AICM blogspot

Dont make them wait

2011-05-16T13:44:00.001+10:00

Audiences have to be journeyed throughout the sets we deliver onstage and they are not prepared to wait for the next song, they want it to all just happen for them nurturing their mood all the way. It is up to the Artist to do that! Transitions from one song to another need to be designed with the design of the set list so everyone knows where they are heading, Artist and Audience.
Practice and Rehearse! I don’t know how many times I say these words to the people I work with. Nothing just happens there has to be a plan in place in order for things to run smoothly. It is unfair to the people watching us if they have to wait continuously throughout our sets. They are there to be ENTERTAINED.
From the beginning you must realise that it is not all about you, it is about the audience. Everything you do from the stage is for your audience. Without an audience you have no place to go. You want the audience to journey with you.
You need to establish and maintain a relationship with your audience. Let’s refer to your relationship with your audience as a marriage. You are not just dating them you are married to them, they are part of your family.
You are the director of events for the duration of your performance. Your responsibilities are to love, lead, understand and surprise the audience from the time you walk on to the stage.
Your audiences become your fan base, look after the relationship, it is one of your most valuable assets as a performer.

We are constantly going over and over the songs but how many times to we implement the transitions that are required throughout a set. Tom Jackson’s fundamentals. Set design and delivery. We need to remain connected with our audience all the while throughout the performance. If we continually create momentary voids within our sets then we disconnect and pretty soon we lose the attention of our audience. Learn how to maintain the connection.
Firstly I must mention that Transitions are like any other component of The Performance. We need to go over and over them finding a comfort zone that allows for our natural personality to grow and become spontaneous when we are performing. We need to feel comfortable about ourselves and connect with the audience throughout the journey of the sets. Easier said than done when we are first beginning our careers.
We suffer nerves, we suffer self consciousness, we suffer fear and all the other little thoughts that cross our minds as we walk onto the stage but they can be overcome and hidden with CONFIDENCE. The core of confidence is KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. How do we get to the stage of doing it with our eyes closed or our hands tied? WE PRACTICE, WE WOODSHED AND WE APPLY COMPONENTS in the THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PERFORMANCE! There are no tricky little shortcuts to get you there. Practice, Rehearse, Perform in that order. Tick the boxes, know that you have done it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8dbXCFAaLI
Tom talks about DEAD AIR and I think that all performers have experienced the feeling from the stage. Being aware that you “The Artists” have created it is a plus. It means you can find ways of fixing it and Tom’s teachings cover this component in depth.
Dead Air makes you panic deflecting from your performance because your mind is elsewhere. It is not a good feeling and if you are not aware of it happening you need to reassess your attitude towards your audience and yourself. Dead Air puts an audience on edge they become unsure, their connection has been disrupted.
We start with a VISION, then we create GOALS, we implement THE PLAN and we diligently tick the boxes. It’s the only way, no short cuts or substitutes. It is hard work and often we feel defeated but perseverance prevails in all cases. Woodshedding the only thing that gets results. The over and over after the plans are in place. It is exactly the same with the performance. You need to learn and practice the WHAT TO DO in between songs. Some talking, someone else talking, no talking etc.. There are strategies and over time by being prepared with scripted ideas your own personality kicks in and takes over making for an even more personal experience for your audiences.
I enjoyed a Kieth Urban concert in Brisbane just recently and his transitions were spot on, there was no anxiety just anticipation because something was always happening. The movements were sharp and directed and implemented with practiced precision. He flipped and threw a guitar to one of his stage assistants it was an exciting move and so quick. Plenty of WOODSHEDDING gone on in Kieth’s houses over the years and that is why he is where he is now. An absolutely dynamic performer and twenty or so years ago he was just kickin about. Perseverance pays off.
Here is a clip off the tube of Kieth at the particular concert and you can see that he speaks to the audience just like a one on one situation. Totally relaxed and himself. The other thing you may recognise is that his persona is natural he is merely being himself, his body language is honest and he exudes a fun factor and that is what we work towards in transitions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTgRBmCjU4A
Be yourself and become all you can be with perseverance and knowledge. This particular module of Tom Jackson’s Curriculum is available through his course. Enrol now and learn how to the right way first!
http://onstagesuccess.com/live-music-method-lessons/

Band = Team = Family

2011-05-16T13:42:00.001+10:00

Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning the 5 stages: Bruce Tuckmans Research

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/tuckman.htm
I am currently doing a Certificate 4 in Music. It is very interesting and one of our first modules is related to performance and the creation of a band. As a solo artist of minimal years this is a whole new area for me so I am indeed finding it quite interesting.
Looking for Members: Initial consideration for putting a band together would have to be “the what and who” we need to create the vibe. We need to look for members that will take the chance to have fun with their music onstage. We need people that we like, people that we have things in common with. Can we generate the good vibe as a TEAM in order to have fun with audiences? We need to really consider the core factors. Personalities and compatibility of personalities is a very important factor. We will spend a fair bit of time together and we want a relationship that is cool and allows us all to be creative in this joint venture.

We need to seriously consider what it is we are looking to achieve with a band. Is it just for kick about fun? or do we want to become famous in our small towns and go from there? All these things to consider. I can’t go randomly and say to other players ” let’s do a band thing” and offer no other information. I need to think about it. When I approach the players to be I would like to have listed some information on what my ideas are. As experienced Musicians they are going to ask questions.
I state that they will be “experienced muso’s” because that is what I will need. One of the first things to do: honestly assess my abilities and be able to state and deliver the things I say I can and then seek players that will enhance my abilities and vice versa.

I am not a bad performer and can work with an audience, I can hold a tune, I can do some harmony with direction, I can play a bit of rhythm guitar, I have equipment etc etc. If you are seeing where I am coming from you will note that there is now a starting point. Recognising what my abilities would be in the band defines the “What I Will Need” list.

Being just an average muso myself I will need to look for good players. It would not be advisable for me to suggest to lead inexperienced players like myself. The road to success would more than likely be a rough road if ever we were to make it to the stage. So in saying this I will seek players that will offer direction to me and enhance the current skill level I have and vice a versa.
My list will look a little like this:

commitment and dedication to achieving a successful outcome
drummer
bassist
lead guitarist
any of the above should be keen to do vocals/harmony
any of the above should be keen to begin writing songs
any of the above should have an insight into the music industry
I will need players that do not have little children
I will need players that have supportive partners
I will need players that do not rely on alcohol or drugs in order to play music
everyone should have a driver’s license and a vehicle

As you can see the list could go on and on. As the instigator of “The Band” concept I need to outline exactly what I am looking for in the beginning stages so as we do not begin with misconceptions.
It is a big decision to work with other people in a band situation. It is a commitment to not only work at a goal together, it is a personal commitment to each other. There needs to be mutual respect for each other at all times. We need to make the scheduled rehearsals and we need to put the ground work in that makes the process of development run smoothly and advance quickly. If we do not do this rehearsals become mere practices.
Practice is essential but rehearsal is all about the ironing out of formats and then establishing the songs for onstage success. The wood shedding of practice needs to be the ground work we put in prior to rehearsals.
In our Certificate 4 class we had to submit an essay on getting a band together and I have tacked my submission on for a little light reading. I have created an almost ideal situation in my assignment. An outcome like this may or may not exist but if the initial foundations are laid there is a possibility that it could be ideal. Nothing is unachievable and only you can make it happen.
If you are considering a band do the homework and approach it in a professional manner in the beginning stages and I am sure it will be a success for you.
Enjoy!
Limited Edition
We met in a class, all like minded, all looking to fulfill a part of us that was hiding somewhere in the memory of our youth. We had had a few jams, it sounded okay, okay for a start. Would this be enough to pull us together as a united sound?
Drummer, base, rhythm, lead and a couple of us could sing a few tunes. A couple of us were as green as grass and I suppose in hindsight a couple of us considered ourselves competent musician/entertainers. Could this combination be the demise of our fame?
Let’s have a go anyway, we get on okay and there are a few songs to start with. Where else to start?

