Workshops
At our own location or at your organization, we offer 1 hour, 1/2 day, full day, and multiple-day sessions on the
following topics. Or feel free to create your own topic! Any and all
can be customized to your organization's needs.
We are also available as keynote speakers, panelists and
moderators for conferences and seminars.
Please call or e-mail us for more information.
Professional Songwriter's Code of Conduct
Image is everything in the music business -- even for songwriters. Set
yourself apart from the masses and increase your chances of getting your
music heard by learning how to present yourself and your music to industry
professionals. A MUST for serious songwriters! (Note: This is the stuff
NOBODY seems to talk about, yet EVERY songwriter needs to know!…how to
talk on the phone, how to send an e-mail, how to act, things NOT to do,
etc.)
Making &
Releasing Your Own Record
There’s more to making and releasing an album than just
recording. This workshop covers the entire process: from pre-production to
what to do with the product once you’ve got it in your hands. Whether this
is your first full-length recording or your umpteenth, you’ll gain
valuable information that will save you time and money on your next
project. (note: this is typically a 2-day workshop. If you’re looking for
something shorter than that, we can customize it to suit your needs. We
can also present only specific portions of this program or points in a
“highlights” or “keynote” type fashion.)
Making
The Most of Your Demo Dollar
Making a demo recording, whether by yourself or with hired
musicians, is a time-consuming and potentially expensive undertaking.
Learn how to plan ahead, minimize costs, and get the best-sounding results
for your money. Includes up-front questions to ask to find the right demo
studio, how to maintain control of the demo process, and how to
communicate effectively with the producer, engineer, and session
musicians. A must for any songwriter who is serious about saving money on
high-quality demos.
Setting
Up a Home Studio
Unlike a few years ago, today you can have a great home
studio that produces high-quality recordings that can compete with the
majors—but only if you know what equipment to buy and how to use it to its
fullest potential. The best news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of
money to get great quality. This workshop covers all areas of current
home studio gear in detail, and is valuable whether you’re planning to set
up your first home studio, or are just interested in upgrading your
current setup.
Recording
Techniques for Songwriters
How do they get those sounds on popular records? Why don’t my recordings
sound polished like the big dogs? If you’ve been asking yourself these
types of questions, this workshop is for you. It uncovers the secrets of
good mic technique, equalization and compression, mixing and mastering—all
in plain English and in the context of the recording songwriter.
Releasing Your Natural Creativity
We were all born as highly creative individuals, but over
the years we learned to suppress those natural creative instincts. This
“playshop” is a hands-on, exercise-oriented session to help put people
back in touch with their creative selves.
The
Songwriter’s Survival Kit
Based on the audio series of the same name, this workshop
contains four modules and authors: Top Ten Musical Tips (Danny Arena),
Writing a Winning Lyric (Sara Light), Making The Most of Your Demo Dollar
(Fett), and Tips for the Performing Songwriter (Nancy Moran). The workshop
can include any and all subjects as well as up to all four authors.
Booking Yourself
Gigging and touring can be a terrific way to expose your music to
new audiences, sell products, and gain media and industry attention. But
most booking agents won’t look at you until you’ve already got a solid
audience or a major record deal. Learn how to find venues all across the
country and how to get the gigs! (note: this is typically a full-day
workshop. It can be customized to smaller timeframes.)
Creating Press Kits That Get Noticed
If you’re trying to get gigs, press coverage, or industry attention,
you’ll need a press kit. Learn what goes into a press kit, what to avoid,
and how to make yours stand out from the piles of others.
Website Design for Musicians & Songwriters
Contrary to popular belief, a website does not have to be flashy, cute, or
mega-artistic to be effective. A simple, easy-to-navigate, and
easy-to-read website can often bring in more visitors and subsequently
more sales! We’ll discuss cost effective alternatives and some basic
design concepts that will help you get online…with NO HTML or other
programming experience necessary.
Publicity & Advertising Basics (or “How To Make Friends In The Media”)
Based on our several years of combined experience working on both sides of
the media, we cover the do’s and don’ts for working effectively with the
press. This workshop is especially appropriate for performing songwriters
and musicians who release their own music products. Learn why some people
seem to receive a ton of media attention, while others are simply passed
by.
