Do you want to develop a fan base from stage or not? It begins with the introductions to your songs. (And I’m not talking about speaking to your audience). As I always say, there’s a difference between what you perform live and what you record. For instance, song introductions on your recording need to be […]
“But I Can’t Afford the Bells & Whistles!”
We like the challenge. We know most artists – at least the ones starting out – won’t have access to lots of lights, staging, props, and the extras established performers have. And to be honest, that stuff can just be a bandage on a sub-par performance. It’s important to understand the logistics and principles for putting […]
Get Passionate: Help Children in Need
There are a couple things I’m passionate about when it comes to music. One is the live show: I want artists to understand how to make an emotional connection with their audience so they can create a great show, build their fan base, and make a living with their music. The other thing might not […]
Back to School
I’m a teacher at heart. Nothing thrills me more than to know I’ve shared good information in a useable way to help someone succeed. This time of year, seeing everyone go back to school, it reminds me just how much I enjoy teaching a room full of singers and musicians. When I meet talented, emerging […]
It’s Personal!
By far, our most-asked question about the live show goes something like this: “I’ve read your book/watched your DVDs. I love the way you put together a set list for a 45-60 minute show… but here’s what I need help with. You see, I do a _______ (90 minute show, 20 minute opener, 4 hours […]
Super Bowl ‘Hit or Miss’-direction?
I’m just sitting here in my office, contemplating Sunday’s Super Bowl XLVII and the aftermath of everyone’s likes and dislikes about the game, the commercials, the blackout, and the half-time show. It was amusing to check my Facebook feed and see that half the posts were saying ‘Beyonce’s amazing!’ and the other half saying ‘worst […]
You Deserve More Than Tips
No, I’m not talking to performers who play in bars or restaurants “for tips only” – although I’m sure most of you probably deserve to play for more money than just tips. I’m actually talking about the “tips” artists get from a session at a music conference, a single article they read online, or the […]
Taking Yourself Too Seriously
I finally got the chance to go and hear the Nashville Symphony this year, and it was a truly incredible concert. But I have to admit, I’d forgotten how serious and reverent that audience is. It’s a hotbed for suppressed laughter, simply because you know you have to be quiet and listen. It didn’t help […]
A Classic Case
“The phone rang. On the other end of the line was the drummer for a band I’d heard before and thought had a lot of potential. He was really upset and wanted some advice.” When I wrote the chapter on “Fundamentals” in my Live Music Method Book, I knew that was exactly the story to […]
Be the Somebody
“Somebody has to do something about this!” Nearly 20 years ago my wife and I went to Kenya. We had been invited to come and see the work a non-profit organization was doing there. Of course we did the “touristy” things – went on a safari trip, took an overnight train ride, experienced the Indian […]
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Amy Wolter on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
Glad to hear this Vee. Yes, it’s a process and takes some...Vee Patrick on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
I have seen both you guys work at extreme conference last year...Amy Wolter on How Soon Should You Work on Your Show?
So happy you had the foresight to prepare for the 'what IF's'!...