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Tom Jackson, I Hate You!

“Tom Jackson, I hate you!”

Here we go again! My heart drops every time I read an email or comment about what an idiot I am. (Someday I’ll share some of the comments I’ve gotten over the years about what I do!) It can be pretty negative stuff once in a while.

So when I read that first sentence in a comment recently, I immediately went into defensive mode; I hate being misunderstood.

But in this case it was a pleasant surprise! Here’s what indie artist Asher Wood went on to say:

“Every little thing you say makes so much sense to me. I’m totally blown away by all the little things you have told me that make a difference. Example- move sideways instead of back from the mic. It makes so much sense, why couldn’t I figure it out in thirty some years?… Anyway I hate you ’cause no matter how “good” I get, you are always pointing to a “great” path to follow.”

What a relief – he got it! As a teacher, I try to do 3 things: inspire, give immediate practical advice, and give conceptual advice that will last forever (because if you understand concepts, you can apply them to each specific situation that arises).

Over the years I’ve worked with and taught artists as young as 9 years old, and teenagers (Taylor Swift was 16 when I started working with her), to people who’ve been on stage for 20 years. In fact, one of the contemporary Christian groups I work with, NewSong, is entering the 30th year of their career! With all these artists, I live for seeing them have “ah-hah” moments. When they “get it!”

I’ve learned there are 4 ways people “get it”:

  1. Confirmation – “All right! I’m doing the right thing!”
  2. Empowerment – “I knew it! That’s was what I was feeling – I just didn’t have the courage to make that change.”
  3. Discovery – “Wow! I never thought of that!”
  4. Correction – “Whoa! I better stop doing that; I’m doing the wrong thing!”

All this to say, I’m REALLY excited about a new teaching resource I have that does all 4 of those things. This is the most excited I’ve been about a product since my All Roads Lead to the Stage 7-DVD release two years ago! These new DVDs cover concepts, practical things, and even things from a career perspective.

I’m releasing three new DVDs. The first is my Live Music Method – a method that, if you understand conceptually and master, it will help you the rest of your life onstage.

The second DVD, 7 Deadly Sins of an Artist, is what I’ve gleaned from my 20 years of experience watching people make mistakes, major in the minors, and wonder why their music career went nowhere.

The third bonus DVD is several Mini Live Music Makeovers. You can watch actual rehearsals I did with different artists, and learn practical things to help your live show.

Plus, we’ve thrown in some fun! You’ve seen my Stickman cartoon videos? These new DVDs have 7 new “Stickman” short films!

Normally, we would have packaged these three DVDs separately – but I know that every artist needs to get all three of them, so we’ve put them all in one package.

Honestly, this is the most excited I’ve been in years. I think everyone who has bought my products in the past will definitely learn from these DVDs. And for those of you who’ve never pulled the trigger, it’s a great way to get started!

By the way, the last thing that Asher Wood said in his comment about “hating” me:

“I thank God you were there when I needed you…and hurry up! I want that new DVD package. I’m ready for another Tom Jackson shot in the arm.”

Tom Jackson

Tom is uniquely talented and skilled at transforming an artist's live show into a magical experience for the audience; helping artists at every level create a live show that is engaging and memorable, teaching them to exceed their audiences' expectations and to create fans for life. Tom has taught indie and major artists of every genre. He has worked with Taylor Swift, Le Crae, Home Free, The Tenors, Shawn Mendes, The Band Perry, Francesca Battistelli, Jars of Clay, & many more. Tom also teaches at colleges, conferences and events worldwide.

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Greenroom Comments

  1. Alexandra Rannow says:

    I SO agree. I was at Camp Electric for two weeks in a row this year and never got tired of watching you work and hearing your advice. I really wish I’d been able to tell you how much I treasured my time with you, but I was pretty sure people were telling you that all the time and it would go without saying. Now seeing that ANYONE can be negative about you, I wish I had given you the encouragement. Just know that me, and ALL the other campers, saw your sessions as a huge highlight of camp, and came away feeling like we had really learned something. Never stop doing your thing, you’re awesome!

  2. I concur! My sister and I both studied music at South Plains College (where they teach a lot of your stuff!!) and had the opportunity to see you there last year. We graduated in May and are now performing together, playing bluegrass music. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 6 months we have said “we hate Tom Jackson!” because of how right you are. We didn’t want to believe that everything you taught, both in-person and on DVD, was true in the bluegrass genre. But you are very right! Every bluegrass band we’ve watched have great success is applying your principles to their live shows. And when we experiment and try out some of your ideas, they inevitably work and we get better crowd responses and more merchandise sales. So, some days we hate Tom Jackson, but we are very grateful for the things we’ve learned from you. Please keep it up!
    -another “hater” from Kansas
    Erin

  3. Most people hate shots! (me included) but this dude is ASKING for one… TOM JACKSON rocks!

  4. Great post Tom. I get the same thing too, as I help Christian indies get the lights turned on to the importance of their content.

    Many think God will make up for their lack of commitment and settling for mediocrity. No He won’t. That is what is called “Lukewarmness” and according to the Word.. you get spit out for that. Yuck!

    You have helped those who create and share Christian music get so much better!
    Keith Mohr

  5. Thank you! These are Tools to put in the tool box! Once I figured out the reason why God had given me a little bit of talent and I no longer needed to assure everyone with a disclaimer… then I could shamelessly begin to pursue some strategies that could help me become more effective in front of a group of people.
    I really enjoy and appreciate these articles.

  6. nice! looking forward to the new DVDs 🙂

    I think I havent practiced/rehearsed the principles enough to REALLY incorporate them on stage, and yet I’ve found these concepts very helpful in many ways. For example when I watch a another artist I now feel like having the right criteria to evaluate what they’re doing. It’s not like “ahh, some artists just have that special vibe” but “ah ok, he connects with the audience by telling stories and emphasises the emotion with to the light show to create moments”. And: “Ahhh, he cuts the applause much too early… he just stops the audience from being enthusiastic!” So your concepts have helped me a lot to learn from observing other aritsts…

    anyway, never mind the haters. here is a very nice article on that topic:
    http://mashable.com/2010/04/29/deal-with-haters-tim-ferriss/

    Greetings from Germany!
    BG

  7. Hi Tom,
    My wife and I attended your live worship production seminar in Arizona a few months ago. I really wanted to meet you, however you were quite busy afterwords. I have been a professional musician for over 30 years. My wife has preformed professionally with me for 18 of those years. Her gifting is in, vocals, violin and acoustic guitar. We have always had an inner passion and drive to help church worship teams in these areas. We live in Las Vegas. If you ever stop by this way I would like to hook up for lunch pick your brain as to if you had ever thought of taking on an intern. Since I live on the west coast, Possibly I could be to assist you on this side of the U.S. As a side note, my wife and I are not glued to Las Vegas. We are opened as to where the Lord would lead us.
    In His Service,
    Thank you Tom,
    Vance Shepherd

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