Musicologie Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Musicologie is a music-education franchise designed to make learning an instrument fun and approachable for students of every age. Its studios offer a warm, neighborhood feel, encouraging young children, teens, and adults to explore music through private instruction, group classes, and early-childhood programs.
The brand’s goal is to create an environment where anyone can develop musical skills with confidence and enjoyment. The concept was created in 2014 by Kay Barker and Joseph Barker in Grandview Heights, Ohio. Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, where it oversees the continued expansion of its studio system.
After refining the model across multiple company-owned locations, Musicologie officially entered the franchising space in 2023.
Franchisees provide a wide suite of offerings, ranging from one-on-one lessons and collaborative group sessions to toddler-focused learning, accelerated labs, summer programs, and performance opportunities. This breadth of services gives owners the ability to engage diverse age groups and build multiple revenue channels within a single location.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Musicologie franchise? It costs on average between $193,000 – $364,000 to start a Musicologie franchised center.
This includes costs related to studio build-out, musical equipment, initial program materials, and early operating expenses. The total investment can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the studio, the market where it is located, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or outfit an existing space.
| 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 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Musicologie franchise? A Musicologie franchised location makes on average $648,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Musicologie locations are there?
As of the latest data, Musicologie operates six company-owned studios in the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Musicologie franchise?
The total investment required to open a Musicologie franchise ranges from $193,000 to $364,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Musicologie franchise?
A Musicologie franchise requires ongoing royalty payments equal to 8% of gross revenues, which support continued system development and operational guidance. Franchisees also contribute 2% of gross revenues to the brand’s marketing fund, which helps maintain national and regional awareness through coordinated advertising efforts.
Who owns Musicologie?
Musicologie franchise is owned by Musicologie Franchising LLC, and it was founded and is led by Kay and Joseph Barker, a husband-and-wife team who started the business together in 2014 after building it from a single studio into a national music-education company.
Disclaimer
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