http://www.howcast.com/videos/401341-How-to-Start-a-Band

The most important factor “what level of commitment”. Is everyone as passionate as the founders. Founders because one person can not start a band.
We didn’t realise how many facets have to be considered in the fledgling stages but to fly we must grow wings.
The first practice, a little tense and we are all offering our knowledge but nothing is falling into place. Oh the first practice! I felt a little out of my depth, will I crumble or will I adjust. Will it gel? To achieve I must adjust we all must adjust. So many considerations.
The first 4 hours we achieved little. Sort of structured jamming with no real beginnings and mostly messy endings. We need to brainstorm a little and get some creative ideas going. Put some goals and plans in place. Who will take the reins? Who will come next practice and start channeling our energies into creating the foundation of our show, our songs!
We go from there and make it a priority to focus on the music. By the time we get the first 6 songs sort of presentable we should know if we have a productively working team. It was looking good. No pressure! We need to keep it fun but dedicated, serious but not too serious. Music is to enjoy and all of us knew that if we maintain our fun factor without becoming to stiff our band idea could work.
So far so good, practice number 4, we have 3 songs really tight and everyone seems to be happy with what’s developing.
Someone did come with a list. Week 2 Pete came with a few great ideas and that sort of took the pressure off. His ideas created an opening for all of us to inject some direction. For a drummer he was pretty switched on to organisational aspects so no one felt threatened It was all cool. It just all seemed to happen, felt great. Probably helps being of a mature age as we are seeking fun more so than stardom. Making a few dollars will be a bonus when we get going. Compromise is a marvelous way of getting things sorted.
First considerations on Pete’s list

choosing some songs – creating “The List”
sharpening the beginnings and the endings of the first 6 or songs
determining our roles in each of the songs
developing the delivery of the songs and working on getting them tight from beginning to end

We were all happy with the progress so chose another 6 songs. The idea of songwriting was discussed and together we decided that if any of us could make a start at writing why not have a go and see where it leads.
Week 8 and still all fired up. Out of our 12 song list we have 8.5 songs pretty tidy but Mike is pressuring about some real little bits, he is a super guitarist. None of us realised how pedantic he was until now. No one seems to be too bothered. We all know that he hears much more than any of us so his fancy bits are really fancy and sound so good when he shows us how to put them together. A unanimous decision is made that he can indeed take control of the musical delivery of our chosen songs. By adding choruses and extra bits the songs are coming together with a distinctive style of our own which is exactly what we are looking for. It still feels great and we are putting out some great sounds in practice!
Haven’t come up with a name yet and as for style well we are country rockers from the old school. We need to be cause within all of us country music is the spark that lights the fire within. Preferred style that each of us felt comfortable with was a priority when getting together.
No originals yet…
Where do we begin to write songs at our age. Mike and Pete have sort of taken control but that is not worrying Michelle and I. Hopefully we won’t overload them with our inexperience. We can be fairly good at following directions and offering a few good girly ideas .
I came across this great book online and hopefully it will give me some ideas to share with the band and together we can maybe brainstorm a couple of originals to kick off with.

http://www.strongsongwriting.com/ebook.html

We are all working as active contributors to the development of our band so it is smooth sailing.
Unbeknown to the rest of the band family I have been creating a some ideas for our bio and listing some marketing strategies. I have a couple of ideas and a few contacts within the hotel/restaurant industry so I will put it all into a little package to share at our next practice.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4693697_promote-new-band.html

We have been spreading the word and generating a bit of interest on Facebook about our new band. It’s paid off because our local turf club has approached Mike on Facebook about doing a 2 hour stint at the Turf Club. Oh wow our first gig. Facebook what an excellent way to get the info out! We are more than ready for a 2 hour stint and in only 3 weeks we will be under the lights giving it all to the audience. So excited!! Our consistent efforts begin to pay off. Now we needed a name and together we decided on “Limited Edition” because we were not sure how long this “band idea” would go on for so it was appropriate and fitted us like a glove.
The gig was great and all we had practiced and rehearsed over those long hours was delivered with none of us jumping the boundaries of what we had developed. We were a tight “band unit” and had over the last few months established the who’s, what’s and how’s to deliver with professionalism and style. We got 3 bookings out of that one gig so we were away.
Our reputation was gathering speed and we began to get bookings for weddings, parties, pubs and clubs.

Making time

2011-05-16T13:40:00.001+10:00

This post is for all those who have a passion to perform but continually have difficulty in managing time frames. Time frames that allow the growth to flourish. There can be so many set backs and at times we will inevitably feel defeated, deflated and even a little depressed. Well shake off that negative energy and go forth in order to succeed.

This post has been born from a personal experience only this past week, an experience that my educator tells me I will continually have to face. With that in mind I have had to really assess my application in order to continually improve what I do on and off the stage. In order to keep it real we have to be honest with ourselves and pursue what we are best at. If we wish to achieve across few areas then we need to be able to manage our schedules of learning in application.
Like any other person working feverishly to achieve their goals I struggle with time management. Currently studying, teaching, performing and dealing with domestic obligations I am not always finding time to woodshed the components of my performance delivery. There are days when frustration and anger over ride the productivity of this path and alas nothing is achieved. A cure is as always, easier said than done. We have to learn to keep smiling on these days, we have to discipline ourselves to maintain productivity.
My first step to defeat these emotions is to assess my schedule and cross out all the unnecessary elements. I then need to look at prioritising the facets of my daily routine. If my scheduled classes are in the afternoon then I need to apply myself in the earlier part of the day and commit to working on MY craft. I need to allocate time for ME and MINE. It may sound selfish but in the past year I have dedicated much of my time to others and the development of their craft. Some have committed and constantly improve and some have not applied much of what they have been taught and continue to struggle with the freedom of knowledge. I can not waste any more of MY time in these instances and I suggest that if you experience situations such as this you do the same. They become the first scratchings of a daily schedule.
The next thing is to omit the negativity of piers. Not everyone is out to support you even though to your face they appear to be really encouraging about what you do. What we get from these supporters seems positive but is in fact a two faced approach to hoping you crash and burn. Their false support can put a spanner in your works, filling your head with masses of personal doubt and reducing your drive for your passion if only momentarily. It is sometimes hard to see these snakes in the grass. They eventually slip up and come out to the open showing their true colors. Such persecution from our piers is in reality proof of their personal insecurity. Unfortunate fools misguiding their energies in order to make themselves feel a little better about who they are and what they haven’t achieved.
We do not need a huge entourage of supporters we need a close group who understand and appreciate you, what you do and what you are working towards. In time you will filter the noxious weeds out and good riddens to them. Be aware and be selective about who who allow into your circle of support, one bad apple can spoil the batch affecting your progress. Remember your goals and your aspirations they are the most important elements of your growth.
The next consideration is to seek assistance from those who know! So many times we listen to the wrong people and that has got to stop! Seek tutoring and mentoring from the people who get results. They may not know everything and may not have been a tutor forever but THEY CAN GET RESULTS. This may cost. Spend wisely and spend once.
A prime example of this is a situation I have experienced in vocal coaching. After spending good money for coaching I now realise that not everything I was initially taught was the correct approach for me. It becomes an expensive non productive exercise if it doesn’t improve what you do. Teaching styles have changed and you need to take a modern look at how things are approached in today’s world. I don’t want to sing like Carrie Underwood I want to sing like ME. Find the coach that will help you do that. You also need to consider what style of singing you wish to achieve. I want to sing country and popular songs so I need a coach that is going to teach me how to give light and shade to my tones without aggressively approaching the melodies. Sing effortlessly and sing forever.
Currently I am tutoring beginners guitar because that is the level of ability I have worked hard to achieve. I have attained that level because I have listened and taken onboard what my tutors have taught in my classes. I am a new kid on the block but with my small bank of students I am seeing results. As a tutor I need to be able to see those results because if I don’t recognise the students progress I am unable to recognise areas that I have not addressed. As a tutor it is my obligation to nurture the students talent and guide it in a positive direction. Regrettably some tutors are wrapped up in their own goals and look at their students as their accomplishments. As tutors we are merely the guide to student achievement.
The next thing I need to address is “The Diary“. Without it days will become a mismatch of non productive time frames. I need to schedule my class times, my student’s class times, my blog times, my performance times, my research times, my woodshedding times and of course my personal times. You will need to look at your schedule and adjust the facets of what you need to do.
Prioritise your schedule in blocks of what you need to achieve initially. There are stepping stones in every profession and we must tick the boxes as we go. Do what is necessary first. Some days are endless with responsibility but to achieve the goals you want to achieve you must apply yourself, especially if you are assisting and guiding others to do the same.
By making time and structuring your schedule with only positive and productive facets you will free up time frames that allow you to go the extra mile.
In order to develop as a performer the hard work must be done behind the scenes. We need to structure our daily routines in order to fit it all in.
I suppose the message I am delivering today is “ Focus on the Internal not the External“. Nothing is unachievable and if you want something so badly that you can almost taste it you can find time to fit it into your schedule. You just need to reassess your time management skills in order to manage yourself. Time wasted is your time lost so filter through and structure your application. Good luck and remain focused on what you want to achieve.

