As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency, I know the struggles and the emotional whirlwinds that often face young singers attempting to find their niche in the music industry. Satisfying the desire to become successful in the music industry is not easily achieved or obtained, but those who make it, are well aware of the rewards.
In an effort to increase your odds and to obtain any “real” recognition in the music industry, whether as an artist, jingle singer, or just plain session singing, let’s take a closer look at a few factors that might increase your odds. Notice, I didn’t say do this or that and it’s a done deal. If you’re familiar at all with the music industry you are well too familiar that some make it with virtually no talent at all and others, with incredible style, look and drive, never even get the slightest nod from music industry executives.
To begin with – What’s your career blueprint look like? What are you doing from a pre-determined game plan right now? Have you actually taken the time over a cup of coffee and sat down with a pad and pencil and jotted down 1) your goals, short term and long term 2) your overall game plan and 3) how you are going to implement your to do list to get to your end goal? I’m surprised to learn how few really get this far. Sure, many sit in the car or on the couch “thinking about life and their career” and have a general idea, but until you put it down on paper and follow through with a course of action, you might as well forget it. Start by writing down your goals with a course of action and break it down with what you can do this month, this week and what I can get done today - This will help you to not only stay focused, but give you the boost when you feel like giving up.
Next, now that you’ve figured out what you want to do and how you’re going to go about doing it with a set blueprint, what does your demo sound like? It can’t just sound pretty good – And yes, this does take time and money - $75 demos won’t get the job done. Good and pretty good won’t get it – It has to knock their socks off and turn the heads of the listeners. Yes, as I mentioned earlier, some with virtually little talent get in, but what I’m talking about here is reflected in an overall picture of what’s being sent to the A&R director, producer, etc. Not only does this demo sound great, but “Should we use it as the final mix in the CD, because it’s already in the pocket and we won’t have to spend anymore production money re-cutting any of these songs.” That’s how good your demo’s should be – And as an aspiring jingle singer, don’t settle for a “mom and pop” or car commercially sounding demo reel. Your jingles ought to sound like they’re national TV and radio spots like you’ve already arrived.
The next important element, almost as important as the music itself, is your press kit and how you present yourself to industry professionals. I will break this up into 2 segments the first on the artist press kit and secondly phone calls and interviews. Anything that you send out in print or on your CD, has got to look like you’re established and you’ve already made it. Make sure that your CD covers are printed on gloss paper with high-quality photographs of you or the band. Managers, producers, and A&R directors a like, are more inclined to pick up an act that looks together. They don’t have time to figure out if this poorly imaged act has what it takes or not – And they very well might – But they don’t have the presentation. In here lies what I consider to be your greatest ally. If you will spend time and money to have your artist press kit not only look professional, but with an edge, you can convey 1) your image, 2) your marketability, 3) and your dedication and sincerity – This is not a fleeting moment or idea for you. You’re in this for the long haul and your presentation states that. Make anything in print that you send out, shine.
The next part of your presentation is in the phone calls, meetings, and grin and grip events, whether concerts, showcases or otherwise. If you don’t have a natural ability to interact with individuals, you are going to have to practice. And furthermore, there’s nothing wrong, and I would suggest, writing down on paper anything that you want to come to mind, before a phone conversation even begins. If you’re bad with names, as many of us are, have those names written down, easily obtained in the middle of a call. Prepare as much as you can before the conversation and be honest. Honesty goes a long ways with people. Most in the industry have “heard it all” and it’s so refreshing to hear somebody state, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.” Speak with sincerity, honesty, but with confidence as well. After all, you’ve got something unique and it’s your vocal career. You need to sell them, but they also need to recognize the obvious, and that is that they’ve just discovered the next…
So as you begin or at least start looking at your singing career, look at these simple to implement principals that we have just looked at and know ahead of time that you are going to be specific, analytic, and purposeful in your singing career strategies. Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses and be honest. Ask others. Don’t be afraid to change course or look at other singing alternatives as well. We know that short articles are difficult to present every point of the equation, so don’t hesitate to contact us should you have further questions.
For further information, the author can be contacted at 615-300-5030 and at http://www.reelmusician.com. In addition, Mr. Gauger is available for consultations, seminars and jingle and song production.
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Don't roll up your eyes and groan at the mere mention of "class". Not all classes are as bad as those in your school and college were. In fact , a digital photography class promises bounties of fun and it is guaranteed that it will be one class of your lifetime, which you would not want to skip at any cost.
The soaring popularity of digital photography has seen digital photography schools springing up in almost every nook and cranny of your locality. So , which one to enroll to ensure your money's worth?
Any good digital photography school worth it's salt will offer intensive training and impart comprehensive knowledge in almost all the aspects of digital photography. And this also includes enlightening you on the internal mechanism of a digital camera. You can expect there will be no shortcuts either.
Your digital photography class will start out with an introductory session that will give you an overview of the camera setup and what digital photography is all about. You will be trained on the functions and settings of your camera so that after the completion of the course you will know your camera like the palm of your hand and will be better able to appreciate the scope of digital photography.
Being well versed in the parts and workings of a digital camera ensures that when you go to buy one for yourself, you can make the right choice.
Digital photography classes, as a principle, concentrate on teaching you the manual mode of photography. This is because the hallmark of a great photographer is definitely his skills in wielding control over how his photographs turn out. And wielding control entails that you do not let the camera decide when the flash should be used or being spot on with the focus and exposure settings without the intervention of the camera's in-built scene modes.
There are many digital photography classes that arrange field trips for its students. And you will surely agree that a hands-on experience in outdoor shooting is actually far more beneficial than a theory class. Besides, a few bouts of outdoor filming will also ensure that your lighting issues are sorted out. Thus, the nitty-gritty of lighting like using filters to tone down the tints of a photo taken in the harsh midday sun or the details of night photography are best appreciated when tried first hand.
A stint at a digital photography class will hone your photographic skills manifold times with in-depth training in composition and blending the rules of traditional photography with the digital photography mode. The fine points of filming in different settings and churning out optimum results should also be a part of the curriculum.
Digital photography classes are particular about details. Therefore , you will not be stopping at filming lessons only. You will be taken through the editing and processing of digital photographs too. You will be taught the ways and means of accessing the images stored in the camera's memory cards and the PC editing tweaks that will transform even the drabbest image into an enchanting piece of art. Besides, you will also be educated on how to compress the digital image files and have them uploaded on the Net.
There are hundred and one things that you can do with your digital images. Printing is definitely one of them. And you can be sure that your digital photography class instructor will teach you the fundamentals of getting digital prints.
A digital photography class is an excellent way of acquainting yourself with the 'ins' and 'outs' of digital photography. Attend one and flaunt your skills with the lens and the shutter.
