Sometimes you know something is true; but having it proven to be true is encouraging. I just had one of those encouraging, “ah-hah” proofs! And it came from two weeks of craziness.
Here’s what two weeks of running around North America looks like:
First stop – Phoenix – where I worked with music leaders for churches, did a mini-workshop with a band, and talked to about 300 artists who were eager to learn and improve.
Next stop – Vancouver, BC. I love Canada, and Vancouver is a great town; but I didn’t get to see much of it this time. I was working at the BC Country Music Association and did a mini-workshop, putting a band and a female singer/songwriter (a great guitarist!) onstage. Again, I was impressed with the artists’ willingness to learn and with their talent.
Stop number 3 – Toronto. I got on a plane early in the morning (I HATE getting up early!), stepped off the plane and was whisked away to work on a different kind of tour. As you may know, I work with some charities, and this particular tour is a World Vision Canada tour called Girls Night Out, which has five speakers and comedians doing an evening show. I watched their presentations and made the changes I could in the short amount of time we had. We worked late because the first of their 150-date tour was the next night.
The next two days I worked with a 15-year-old hip hop/pop artist who has quite a future ahead of her! She was getting ready for a 20-minute opening set for a major hip hop artist.
Then I spent some time with a hard rock/heavy metal band who is going on tour next week.
After coming home to Nashville for one night in my own bed, I went out to stop number 4 – Virginia Beach, Virginia. There I worked with US Army bands who go out and play for our troops around the world. To be honest, I was surprised at how good the players were in the bands. Some of them were world-class players!
I landed at home exhausted but really inspired. Here’s why: I already knew my Live Music Method applied to all onstage performers, because I’ve worked with numerous genres, musicians, speakers, and comedians over the years. But with this unusual two-week run for me, it was really an “ah-hah” moment. With everything crammed into a short time, in some ways it was the ultimate test; to see if I could pull out of every artist the moments – the possibility to capture and engage their audiences, regardless of age, style, or experience.
To top it off, during breakfast my last morning at the Army School of Music I turned the TV on – and there on the screen was the biggest selling artist in the world (who I’ve worked with) doing the Good Morning America show. I saw it in action!
I love being able to help artists grow, become more confident, and make their shows unique and special. It’s why I developed my Live Music Method over the years.
It was great to see once again that the Method applies – whether it’s a singer/songwriter, a band, or a speaker – whether they are famous, an indie band, or brand new to the music business. And that feels good!
Rock on Tom!!!