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Our Monkey Music franchisees come from many different backgrounds but all share a passion for music, education and young children. They have all dreamt of running their own successful businesses and are all naturally self motivated and highly ambitious. Once part of the team, franchisees tend to stay with Monkey Music for a long time. This is a clear indication of the success of Monkey Music rewarding everyone involved. Amongst out team we have former teachers, child minders, West End stars, chartered accountants, ballet dancers, classical musicians and fashion gurus......who are you and where do you fit in ?!
What are the requirements to become a Monkey Music franchisee ?
Please note that it is not necessary to have any formal qualifications in music or teaching as full training is provided initially and on an ongoing basis. If the Monkey music concept appeals to you and you possess the qualities above, then Monkey Music could be the opportunity you are looking for. See below to learn more about some of our franchisees or click onto the details of individual franchisees in the venues section of this website www.monkeymusic.co.uk/venues.
What is your career background? My background has been entirely business orientated. I started working for the family business and progressed through recruitment into sales, marketing and business development. My final position was as a Business Development Director for an award winning interactive design consultancy in London. I have always been a keen singer and attended Drama College many moons ago. Monkey Music met all my needs as an individual and single mother and it has been the best decision I have made. How did you first hear about Monkey Music and the franchise opportunities available? I was introduced to Monkey Music as a parent when my daughter was just 3 months old. I absolutely loved it and really looked forward to our classes together. Only when I realised how impossible my situation was to maintain, juggling my profession and everything involved in being a single mother, did I investigate the franchise opportunities with Monkey Music. I chose Edinburgh since it made sense for me to work in an area that I knew really well. Another factor was Monkey Music's award from the British Franchise Association. All things considered, I realised how interesting this company was and what the possibilities could be should I join the team. From a business development point of view it was essential to me that Monkey Music had a proven track record. How often do you work? In my first year of business I haven't really allowed myself that much time out of the office or off, but that is my personal choice. This role is my key focus and by putting in the hard work at the beginning it should help the business in the long run. I started teaching 3 days a week but that developed in the second term to teaching 4 days per week and having 2 half days in the office. I am now exploring working with a teacher and look forward to this new challenge. How does the job fit around your family life? Very well. The classes only operate during the academic term, although I also do holiday workshops which helps income. I work in the evenings mostly and try very hard not to do very much during the weekends. Do you get support/training? There is training throughout the year at Head Office, which is an excellent opportunity to meet other franchisees and teachers and hear about how they do it. I also have direct contact with specialist support at HQ when I need it. In addition, the franchise manager at HQ supports me day to day with queries regarding business development and is great to bounce ideas off or ask questions. How many classes do you run? I started running 6 classes a week and working in 2 nurseries and that has developed over a year to running 16 classes and working in 5 nurseries. I currently teach around 300 children a week. How much do you earn (roughly)? Annual turnover for year one was about £32,000. What is the best thing about Monkey Music for you? Everything. It is the most rewarding job I have had. I love the fact that my varied career has come together in all the things I now do each and every day. There aren't many roles that can give you the freedom and flexibility to cater for everyone's needs! Are there any downsides to the job? The juggling of office work, teaching and still making time for marketing and learning the curriculum in the first year was, and can still be, really hard. Would you recommend this franchise opportunity to other Mums? Absolutely! It is hard work and you are really busy at certain times of the term but if you enjoy being your own boss, being creative and above all meeting people and showing off just how great Monkey Music is, then this is definitely the role for you.
Name: Tonya Babb Location: Winchmore Hill and East Barnet Family: 2 daughters What is your career background? After college,I worked as a Training manager in customer care,leadership and personal motivation. How did you first hear about Monkey Music? I first became interested in Monkey Music in 2004 when I took my youngest daughter,at the tender age of 6 months.She and I enjoyed it so much that I changed the nursery times for my other daughter so that she could attend classes as well. Monkey Music is a superb concept,the classes are fun but very educational at the same time..The children take part only with other children of a similar age and classes are specifically tailored to them,which ensures they remain captivated the whole time.Your child will improve their listening skills,social skills and confidence,just what they need to prepare them for nursery and school.Mums and carers often say how much they enjoy the classes too and are so proud when they see their child developing and copying Monkey's actions in class and at home. Monkey Music is ideal for me since it incorporates my love of children and music and it allows me to be there for my children during those important times.
Name: Jeni Eastlake Location: Putney, Barnes & Fulham Family : 2 boys What is your career background? I was an Early Years and Key Stage 1 teacher and music co-ordinator in primary schools for almost 10 years. Although I enjoy playing the piano, I don't have any formal music qualifications (although I do have Grade 5 on the trombone!). However, I've always been passionate about music and loved being in charge of the music at my school. Monkey Music was a great way for me to combine music, teaching and family life and I haven't looked back! How did you first hear about Monkey Music and the franchise opportunities available? I read an article about franchised music classes and thought it would be a good opportunity for someone of my experience to work flexibly around my child care needs. I was aware of Monkey Music in my area, so got in touch with Angie to see if there were any opportunities. When I observed the classes, I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the teachers - all the children and grown ups were having a great time and each class covered so many teaching points. I knew straight away that Monkey Music was the perfect thing for me! How often do you work? I currently teach three mornings a week, and work in the office two or three afternoons and some evenings and weekends! (I have teachers taking some of my classes and a part-time administrator). I have had some periods when I have taught much less. This is one of the great things about a Monkey Music franchise; you can vary the amount you take on (although it's always hard to pass up on venue opportunities and my franchise does seem to have grown each term - which is great, but does make for more work!). How does the job fit around your family life? Really well most of the time. I am free from teaching during school holidays so I can spend lots of time with my children. I can usually fit some of my office work around naps and school times. My children love having all the props and instruments around, and are a great help when I'm learning any new songs! Do you get support/training? I have had a mentor to support me and answer any questions. She has always been at the end of the phone and has been very willing to help and give advice when I've needed it. HQ have always been great if I've ever needed their help. Ongoing training is available, which is really important to keep the classes fresh. My nearby franchisees are all really lovely and we occasionally meet up for a chat, which I find really supportive. How much do you earn (roughly)? Annual turnover last year was about £150,000. What is the best thing about Monkey Music for you? There are lots of things I love about Monkey Music! It's great fun and so rewarding. The babies and children are gorgeous and I love welcoming new baby brothers and sisters from families who have been coming to my classes for as long as I've been doing them. I can vary the amount I work (within reason!), still pick up the children from school myself most days and usually be there for class assemblies and school productions. Would you recommend this franchise opportunity to other Mums? Absolutely! It is sometimes challenging fitting everything in and I do always seem to be rushing around, but I wouldn't have it any other way! It's a fulfilling, rewarding career - I can't think of anything else that would work around family life so well!
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