A Look Ahead: The Future of Performance Programs
A Strategic Conversation with Jose Crespo
A New Role for a New Era
Director of Performance Programs & Events
From Success to Legacy
First, I want to acknowledge what you've built. The Band Program is the heart of our school because of your leadership and innovation.
Battle of the Bands
You designed and launched our most exciting new event format.
Audience Votes
You created incredible engagement and community involvement.
Split-Session Shows
Your idea to split the shows improved crowd retention and the overall experience.
Full Autonomy
You run the entire show production now, proving your leadership.
A New Partnership: Your First Two Missions
Mission #1: Launch the Premier Recital Series
Your first major project as Director is to produce our inaugural 100-student formal recital this November. You will be the producer, responsible for creating a professional, high-quality, and profitable event that becomes a new cornerstone of our school.
Mission #2: Make the Band Program a Self-Funding Profit Center
Our first goal is to increase the program's profitability to a level that more than covers your new, higher compensation. We'll achieve this together by exploring new revenue streams like sponsorships and the "All-Access Pass," ensuring your success is funded by the program's growth.
A True Partnership: Your New Compensation
This model rewards you like a true partner, where your income grows directly with the success of the programs you lead.
Director's Stipend: $900
Paid at the start of each season for planning.
Band Coach Pay: $45/rehearsal
Continues for bands you personally coach.
Producer Fee: $250
For producing each major show day.
Net Profit Share: 10%
A share of the overall program's net profit. Uncapped upside.
Example: "Movie Hits" Show
Your Potential Earnings:
This is significantly more than the previous model, rewarding you directly for the program's success.
Looking Ahead: Your Potential 2026 Earnings
As we grow to four locations and expand our event schedule, your earning potential increases substantially. Here’s a conservative projection for your Director compensation in 2026.
Projected 2026 Director Compensation
4 Band Program Shows
2 Major Recitals
This projection for your Director role is separate from any income you earn from teaching private lessons. As the programs grow, so does your uncapped profit share.
Your Future at The World of Music School
This isn't just about the next show. It's about building a high-level career. As we expand, your role will evolve from running shows to leading an entire creative department. Here is the path I envision for you.
Phase 1: Director of Performance Programs & Events (2025-2026)
This phase is about mastering the current programs and proving our new event models are profitable and scalable.
- Core Mission (2025): Successfully execute the quarterly Band Program and launch the inaugural 100-student November Recital, making it a professional and profitable cornerstone of our school.
- Expanded Responsibilities (2026): Run two major recitals and four band shows annually across four locations. Begin formally mentoring band coaches and systematizing your event playbooks.
- Skill Development: We will invest in your growth with professional training in event leadership and production management, and you'll work with Tyron to master P&L management for your department.
Phase 2: Senior Director, Experiences & Partnerships (2027-2029)
With 5-6 locations active, your role shifts from direct execution to leading a team and building external relationships that elevate our brand.
- Expanded Responsibilities (2027-2028): Hire and manage an Assistant Event Coordinator. Launch new major events like a "Summer All-Stars" concert. Take the lead on securing high-level corporate and community sponsorships.
- Skill Development: Represent our school at major industry events like the NAMM Show to build partnerships and stay ahead of trends. Your focus becomes more external and strategic.
- Key Project (2029): Develop the "Show-in-a-Box" Franchise Kit—a comprehensive package that allows a new franchisee to replicate our successful shows, a critical asset for our future growth.
- Compensation Milestone: At this stage, you will become eligible for a phantom equity stake in the company, aligning your long-term wealth with the school's success.
What is Phantom Equity?
Think of it as a cash bonus that acts like company stock. It gives you a share of the company's financial success. If the company is sold, your "phantom" shares turn into a real cash payout for you, without the complexities of actual stock ownership.
Phase 3: VP, Creative & Performance (or CCO) (2030-2032)
You are now a key executive on the leadership team, running your division with full autonomy as I step into a passive Chairman role.
- Expanded Responsibilities (2030-2031): Oversee all creative and performance output for an 8+ location enterprise. You will manage a team of coordinators and staff, designing the creative vision for the entire brand and launching major new initiatives like a company-wide gala or music festival.
- Your Position in 2032: You are a senior partner in the business with the title of VP or Chief Creative Officer. Your compensation is a strong six-figure salary, significant profit sharing, and vested equity.
- What Happens at My Retirement? Your role is secure. If I retain the company, you are a key leader ensuring its continued success. If I sell the company, your vested equity means you receive a significant cash payout, and a new owner would almost certainly want to keep the successful CCO who runs their most profitable programs.
Our Next Steps
I'm trusting you with the creative heart of this company. I believe in your talent, and I want to build this future with you as a key partner.
1. Your Commitment
First, I want to make sure you are excited and on board with this new role and the two initial missions.
2. Our First Strategy Session
If you're in, let's book a 2-hour meeting for next week to brainstorm the profitability plan for the Band Program and the November Recital.
3. Formalize the Offer
After our strategy session, I will provide you with a formal addendum to your employment agreement that outlines the new title and compensation structure.
So, my question is: Are you ready to step into this role and build this with me?