Join our organisation on facebook!

2011-05-16T13:39:00.002+10:00

We here at the AICM are establishing ourselves on the internet and would love everyone who visits this blog page to become our friend on FACEBOOK.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AICM/142857975731145
Help us build our friend base and keep in touch with what’s happening in our scene!
New blog post pending!!!

Performance is boring if you dont feel your getting any better

2011-05-16T13:39:00.000+10:00

I have had a very interesting week. I have watched some students really step up and demonstrate commitment to their onstage craft development. Others that should be demonstrating previously shared knowledge are still reluctant in application. These few are confident they are doing great and are at the moment in the “no need to improve anything here” mode. I remain confident in their development, may be just a little slower.
Commitment and Application
I want to become better than great at what I do and I want the same for them.

I want my students to be relaxed and exude the confidence of knowing what they are doing when they are onstage. I want that relaxed confidence to be part of their presence when they are performing. I want them to feel the excitement that such a relaxed confidence gives and I want their audiences to be able to bask in the aura it will create for them. An aura that only knowledge and application of the onstage fundamentals creates and generates. They don’t need to be the best at singing or dancing or juggling or any other art but they do need to be the best they can be for their audiences. To achieve this they need to seek as much knowledge as they can and take it on board working with it to improve what they do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHWHtVwE-tY&feature=related

Woodshedding!!!!!! As a student you need to commit and

Publish Post

apply. Learning the Onstage Performance Craft is not a hit and miss adventure. It can’t be some days I will and others I won’t. You need to be consistent in order to develop.

As a student you need to be receptive to criticism. If a tutor never tells you you are doing something incorrectly you will never look at improving the core talent. If you are truly committed to becoming all that you can be onstage you will take advice and work with it. If you are told and work against suggestions and critique you will never improve what you do.

You need to be receptive.
You need to learn.
You need to apply what you learn.

Without commitment and application to these elements there is no hope of achieving one’s true ability.

Performing becomes boring when you never feel the excitement of getting better at it!

Throughout the last couple of years I have been advised of many errors in my performance and my vocal and instrumental application and delivery. In the initial stages of my training I would get annoyed and question such input but I have learned that nothing is achieved professionally or personally from an attitude such as that. I have learned to take constructive criticism and work with it in committed application. Believe me it has been difficult at times but realising that I don’t know everything and being receptively accepting to the criticism is paying off with positive experiences. Keep your heart and mind open to receive, develop tough skin.

Lately I am witness to a new trend. The trend of loud singing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a little off key and not quite in time with the music as long as it is loud. I am hearing no tone or emotion but it’s loud and to the deliverers that is the main objective when singing. I find this extremely frustrating. We shouldn’t sing to demonstrate range and power? Where are the moments????

This week I was fortunate enough to have experienced a simple one hour singing lesson with a highly regarded coach, Laura Mitchell who opened my eyes to the soft sweet side of my vocal ability. What a difference in sound. I still delivered with tone, emotion and strength but effortlessly. All the years of abuse and incorrect use of my vocal folds were some how not as evident by the end of the hour. I need to commit to improving my vocal technique so I will apply those simple techniques. It is something only one person can do for you! What will you commit to in order to develop your core talent this week???

http://www.lauramitchell.com.au/

This week I will further that education with Renee Grant – Williams in order to offer assistance to our students vocally

http://www.myvoicecoach.com/bio.html.

Renee is extremely experienced in her field, coaching an echelon of artists and musicians and I look forward to absorbing all she teaches throughout her visit this coming week. I have seen that proven technical tips work when applied so it is going to be exciting seeing how these things work with the beautiful voices currently studying at the AICM..
The major asset when developing ability is the driving passion to achieve your goals.
“Performance is not something I think I want to do. It is something that is a must do and want to do. I don’t need to be a star but if I want to be a performer I need to discipline myself and focus on the learning and even more so the application of this knowledge. I want to improve what I deliver and connect with people through my music so I need to do these things. I need to manage my time in order to fit my wood shedding in”.

Sound investment

2011-05-16T13:37:00.000+10:00

Many times we spend sums of money on things and watch our purchased goods or materials wear out, be thrown out or simply the novelty has worn out so they get passed off or put away. Money the eternal evil. We are at times really frivolous with it and buy the unnecessary. As we develop our OnStage Craft we appreciate the value of good tuition, equipment, clothes etc. that we need to purchase yet we baulk at the thought of spending the money. We can be scroogy and hesitate.

Major mistake!

OnStage Craft development to anyone wishing to create their position in the workforce of the Music Industry is an area that should never be short changed. Commitment costs money.

Singers need to clearly understand how the voice works and the necessary elements required to protect and develop the skill of singing. Did you know that a singer should consume 2 litres of tepid water per day in order to keep their vocal folds moist? Are you aware of techniques that allow you to reach an octave above what you are currently comfortable with? Maybe and maybe not but if you do not seek professional assistance you will never know. Such professional help doesn’t come cheap. Such tutors have spent many dollars in developing their craft so that in itself warrants the spend.
I attended a workshop with Tom Jackson, http://onstagesuccess.com/live-music-method-lessons/ and was blown away by the 1 hour delivery from Brett Manning, http://www.starsinginglessons.com/singing-success-review.php. It was inspiring to a person of 50 years to see another of similar age reach notes she was unaware she was capable of attaining. A lifetime of not knowing what you can attain, imagine that hey. We get locked in a comfort zone and then someone like Tom or Brett turn the keys and open new doors that encourage students to take chances on having a go on a new perspective. A new zest for our passion is born.
This month we will host another who is acclaimed in the field of vocal technique. Renee Grant-Williams, http://www.myvoicecoach.com/, also from Nashville Tennessee, will deliver an all day workshop in our Auditorium come the 31st of March, 2011. I am of the understanding that similar techniques will be disclosed to those in attendance. The cost is not expensive but any extra funds are hard to justify in these harsh economic times. The benefits will last forever and generate your development so that in itself makes it worthwhile.
If you are a budding singer I urge you to justify such a spend on such an expense because what will be delivered and demonstrated is not found on the back of a Weet-Bix packet.
If you have checked out the above website links you will see that these people are in a fraternity of their own. They are specialists in their field and have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the success that their businesses generate. Their largest fulfillment I suggest may be the joy of seeing people like you and me that wish to create and maintain a successful career within the industry SUCCEED.
Being a part of the development of an Artist is an ongoing reward to tutors and teachers. It is worth more than a million. It just keeps getting better!!
I expect by now you are getting my drift. Get the best, buy right and buy once!, a motto to keep at the forefront of you thoughts.
Equipment is another area to spend wisely on. It too is another large expense. Once again buy right, buy once and build from there. Take into consideration how many channels you will require, how big your venues may be and what power will be required to drive and evenly balance the output. Brand is personal choice. Investigate and explore lots of brands available. Don’t be impulsive it will prove a costly mistake.
Instruments again the same policies apply. Remember an instrument is of no use if you do not know how to operate it fashionably in order to get the best possible practical performance from it and with it. Instruments are no value if they just look good they need to sing themselves whatever they may be.
The things mentioned above and more will become your tools. The tools of your trade. They are all an important part of your trade OnStage. When investing in creating and building your future don’t be tight. When it comes to tuition, equipment and other items that will enhance and perfect the delivery of your craft be wise. Don’t go second rate because you will then only be second rate. You don’t want to have to double up on the expense at some time down the track.

