Musicologie is a music-education franchise offering group and private lessons across instruments and voice, serving children, teens, and adult learners, and known for neighborhood studios, playful curricula, and community-focused recitals that make music education approachable, fun, and accessible for families.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$60,000
Investment
?
$193,000 - $364,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$648,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Musicologie is a music-school franchise that delivers “simply delightful” music lessons to people of all ages, from early-childhood learners in its Junior program to adults seeking private or group instruction. The brand focuses on creating welcoming neighborhood studios that make music education accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Musicologie was founded in 2014 by Kay Barker and Joseph Barker in Grandview Heights, Ohio. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, where it continues to guide the development of its growing studio network. After operating as a successful multi-location studio system, Musicologie began franchising in 2023.
The franchise offers a wide range of music-education services, including private lessons, group classes, toddler-friendly early-learning programs, accelerated labs, summer camps, and performance-based programs. This variety allows franchisees to attract multiple age groups and revenue streams within a single studio.
Musicologie differentiates itself through its proprietary Musicologie Method®, which emphasizes fun, inclusivity, and personalized learning. Its friendly studio format, community-driven culture, and broad program lineup set it apart from traditional music schools and make it appealing to families looking for a modern, accessible approach to music education.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Musicologie franchise is
$193,000 - $364,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Rent – 1 Month
$2,500 – $5,000
Security Deposits
$2,500 – $5,000
Leasehold Improvements
$37,500 – $150,000
Architect/Project Management
$13,000 – $30,500
Instruments & Accessories
$8,500 – $10,000
Curricula
$4,300 – $6,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$11,000 – $15,000
Market Introduction
$20,000
Insurance
$1,125 – $2,125
Signage
$7,500 – $12,000
Training Expenses
$2,000 – $5,000
Professional Support
$5,000 – $10,000
Permits and Licenses
$1,000 – $3,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$15,000 – $30,000
Total
$192,925 – $363,625
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Rent – 1 Month
$2,500 – $5,000
Security Deposits
$2,500 – $5,000
Leasehold Improvements
$37,500 – $150,000
Architect/Project Management
$13,000 – $30,500
Instruments & Accessories
$8,500 – $10,000
Curricula
$4,300 – $6,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$11,000 – $15,000
Market Introduction
$20,000
Insurance
$1,125 – $2,125
Signage
$7,500 – $12,000
Training Expenses
$2,000 – $5,000
Professional Support
$5,000 – $10,000
Permits and Licenses
$1,000 – $3,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$15,000 – $30,000
Total
$192,925 – $363,625
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Musicologie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Musicologie had 8 total units in 2025, of which 2 were franchised-owned and 6 company-owned.
Musicologie provides an in-depth training program designed to equip franchisees and key staff with the skills needed to operate their studios effectively:
Initial Training Program: For the first Musicologie Studio, franchisees must complete a mandatory training program consisting of 40 hours of classroom or web-based instruction and 18 hours of on-the-job training. This training is provided at no additional cost for the Operating Principal, Community Manager, and Studio Trainer.
Second Studio Training: If the franchisee opens a second studio, Musicologie will also provide the same initial training for the Community Manager and Studio Trainer of that location at no extra cost. Any subsequent training needs or requests beyond the second studio will incur Musicologie's standard training fee.
Ongoing and Additional Training: Additional or retraining sessions, including those required due to performance issues or new hires, are available at a cost of $5,000 per person. Training is conducted under the direction of experienced Musicologie staff, and the franchisee is responsible for all related travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
Training Materials and Ownership: All training materials remain the property of Musicologie. Franchisees may use or adapt these materials for internal training, but any modifications become the franchisor's intellectual property.
Territory Protection
Musicologie grants its franchisees a “Protected Area,” typically defined based on population and geographic boundaries such as a 3-4 mile radius in suburban areas. Within this Protected Area, no other traditional Musicologie Studios, whether franchised or company-owned, will be established as long as the franchisee remains in good standing.
The area may be mapped out or described with street boundaries, and the final determination takes into account factors like population density, income, and accessibility.
However, Musicologie retains significant rights that can impact this protection. The franchisor and its affiliates can market their services broadly, operate online programs, or provide Musicologie offerings through alternative channels like schools or community centers.
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