music House, perform.

Sizemore, a guitarist, and Riggs, an oboist and pianist, had no formal business training when they decided to open Music House. They contacted JCCC's KSBDC in May 2006 before opening the business and worked with consultant Elisa Waldman to develop a business plan, obtain startup funding, find and lease a site and market their new business. The teachers presented a comprehensive business plan to friends and family at a formal fundraising event. Within one month their venture was fully funded and Music House was launched.

"Developing a realistic financial plan, identifying effective marketing strategies, finding quality instructors and confronting multiple legal issues were all new to us," Sizemore and Riggs said. "We continue to learn as we go along, and the KSBDC has been our most helpful resource. Elisa was essential in making sure we didn't miss any critical steps, and she has been with us every step of the way as Music House has grown."

After teaching music for a combined 15 years, Aaron Sizemore and Katrinka Riggs realized that their students were interested in more than the traditional 30-minute music lesson. In early 2006, Sizemore offered the first Rock Band Workshop to his students, and the response was overwhelming. Both teachers realized quickly that teaching performance workshops reinforced the work of private lessons while allowing students to experience a collaborative sense of accomplishment and energy. They decided to create a music school that provides an outlet for students to play the music they liked while learning to play it well. The mission of Music House is embodied in its motto: Learn, Play, Perform.

Sizemore, a guitarist, and Riggs, an oboist and pianist, had no formal business training when they decided to open Music House. They contacted JCCC's KSBDC in May 2006 before opening the business and worked with consultant Elisa Waldman to develop a business plan, obtain startup funding, find and lease a site and market their new business. The teachers presented a comprehensive business plan to friends and family at a formal fundraising event. Within one month their venture was fully funded and Music House was launched.

"Developing a realistic financial plan, identifying effective marketing strategies, finding quality instructors and confronting multiple legal issues were all new to us," Sizemore and Riggs said. "We continue to learn as we go along, and the KSBDC has been our most helpful resource. Elisa was essential in making sure we didn't miss any critical steps, and she has been with us every step of the way as Music House has grown."

By the end of 2006, Music House was offering performance workshops, classes, private instruction, recording opportunities and more. Despite their talent and training, Sizemore and Riggs credit the success of Music House to their students, whom they describe as "inspirational, talented individuals with a desire to expand their musical horizons." The teachers have created a culture and a community that revolve around performance and music appreciation.

In less than three years, Music House has built a student base of more than 350 students; the school is home to 20 professional music teachers. In January 2009, Music House expanded to a larger facility in Overland Park, featuring 5,100 square feet of custom-designed studio space and a state-of-the-art performance auditorium.

For more information about JCCC's Kansas Small Business Development Center or to make an appointment, contact ksbdc@jccc.edu or call 913-469-3878.