Respect

2011-05-16T13:36:00.000+10:00

Hello to all once again. This is going to be just a really short thought to share.
Tim Robbins was talking on television this morning as I was preparing to leave for work and he made a really important statement that hits the nail right on the head in the performance arena.
I quote,
“Always imagine that your audience members have spent their last dollars to come to your show“.
What a superb way of looking at it. They don’t have to be there but they are and for that you owe them. You owe them a grateful RESPECT . You owe them a great experience, they have spent their hard earned money. Even if there is no cover charge they will still be spending their hard earned dollars to be at the venue whether it be on food or drinks etc etc. If you view your audiences with this outlook you will deliver your best. It will always be at the forefront of your mind “I must deliver the goods“. It is a sign of your appreciation to them and in turn they will appreciate your efforts. Remember in a performers life it is not all about you. It’s not what can the audience do for you, it’s what you can do for your audience. Have fun and enjoy and they will enjoy their experience.

Teenage trauma

2011-05-16T13:35:00.001+10:00

Start grooming yourself as a public person when you begin you musical application. A self disciplined grooming. A disciplined respect for yourself, those around you, and what you are wishing to achieve.
You can blow it in an instant. An impulsive decision can lead to your demise and haunt you for years. It can disconnect you with the people who admire you and disappoint those who love you. We are only human so it’s not difficult to make mistakes.
You need to be aware of situations that could lead to your personal and public demise. Stay alert, summarize situations with an educated outlook! Don’t be impulsive.
As a teenager it is hard at times to communicate your feelings to parents but it is the one thing that will assist in clarifying which direction and what actions you should pursue. A lack of communication between teens and parents is not always because the parents don’t understand even though “the teenager” will dispute this.

As a parent and a grandparent that didn’t always make the right decisions I feel I am adequately experienced in this area to share this advice because yes “I have been there and done that”.
That is the old saying that we hear from our parents from the beginning of adolescence. There is not one teenager that appreciates that information.
When you are a teenager you know everything and can not see the consequence behind an incorrect decision, especially when you are hell bent on making the wrong decision. You don’t look at the big picture because as a teenager it is not in your sights.
Anybody over 35 is old and old fashioned and as a teenager you constantly wonder “what would they know”, especially when a decision is made against what you want to do. That is a perfectly normal outlook. Nothing new over the generations there!
In youth you are invincible and beyond consequence because apart from getting caught out there is no concept of consequence. You don’t think too many days ahead let alone years ahead. The little person that lives within us all will whisper quietly that a particular choice may not right but you go ahead anyway.
You want to try so many things but you need to learn so many things. Not only learn but understand them and how to manage them personally. Often as teenagers the reason you do silly things is because you have been instructed not to. Ironic but nothing new here either.
Scientists have proven that there is a perfectly good reason behind this, but we don’t think about such technical issues as a teenager and a lot of times they are not even considered as a parent.
It’s the LOBES the FRONTALS, they are a work in progress for many years.
http://www.edinformatics.com/news/teenage_brains.htm
http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/disciplin1/a/consequences.htm
How do we learn to be disciplined within ourselves as we journey the road to adulthood? Why is there always such a rush to get there? One reasoning is the “experience”. The experience of driving, staying out late etc. etc., you know what I mean.
You rush to become grown up. Grown up so you can make your own choices, do your own thing. It’s the anticipation of experiencing what you don’t know. This anticipation can become and anxiety so you become impulsive, you lose control.
Little do you realise the consequence of adulthood. Responsibility and expectation becomes greater. Day to day cruising comfortably is replaced with all these new “to do’s” such as work, bills, purchase and maintenance of possessions and in time the “once a teen” may become The Parent. Only then is there ability to reflect and appreciate the reasoning behind discipline in decision making.
A public career is social, interactive, communicative and if your heading to the stage as any form of performer a tidy history can and will be advantageous. You don’t want someone calling personal issues from the crowd. Personal issues that may have arisen from the wrong choice somewhere along the line. Not all publicity is good publicity!

I have worked with teenagers for only a short time but I have been a parent for 30+ years and once upon a time I too was the rebellious teenager. Last year and again this year I have seen young people rushing to become adults and in their haste they have collected unnecessary baggage. Baggage that I’ve seen weigh them down, baggage that puts them in dark places and cuts into their self respect and esteem. Consider the future first and focus on what you wish to achieve.
Everyone of us needs to participate in meaningful productivity in our chosen field but the journey starts with you and how you go about applying yourself to the path. Discipline yourself in the little things from an early age and the road will be not only smoother but clearer with no major potholes or landslides.
You hold the key that opens the doors you choose to open when you chose to open them.
Self discipline and application, try it and see how it alters your outlook on lots of things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkzWU1bMUuU&feature=related
http://www.choicesforteens.com/goals.html

Memphis and the beaty of the blues

2011-05-16T13:34:00.001+10:00

Westbound, Highway 70, Nashville, Jackson and Memphis, Greyhound Schedule 1539, October 7. The station was jam packed with people from all races.
I’m boarded and leaving Nashville. I have had the most amazing experiences in a most amazing City and am sure that I will return. A strange but real sadness fell upon me. In 10 short days I had grown to love Nashville, a place so far from my home and so different from my home in Queensland, Australia, but now embedded my heart. I had found a new side of me on the other side of the world. It’s funny how writing this blog now, some 3 months later, I feel a quiet yearning for the daily exhilirence of the adventure. What would Memphis bring?

There was only one stop along the way and that was in Jackson, where Johnny and June got married or so the song says anyway. Johnny Cash that is! Stepping off the bus for a brief stop over was like stepping back in time. A weary passengers reprieve. A small quaint bus station built in 1938 and listed on the Historic Register, it was the real thing. Kind of like you stepped into a movie set. Furnishings, smell, the nostalgic aura, it was all there. I was on the set of an old movie. Pity it was only 15 minutes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23711298@N07/4756043607/
The trip was 200 miles, the bus was worn, hot and busy with passengers. From the conversations I heard throughout the 4 hour journey it was obvious that folk out this way are God loving which is certainly not a bad thing. Everyone was on their mobile phones or had i-pods attached to their ears. They were busy even though we were confined on the bus. Me, well I just took in the scenery and watched the traffic go by. It was not much different to home except I was traveling down the wrong side of the highway.
Memphis mid afternoon and it was muggy. First impressions were not exactly what I had imagined. It was dirty and within only a few moments I had been approached by a homeless soul appealing for my cash. Not on your life Nellie!!!
My accommodation was not a block away, I was right in town at the Vista Inn and within 30 minutes I was booked into in my ground level unit enjoying the cool of the airconditioning and lying on the biggest bed I had ever seen. It took up nearly the whole room and it was unbelievable! Everything is big in America!
What a location I was within walking distance of all the action so it wasn’t long before I was downtown Memphis riding on trolley cars and looking out across the mighty Mississippee River, a sight I had dreamed of as a young girl, it was awesome! Memphis the home of Elvis Presley, Sun Studios, Stax Museum, Memphis BBQ and as I discovered, so much more. First impressions were forgotten.
Priority was of course Graceland so day 2 was planned, Graceland with a stop at Sun Studio on the way home. Elvis, Elvis, Elvis, his memory was everywhere. Graceland was huge in commercialism which disappointed me. Standard entry, $39.50 and in the busiest of the seasons 3,000 people go through the gate per day, dollar value massive. It was a hive of activity. People, shuttle buses, shops, all packed with spenders. I was blown away on the enormity of it all. The complex is on one side of the road and the mansion the other. I was heading across to the home that Elvis shared with his family for so many years. I was driving up the same driveway that he would drive, walking the steps that he walked and entering the home that he so dearly loved. The home where he experienced some of the happiest days of his life. It was moving and I felt a little nervous.
Stepping over the threshold was stepping back in time and it was a little overwhelming. It was so 50′s and it truly felt like he was still there in a big way. Visitors are only allowed downstairs as a family member lives on the second level, that was eary. Was someone watching us all on cctv? and who was that someone?? See what I mean, eary. It was accommodating on a grand scale and kept like he and his family were still there.
Sadness bestowed me thinking of how the capitalists were cashing in on his death. I know it’s the way of the world but are there no boundaries for greed. There was no rush through the house and my eyes were working overtime perusing all the treasures that pleased the eternal Elvis. He was so proud of Graceland, it was his heart and it was still beating strongly long after his departure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland
What an experience and an extra $2500 would have got me a wearable duplicate of one of his star studded outfits. Not really my style but they were flash.
I was probably out there 6 hours or so as there is much to see and it is an engrossing experience. The reality of a man no different to any other except he was and remains the King of Rock and Roll. Long live Elvis! Unforgettable and truly a must do if you are ever in Memphis.
The stop over at Sun Studios, crowded but in a very familiar way. Sun Studios is very small and looks like there hasn’t been a cleaner in the actual studio for many years. That certainly did not dampen the spirit of the visitors. Everyone was in high spirits as we listened to the vibrant young tour guide relaying information. She knew the history inside and out but in a very personal way and that is exactly how she delivered it.
In January 1950 Sam Phillips a poor farmers son began his career in the industry as a DJ at a Muscle Shoals Radio Station. He later became a producer owning a record label call “Sun Studios”. In January 1950 he opened the doors to “Memphis Recording Services”, later to be known as Sun Studios. Greats like B.B. King, Howlin Wolf, Jerry Lee Louis, Roy Orbison, Chet Aitkens, Elvis they all began their recording history at Sun. Elvis’s first recordings at Sun are recognised as changing the world of music forever. The fusion of the styles created a totally new sound and the listeners were loving it. Country, Blues, Rock and Roll, all rolled up, what’s not to like.
Greats from the past and even today the cream of artists still fill the studio with electric sounds. Bono, Rob Thomas, Santana the list goes on and on, everyone who is anyone has recorded at Sun. Amazing to be standing in the same places that they have stood, simply amazing. It’s a feeling of stimulation that is quite indescribable. It’s like dreamland and your mind wanders in all different directions. I will never forget it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Phillips#The_.22Memphis_Recording_Service.22_and_Sun_Records
http://www.recordproduction.com/sun-studios.html

