Musically trained, with an entrepreneur’s drive and a master’s degree in teaching:
Meet Kellie Miles, co-owner of Bach to Rock Fishers; a triple-threat dynamo propelling Bach to Rock Fishers to great heights.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I graduated from Indiana University (IU) in 2013 with a degree in gender studies, and minors in history and music studies. I went on to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching from Marian University. I spent three years as both a middle school and elementary instructor for schools in Washington Township, Indianapolis Public Schools, and Carmel Clay Schools, and simultaneously ran programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis and volunteered as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) in Marion County. In October 2018, I began working part-time as an early childhood instructor at the newly opened Bach to Rock in Carmel, Indiana. On January 1, 2019, I transitioned to become that school’s first full-time Assistant Director and held that position until we opened the Fishers location in February 2021. I am currently the Director of Bach to Rock Fishers and co-owner with Andy and Jennifer Flickner, who also own Back to Rock franchises in Carmel and Zionsville.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather started an insurance company that my father later took over and ran successfully for 36 years. My parents are my number one role models and are a constant reminder of what hard work can achieve. My family has always been an amazing source of support and encouragement.
Musically, I grew up participating in the Kokomo Children’s Choir (an iteration of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir). With them, I had opportunity to tour nationally and become classically trained as a singer. Music has always been a great passion of mine. As early as I can remember, I spent time with my dad listening to Beatles albums and exploring the music of the 60s and 70s. Through my music studies minor at IU, I took classes such as History of Rock & Roll, History of the Beatles, and History of the Beach Boys. This education solidified my love of studying music and musicians! I also received additional training as a vocalist through The Jacob’s School.
“Being around music and learning about music has always been one of my greatest sources of joy!”
Why did you choose to open a Bach to Rock school? And how did you hear about us?
I heard about Bach to Rock like most of our teachers do! I typed “jobs with kids” into a job search website. From the moment I walked into the Carmel school for my interview with Andy and Jen, I fell in love. Bach to Rock felt like the ultimate combination of all my passions and skills!
“Working with families and children, working in music and with musicians, and the opportunity to constantly be creative and making a difference in the community – was and continues to be my dream job!”
Andy, Jen, and I were a perfect team to grow Bach to Rock Carmel. The Flickners quickly became a second family to me. We constantly learn from each other to this day, and I am so grateful to know them and have them as my teammates! When Andy began talking about opening a second location, I quickly offered myself as a potential partner. The rest, as they say, is history.
How long has Bach to Rock Fishers been open?
Bach to Rock Fishers had its soft opening on February 15, 2021, and our grand opening was on March 6, 2021.
How have you made your business successful? What have been the keys to success?
“I have worked in every role that exists in a Bach to Rock school, and I love them all equally.”
I work hard and am unwilling to fail. And I love what I do. Every day I try to be a better business owner, a better manager, and a better educator. These are my guiding principles, coupled with the belief that we should be having fun and focusing on the joy of what we get to do every day!
Our administrative team has been an incredible key to our success. Co-Director, Brenna Pfeifer and Assistant Director, Andrew Weinert, are excellent leaders. From the moment the school opened, they challenged me to be a better manager and have helped create our school’s energetic and inviting culture.
I also look for teachers who strive for excellence! We have a team of instructional leads who constantly help uplift our school’s teaching standards and seek ways to better enrich our students’ experience with our school. Elliott Pryor and Rachel Mason, for instance, are a driving force in creating fabulous resources for our school whenever we need them.
What would you tell a prospective franchisee about starting a Bach to Rock school?
- Spend time in the school every day for at least the first year.
- Get to know your families, your staff, and your community!
What words of encouragement would you give?
Remember, music education is fun! Enjoy it! Follow the advice and guidelines from the Bach to Rock corporate training. And believe in what we do – it’s going to work!
Have you run into any tough spots over the time you’ve been operating the business? If so, what are they and how did you work them out?
Our toughest moments have typically been related to hiring. Our staff is primarily part-time, which can mean they will need to move on to other career opportunities. I have been highly focused on how to uplift our staff and create upward mobility within the school. This has led to higher retention and teachers that are motivated to come to work every day!
What do you enjoy most about owning/operating Bach to Rock Fishers?
Providing musicians an opportunity to work in their field. And I love the opportunity to work in mine.
“I can’t explain the gratitude I have to be surrounded by individuals who share my vision and passion for our school.”
What’s the most popular class or lesson at your school?
Piano!! (Private lessons and our Kids N Keys classes)
When you meet prospective families/students or are talking about Bach to Rock in the community, what are three key ideas that come to mind?
- Our school is focused on providing a holistic education that combines principles of theory and technique with learning to play music from all genres and eras.
- Our teachers are professional musicians who can help a student start from the beginning and go as far as they’d like with music.
- Our school provides our students and teachers with a musical community.
Tell me a little bit about the atmosphere of your school. What do you think keeps students coming back?
Our school is inviting and fun! We love our families and work every day to be the best communicators we can be. Our school provides constant opportunities for students to perform and celebrate their progress. Our teachers are excited to be at the school and are provided extensive training to ensure their success and growth as educators.
What are your goals for the future with Bach to Rock Fishers?
To continue to provide excellent music education to all our students and be an outstanding place for musicians to have a career in music.