The fear of change and chance

2011-05-16T13:33:00.001+10:00

It seems each and everyone of us has a degree of trouble dealing with CHANGE when we are comfortable with situations and things as they are. We also battle with the thought of having to step out of our comfort zone and take a CHANCE on something unknown or unfamiliar. There is a simple one word explanation, “human”. Thank heavens for that, it’s not just me!
This week I have experienced moments with people when the reality of this fear has hit home with me. Ahhhh, there is such enlightenment with age.
With the pace of change in everything that surrounds our day to day operation, business and personal, how can we not face the challenge of change with an accepting mind.

I see it sometimes in the classroom. Students have heard a song and they feel that they need to deliver it the same way as they have heard it. At times not even considering the improvements possible when changing the key. 9 times out of 10 they will have heard it on the radio. Initially not considering that it has been structured for airplay it is not evident to them that it can be so much and needs to be more in a live show. Add a bit here, move a verse or chorus around, extend the lead break etc etc. There are so many options, only the imagination can limit the prospects.
The point I am trying to extend here is that if something is or has been a certain way and change is imminent and often necessary analyse the big picture and see what parts can be amalgamated to deliver a super product. In our consumable lifestyle change is necessary and we need to be accepting to the concept in order to keep up with the times.
Take a chance on change and enjoy the benefits of things developing into something new.
Maintain the exact same approach to your show. Just because you haven’t done it doesn’t always mean you can’t do it. We have so many hang ups in the learning stages of our OnStage craft. Without taking chances this craft will never fully develop and you will always find the hole in the stage in your performance.
If you have a passion to achieve your vision you need to take chances. Take the chance that some joker in the audience is not into what your doing or they don’t like your look or some such thing. Take the chance because you’re the one having a great time doing what you love and you are doing it all the way it should be done. I say what’s not to like there.
Confidence is a very powerful tool and allows you to take chances. In Tom Jackson’s curriculum you will learn how to become comfortable in your own skin when you are performing. You will experience and develop a confidence that encourages you to take chances.
I hope this little summary of little things I have experienced this week sits in your mind if you are a budding artist. Take it onboard and see for yourself how much more you can achieve with a positive approach to Change and Chance.

Welcome back

2011-05-16T13:29:00.001+10:00

Well it has been such a busy time since I traveled to Nashville. It seems so long ago but still so fresh in my sights. Nashville, Memphis and more 2012, I cannot wait!
Until yesterday I had not even really thought about my blogging and how much I enjoy sharing little things with lots of people, so indeed Welcome Back!!!
I would sincerely like to thank the people or person at Spotify that left an inspirational comment on this blog page. It is little things like “that small sentence” that really motivate someone like me to continue to be motivated. Thanks and I hope that my coming blogs will will be enjoyable reading for you.

Where do I begin to update all the happenings of the last couple of months?
I am yet to finish the blogs on my fantastic trip to the States, a place that I absolutely love, but they will surely be posted weekly from here on in.
As you may or may not know I am a trainee in “OnStage Delivery and Success”, a position that I am totally enjoying. It is a job that never has the same format from day to day from week to week, what’s not to love in that!
We have only last week returned from a very busy trip to “Tamworth”, the Country Music Capital of Australia. With 18 or so students, some of their families, teaching staff from our organisation and The Country Music School of Excellence, we journeyed through flood effected countryside to showcase some of the wonderful talent we have coming through our classrooms. They did themselves and our small town proud and it is an extreme pleasure to be associated with their growth as musicians.
Each student excelled in their particular field of musicality performing to many avid listeners in a multitude of venues and competitions. It is difficult to list any one student or band as a highlight as I am so very proud and impressed with all of them. From small beginnings big things grow and it will be an honor to grow with the students we teach. Sincere congratulations to all of you!
In the hectic schedule there was little time to get about checking out much else apart from what our timetable listed but in a stolen moment I did get a chance to check out another young talent who calls Gympie home. Miss Emma Barlow, singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and awesome fiddle player was entertaining at West Diggers with The Harrisons. With childish truancy myself and 2 other absconders spent a couple of hours enjoying their show.
I remember Emma as a junior high school student with aspirations of becoming recognised in her field. At under 21 years of age she has accomplished that. Recognised this year as “Youth Achiever of the Year” Emma is making her mark in the music industry here in Australia and I know in the years to come she will surely become well known overseas or wherever her feet hit the shores abroad. Congratulations to a truly inspiring young lady who is still the country girl I met some years ago.
With great pleasure I must mention the many firsts that our most mature aged student Mrs. Noella Dwyer experienced. It was her first trip the Country Capital, her first time busking on any street let alone Peel Street, her first time staying in dormitory accommodation with high spirited young ladies, her first time in a Tamworth competition where she received her highest score for any competition she has ever entered . Noella is the true representation of doing something because you love it. We have worked together for some months now and her energy is something special to see and feel. There is much joy in the happiness and new found confidences she is experiencing with her Traditional style of Country Music. A job well done Noella I hope we share many more times like that with you in years to come.
Okay now to give a brief outline of what was achieved by the students of The AICM and The CMSOE:
Stepahanie Ward-Wrigley winner of the Junior Vocal section in the Champion of Champions Competition back in November here in Queensland was winner of the CCMA Competition for her age group, under 13 years in the Country Capital. A very talented young lady that has the world in front of her. Stephanie’s name is now on the same shield that adorns names such as Kieth Urban, Travis Collins etc. etc., quite prestigious. Job well done Steph.
Olivia Nolan a tiny little pocket rocket wowed them in the Mt Franklin competition receiving 2nd in the finals against some pretty tough competition. We have watched young Livvy really head into her own of late. Turning 14 while we were a way this young lady has a bright future in the industry if she so desires.
Livvy’s sister Ariana also found her moment busking on Peel Street. Ariana is just beginning to connect with her musical side so it will be interesting to watch this quiet young lady share her hidden musical talent as the months go on. Very surprising and a very pleasant experience to be part of. It is all a confidence thing at their age. Pier pressure can be a damming consequence and here at the AICM it is my job to focus on the things that instill confidence allowing students to take the chance and become all they can be.
The lovely Jess Fox performed on many stages and her casual laid back style was well appreciated by her audiences. Jess has been working with us for some time now and we are expecting that this year, her final year of high school, will be the one where she really excels in her musicality. Jess made it through to the semi-finals of the Mt Franklin Comp. A special thanks to Jess who filled as lead singer in the band Aiming High on a couple of occassions. This is an extremely difficult task and she did a great job. Without her and Stephi there would have been times that the guys would have missed out on getting to the stage. Thanks again, much appreciated.
Jake Reid is a young man with a big voice and he did a great job in all that he delivered onstage. Jake is Mr.Cool and takes to the stage in blue jeans and bandana. He has been a pleasure to work with over the last couple of years and we will surely miss him and his bass playing as he moves on to the next stage of his young life. Jake begins high school and will be more involved at the CMSOE this coming year. I am sure we will still get to enjoy his performances next year in Tamworth. Good luck Jake you are a fine young man.
Disbanded, well what can I say. With a brand new line up and little time to practice together due to the floods and festive season the youngsters did a cool job. Creating bands is a difficult task. It is the marrying of flavors. Flavors that will compliment each other in all musical aspects. Here is hoping we have the mix right for this year as there is some truly awesome talent in amongst these kids. We thank Aiden Patrick who has come on board now. Aiden is another gifted multi instrumentalist and we are happy to have his presence here at the AICM. I will mention that Aiden, Pania Tapper and Brad Williams played in several of the bands that were performing so they had much to learn in a short space of time. Great job you musical buffs!
Aiming High ran on a handicap of sickness the whole week but excelled in the long run. With lead vocalist Caitlyn Shadbolt sick from the time she arrived in Tamworth it was touch and go on each performance they were listed for. As the week drew to a close they did perform in their heat of the Coca-Cola Battle of the Bands and wow perform they did. They made it to the finals in some heavy competition and were tipped at the post on points for a place. Sensational effort for them with Cait being as crook as and them not being able to practice all week as a unit. Very proud of the boys stepping up with their onstage presence showmanship. As I keep telling them every step forward is a step in the right direction. Keep smiling and just enjoy what you do guys, that’s what the audience wants to see.
Also with us was the band Evolution which we had the priviledge of working with for a short time towards the end of the year. Michelle Blavius really stepped up her presence onstage and became the front girl and did a super job at it. If you can get them out of their chairs and dancing you are doing the right thing for your audience. Congratulations on all you have achieved in your musicality Michelle.
Southband with the wonderful Alice Benfer as lead vocalist were appreciated by all members of every audience. We attended the launch of Alice’s much awaited cd and enjoyed some traditional country artists in the process. Alice is a remarkable young talent whose focus is Tradition Country and the dying art of The Yodel. Keep an eye out for her cd or purchase it online here at www.aicm.
The only thing left to share with you today is news about “The Duke Wilde Band” who are currently signed to AICM Records. The boys did a great job in Tamworth and were well received at all their gigs. We all attended the launch of their cd at The Pub and if you were in attendance you were lucky enough to hear a selection of what is up and coming in the original repetoire’. Unbelievable stuff so check them out and grab a copy of their first cd. They were constantly introduced as “The Hottest New Country Band” so that says it all!
Remember performing is about making moments not just singing songs, how many moments will you create in your next show.
Cheers and we shall gather again next Tuesday!

The grand ol opry

2011-05-16T13:28:00.000+10:00

October 5th, 2010 took the bus to the Opry. Would like to have taken a limo but maybe in my next life. What a venue! Any Country Music Artist would be excited to perform on that stage. The centre piece of the huge stage is “The Circle”, a 6 foot round piece of dark oak wood cut from the stage at the old venue, The Ryman Auditorium. A circle of wood that has had the footsteps and foot stompin boots of the the worlds cream of country artists upon it. To become a member of this iconic venue would be a dream come true to so many. Weekly concerts have been hosted and broadcast via 650 WSM AM since 1925. The night I was there was the 85th Birthday of just that. Reaching over 30 states, the Opry for many years was the weekly entertainment for many folk that would design their events and gatherings around it. The focus is Country Music and the commitment is keeping the History alive. They do it so well. To a first timer there is little evidence of the destruction that occurred May 2nd 2010 when Nashville was inundated with waters spilling from the meandering Cumberland River.

Although not every business, venue or resident has resumed life as it used to be prior to that date, there has been progress enabling homecoming celebrations at the Grand Ole Opry. Just 5 months after the devastation the evenings of entertainment have returned to schedule at the Grand Ole Opry. The adjoining resort and shopping complex are yet to be reopened but it will happen in the not so distant future. More Shopping!!!

Grains of Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, Comedy, Traditional Country, Contemporary Country and everything country in between can be enjoyed in the prestigious line – ups. Age irrelevant the 2 hour shows deliver a host of talent. Steve Martin, comedian, has even played some scorching banjo whilst standing on that “Circle” centre stage at the Grand Ole Opry. The show I saw had artists I had never heard of but be sure that I will never forget them. It was hot!! Mandolin, fiddle, banjo, double bass, honky tonk piano, crisp vocals, superb harmonies the majestic tones of pedal steel and funny ditties. Each and every artist masters of their craft. Unbelievable right there so close you could almost shake their hand. Wow!

Relocation to the Opry Mills site was in 1974. Prior to this time the War Memorial Hall and Ryman Auditorium, Downtown, were the venues for The Grand Ole Opry. The inclusion of “The Circle” in the stage of the new venue was in honor of those that have gone before us. A magical tribute to the likes of The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, Tammy, Kitty, Patsy and countless others. There is something magical and spiritual about the Opry and so many other places I have visited here in this huge country. Nashville is the real Home and Heart of Country Music and there is nothing like it in Australia. The Opry has all the normal tourist things such as gift shop, bar, popcorn and cotton candy with hundreds of thousands of visitors each and every year. You can also host your own functions there with an outdoor stage bigger than any I have seen in Gympie. It would be a great place to showcase our students!

The line up I enjoyed included The Whites, James Otto, Jack Greene, The fabulous Quebe Sisters Band, Jessie McReynolds and The Virginia Boys, Lee Brice, 92 year young Jimmy Dickens and the velvet voice of Mr Josh Turner. It was fabulous. Each of the artists are on YouTube so check them out, some you may love, others you may not but certainly worth a look.
The Whites: Dad and the Girls, Sharon and Cheryl with son-in-law Rick Skaggs. These guys have been regulars at the Opry since 2007. Traditional Country/Bluegrass/Gospel covering all bases. Music delivered with fun and excitement. “Keep on the Sunnyside” one of the songs off the soundtrack to “O Brother Where Art Thou” was their opening song. They have enjoyed countless other achievements throughout their careers with several chart toppers in the 80?s. “Down From The Mountain” a movie documenting the artists whose music contributed to the soundtrack of “O Brother Where Art Thou”. Certainly something to look for.

James Otto: A young man with a passion for his country music, age 37. James has enjoyed success with his hit song “Just Got Started Loving You” from the Album Sunset Man in 2008. It was his first number 1. With rich vocals and a commanding stage presence his 15 minute spot was a pleasure. Once again all original material.

Jack Greene: Starting his 1st band in 1950 and at the early age of 20 years only, Jack has enjoyed a fulfilling career. In glittering attire Jack at 82 entertained with his medley of songs from the past. The most recognisable song one of the timeless hits, “There Goes My Everything”. Jack’s performance was so polished it was appreciated with a standing ovation, the audience in true appreciation of a man that has given his life to Country Music. Drummer, guitarist and vocalist he was first discovered by Ernest Tubb. He became a member of the Opry in 1967. In the same year he was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year with “Since My Baby Went Away”, and Album of the Year! He continues to tour enjoying life and all it has to offer. A shining star. Gentlemen like him make it really special. Time has change what we see but what he feels is still so obviously alive. Moving! Never think you are too old, while the heart beats a true love lasts.

The Quebe Sisters Band: Flavours of western swing, hot jazz, vintage country and texan fiddle these young ladies were sizzling on the strings. The have toured nationally and internationally, having over there young years, won every major fiddle competition and championship in the country. Polished and seemingly very humble accompanied by a guitarist and a fine double bassist. They were together all the way. Mum and Dad home schooled the girls and also taught them the fiddle. Reserved in their onstage appearance but wild when they cut lose on their fiddles. Beaming smiles and magnificent harmonies these girls, Grace, Sophia and Hulda new how to lift the crowd to new heights. I can’t forget to mention Josh McKenzie and Drew Phillips together a very entertaining team. Such Talent.

Jessie McReynolds and The Virginia Boys: Mandolin extrordinaire! Fingers like ants running, each knowing exactly where to go. Jessie developed his own style of playing which is recognised as the cross picking style. Originally performing with his brother, Jim. They were inducted as members of the Opry in 1964. After his brothers death in 2002 Jessie hit the road himself, picking up where they had left off. Born in 1929 Jessie still continues to tour and record. Younger family members now join him onstage offering perfect harmonies and electric fiddle playing. His captivating style on the mandolin and his warm persona behind the microphone kept you on the edge in total enjoyment. This fine old gentleman and his line up are Bluegrass Heroes.

Lee Brice: Although Lee’s major influences have been Garth Brooks and Hank Jnr he has included flavors of Cold Play, 3 Door’s Down, Tom Petty and the likes which gives him a very unique tone. Totally different to the previous artists in the line up Lee is 100% Country. His look, his onstage manner and his warmth. A very commanding presence. Born in 1980 Lee has enjoyed success with 4 of his singles entering the Billboard Charts. He co-writes with some of the industries best, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw. There are a couple of good names for one’s resume. He hopes to one day hear his music on rap stations as well as country airwaves, touching more people in a diverse society. That may give you an indication of the difference in his style, it is great.

Jimmy Dickens: Little Jimmie, born in 1920 and standing tall at 150cm’s. Jimmy has been a member of the Opry for the last 60 years and mighty proud of it. Hank Williams Snr once penned him a song because he needed a hit to survive. The song was “Hey Good Lookin”, a song that suits him to the bone. An absolute corker of a personality. At 92 he graces the stage in rhinestone adorned suits and big hats. At heart a comedian and good at it. The audience were in stitches with his antics for the duration of his spot. He is the oldest living member of the Opry and has appeared in film clips with Brad Paisley. A National Gem.

Josh Turner: Last but by no means least. Josh Turner began to sing and seduced the audience with the rich tones of his baritone voice. It may even be deeper than that. Endless beauty, absolutely gorgeous. He has a smile that would soothe the saddest heart and the most engaging eyes that invited you instantly. He was in charge and the audience followed his every request. Opening his set with “The Long Black Train” he had the audience on their feet and clapping with every word. Singer, Songwriter and Actor Josh has certainly carved his path in the industry. A devout Christian, as many people are, he closed the evening with each and everyone of us wanting more. Josh has won Grammies and many other noteable awards within the industry. Four Studio Albums and 10 of his singles reaching the Charts, non of which have been number 1, this young man will be around for a long time. It just goes to show you don’t have to be number 1 to achieve great heights.

Well that was the Night at The Grand Ole Opry another wonderful experience in America. So many moments and memories to gather and hold on to. Let’s see if we can get a few more Aussies at the the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Remember all of the artists can be seen on YouTube and I encourage you to take a look at the diversity of what American Artist’s have to offer. Simply inspiring.

Don’t forget to check out the devastation of the floods on the Tube as well.
Stay tuned for more blogs and start saving. xo

Glittering in gold

2011-05-16T13:26:00.000+10:00

Well today I am in Memphis but I must take the time to tell you about yesterdays adventures. I took my last across town journey on the bus. Destination West End. Past the original Union Train Station, (a majestic old building), there are two iconic landmarks in the city of Nashville. Vanderbilt University and my destination, The Parthenon, which I easily got lost in for about 3 hours. I have never considered myself a lover of Art Museums but it was mesmerizing and thoroughly enjoyable. Entering Centennial Park, recognised as Nashville’s most urban recreational park, at first sight I was taken aback at the enormity of this building, The Parthenon. Wow, it was just like I had remembered seeing it in history books, but it was here and so was I.

It was huge, it was breath taking. Built in 1897 for the Centennial Exposition, it is a precise replica of the Greek original but initially built here out of brick, wood lath and plaster. It represented the city’s reputation as the “Athens of the South”. During the exposition, The Parthenon housed 1,172 pieces of art. At that stage it was a temporoary structure but in 1920 the city authorised and commissioned the reconstruction utilising permanent materials. This reconstruction was necessary as the building was beginning to crumble with decay from exposure to life’s natural elements.
The first floor is a stroll down history lane, walls adorned with black and white pictures and artifacts relating to a far gone era. An era of effective simplicity. I watched a small video that outlined the construction of the building. With exact precision, piece by piece, each round in the columns was manually ground and pulley lifted into position. Ground, in pairs, so particularly, that they were perfectly matched. Matched and joined with a gap no bigger than one fifth of the size of a strand of hair. The thought of the labour involved is mind boggling as it truly is a massive structure. The columns are not exactly vertical although by appearance one would think so. It is indeed a mathematicians heaven. If they were to continue skyward they would not meet before they reached a mile high. Venturing inside and it is camera’s away, no gum, no food and no drinks. Works of art, walls of them. Pieces dated back to the 1700′s but still perfect. Art that appears so lifelike you feel the impresssion that you are actually relating with the people in the frames. Complimenting the history of The Parthenon there is one section dedicated to Greek Mythology. The largest exhibition on this floor is a collection of paintings donated by American businessman James M Cowan, in the year 1927. There are 63 items in the exhibit, the earliest being Venus and Cupid by Benjamin West dated 1765. Just beautiful and still so fresh in appearance. Other items are by prominent artists, Sanford Gifford’s, Autum in the Catskills, Fred Church’s, The Wreck, Albert Bierstadt’s, Mt Tamalpais, and Edward Blashfield’s, The New Dress are to name just a few. My favourite was The Rose of Shiraz by Hosev Pushman dated 1919. It is of a woman, shawled and sitting down holding an empty glass. The cascading colours including greens, reds and purples are so rich and vividand yet so balanced. It is simply beautiful. All of these Artists played prominent roles in the development of American Art.
I am still on the first floor, it was engrossing. To incorporate the old with the new there is a section allocated for showcase exhibits from prominent artists of our era. The exhibit I was fortunate enough to see was that of Lisa Rivas, an American artist. The colours once again so vibrant they seemed to dance toward you. They just seemed to jump out and grab you. Her exhibit was exciting, demonstrating different effects created simply by using different techniques and materials. I believe she developed her style from making comparisons to a computer program. Very modern and very interesting. Colour your world and check her work out online.
The second floor blew my mind. As I climbed the stairs, I wasn’t sure what was in store, I knew nothing of the history nor the place but so far so good. I turned the corner and OMG AMAZING!! There she was Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, Prudent Warfare and The Arts. The original was built out of gold and ivory in 438bc and since lost to time but completed and reproduced here. Upright at 41 feet and 10 inches, weighing approximately 12 tonnes, gilded in gold and painted with articulate precision, she blew me away. Adorned with sixteen kilos of gold. She glistened. So beautiful!! In her right hand stands Nike, the Goddess of Victory standing at 6 feet 4 inches in the life like palm, in her left hand the spear. Beside her the huge Serpent representing Erichtonias, the legendary King and of course the huge shield for protection. On her helmet was the image of a sphinx and her breast plate was the image of Medusa, also painted with the same articulate precision. The attention to detail on her face made her eyes alive, like she was actually staring. Her feet were painted to the point of petite reality. At the base of the figure was the creation of Pandora, the gift of all. It is so detailed, so precise. In a word, breath taking. I can’t wait to post the photographs and videos. It was another amazing day. I encourage you once again to start saving your pennies and take a trip to this neck of the woods. There is so much to see and experience. It is a new adventure each day, simply wonderful.

A quick stroll through the park and I was back on the bus and downtown to the Tennessee Museum. Nashville seems to be all about Country Music, History and fun, it’s great. I have not blogged about the food yet but it too is something special oh and the shopping.
The museum’s first floor begins where history began in America. The Indians. The wagons, the tools, the clothes, the tee-pees. In order to really appreciate the museum it would be advisable to have some knowledge of America’s early history. The 2nd and 3rd floors have a big focus on the bloodied battlefields of the civil wars, the slavery, the hardships. So many lives were cut short. The Nashville Cemetery is filled with rows and rows of white headstones, a representation of just that. There are landmarks all over town telling the tales of conflict and demise. The weapons of days long past were presented in perfect display. Pistols, rifles, bayonets, cannons, there was representation for each stage of conflict. Also on display was a collection of artworks. The beautiful paintings that hung proudly in the stately residences of the rich. All beautifully restored and maintained. I now know the reason behind “no flash lights” from cameras, preservation. These paintings would have been fixtures on walls in well to do homes. Homes that were built during the days of grand architecture. Architecture of the Antebellum era. It was all a little overwhelming.
Well as I said I am in Memphis today and have the next 6 days to check it out so stay tuned, hopefully you are enjoying the snippets I am relaying from this amazing country. Still have 2 blogs to catch up on, The County Music Hall of Fame and The Grande Ole Opre’, you can be sure I will not forget the experiences. Tomorrow is Graceland and Sun Studios and if there’s time Gibson Guitars.
Thanks for reading these blogs, you can leave a message if you like. Take care and bye for now!

The country music hall of fame

2011-05-16T13:22:00.001+10:00

Sing Me Back Home”, an exciting exhibit that depicts the journey of Country Music over the last two Centuries.

The initial announcement of the pending creation of the “Country Music Hall of Fame” was way back in 1961. This announcement was delivered by Ernest Tubb at the Grand Old Opry. This announcement was complimented by the unveiling of bronzed, life like plaques of the first three inductees. Jimmie Rogers, Hank Williams and Fred Rose, the very 1st inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. They have lead the way for countless others that have carved the passage of a genre’ of music that satisfies millions around the globe today.

The original Museum opened at 222 Music Row in 1967. It included educational programes, County Music Foundation Recordings and Country Music Foundation Press. A Country Music Foundation Library was added in 1968. The inclusion of RCA’s Studio B, 1977 and Hatch Show Print in 1986. As you see the evolution of what we see as the Country Music Hall of Fame today has been an evolution over many years with much input from many avenues. The Country Music Foundation was established in the same year as the opening of the Museum and was managed and operated as a not for profit organisation. It was to oversee the operations and development of this iconic museum.

The modern new venue that I experienced was opened May 17, 2001. The new facility is located Downtown Nashville only moments away from the hub area of Broadway, The Ryhman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena and the countless Honky Tonk Bars that surround the Downtown precinct. A magnetic draw card for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s cost was a staggering 37,000,000 dollars. As you enter the atrium of the building you are greeted by the beautiful acoustics from a seductive guitar. The guitar is being majestically caressed by Nashville’s Ambassador, Mr David Andersen, who has been doing this gig for 7 years or so. The tones are unbelievably romantic as they reverberate around the towering walls. You can sit to relax and enjoy a meal, a coffee or a cool beverage. You can request any song you like and this man with the magical touch can play it for you with exactly the right dynamics. It is a remarkable atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyable and charming. It sets a great mood to further the experience of your visit. Meeting over 500,000 visitors a year he has a remarkable memory. I ventured in for two visits whilst in Nashville. As I wandered around on my second visit the song I had requested on my previous visit began to circulate around the room. He simply acknowledged my attendance. It is a special atmosphere. So friendly, so warm. It is “Sing Me Back Home”.

From the air the building is shaped like a bass clef. The towering windows are the mirror image of piano keys. A daimond shape mast towers high into the sky and is a replica of the radio towers at WSM Radio. WSM has just last week celebrated 85 years of broadcasting live from the Grand Old Oprey every Tuesday evening. There are round discs surrounding the tower that represent records and cd’s. It is architectually beautiful and once inside the country music story unfolds with dramatic appeal.

“Sing Me Back Home” is the precise description of what you will encounter as you wander through the displays which in two floor level covers 40,000 square feet of floor space. It unfolds and extends the history in consecutive order of era’s. From the days of dixieland music, true to rural Tennessee with a gospel flavour, through to the young country star who utilised internet technology to catapult her career to unbelievable heights. Any country artist that you can think of is showcased in this remarkable display of history. The huge glass cabinets hold all sorts of memoribilia. Too much to list individually. Instruments, boots, typewriters, sewing machines, records, posters, letters, songwriting notes, music scores, hats, costumes covered in rhinestones and jewels, photographs, printing machines, recording equipment, vehicles. If you can imagine it, it is surely here, carefully displayed in artistic grace. Amazing is one of the many words that one could use to describe this visual journal. You can listen to original recordings of stars you may know of and even some from those you have never heard of. You can watch video footage of artists that were stars before your parents and grandparents were born. It is to behold to anyone who appreciates country music. I’m sure that even someone that is not an avid country fan would appreciate the displays that are housed in this creatively designed building. As you stroll through the museum you can watch as historians restore items that will adorn the walls and the exhibits in times to come. As the grand spiral staircase directs you to the lower level of the museum you will be overwhelmed at the towering walls of gold and platinum records. On these walls hangs a replica of every gold or platinum record ever achieved throughout the history of country music. Country Music, a genre’ of music that has helped create American culture.

It is an educational extravaganza and when in Nashville a must see. To leave Nashville without touring the Country Music Hall of Fame is to never have arrived.
To view a complete record of all Inductees go to Wikipedia/Inductees Country Music Hall of Fame
Thank you to the caretakers of this global gem.

Much more then music

2011-05-16T13:20:00.003+10:00

Tennessee, the name, was derived from the Cherokee Indian word, Tanasai. In 1796 it became the 16th State of the Union. I would need a lot more time than I have to properly explore Nashville. It is a history lesson, and I am only covering the immediate area of Downtown, just touching the edges. There are many outer area landmarks that tell the tales of the bloodied battlefields and Stately Sir’s of a long gone era. I know I keep saying it but it is amazing! Part 1 of my day, explore Capitol Hill State building and the surrounds. The architecture in this area gave Nashville the tag “The Athens of the South” because of the greek influence in the building structures. Towering columns of stone and marble, bronzed statues, ornate carvings, everything finished with refined detail. Such craftmanship. Culturally it was a leader. It was the first state to develop a public school system.

Settlers were attracted to the region for multiple reasons. It had everything, fertile soil, huge trees, abundant fauna and an ample water supply in the meandering Cumberland River. Initially home to Native Americans the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Shawnee Indians.
French fur traders were the first Europeans to arrive building Trading Posts in the seclusion of the bushy countryside. They co-habitated peacefully with the Native Indians bartering goods and balancing the cultures of two totally different breeds of people. In the year 1779 word was spreading of this new found land and approximately 400 people left North Carolina in search of their promised land. These folk remain in the history pages recognised as the “James Robertson Party”. Along the beautiful banks of the Cumberland River, just Downtown, there are quaint Fort like replica buildings erected in memory of the James Robertson Party and their promised place Nashborough. These buildings indicate the simplicity of our fargone eras offering somewhere to sleep and cook whilst comfortably sheltered from the harshness of the seasons. These cabins are real structures with some of the original furnishings and utensils used in that time displayed in believable placement. There is one cabin dedicated to the weaving of materials with the original wheel still in tact. Within the walls of simplicity these buildings also house the secrets of the many hardships the settlers would have endured. Thank heavens for historians.
Months after settling they were swept into war as the settlement became a Western Front for the American Revolution.
The Native Americans turned on the settlement with the encouragement of the British. Most of the settlers relocated to Kentucky, not far from here, in search of a safer haven. Seventy or so remained and held out until the dust settled.
In the year 1784 the community, under the leadership of James Robertson, changed the name to Nashville promoting prosperity and growth. He was recognised as assisting in the establishment of The Davidson Academy which later became the Davidson University which further down the track became what is known as now, The University of Nashville. There are several Universities in Nashville today. Under his vision demographic growth flourished. Erection of Public Buildings, Churches, Stores and Medical Facilities pushed Nashville ahead as a recognised leader in community development.
The era 1820 – 1843 became the era known as “The Age of Jackson”. A young lawyer and public prosecutor, Andrew Jackson, became a formidable figure in the development of the new frontier. A National Hero who eventually became the 7th President of the United States of America. His popularity gave Nashville prestige and power in the hearts and eyes of the Nation thus promoting Nashville to the Capital of Tennessee in the year 1843. This was the year the grand building that I walked in today, Capitol Hill State, was commissioned. The neo-classic, Greek style structure is located on the highest hill in the City taking 14 years to complete. Architectually designed by William Strickland, it’s style and stateliness were unprecedented in the era and still to this day remain something to behold in awe as you approach. Strickland is entombed in one of the corners of the building. When you wander amidst this grand structure you can not but reflect on the hardships endured as the building developed. During the years 1862 -1865 it was transformed into Fortress Andrew Johnson. There are numerous works of art, historical murals, portraits and massive chandeliers housed in the building. Parlimentary Chambers and galleries are also within the walls of this iconic building and of course the massive library must not be forgotten. The library has a spiral staircase leading to a first level that is difficult for me to describe. It is woven wrought iron with intricate castings of dogs and pigs. The iron fences on the 1st level have the painted heads of influential people placed in the centre of each section, it is amazing. The building is such a massive structure. I imagine slaves were the workers of the era. If you have ever watched the movie Roots you could possibly begin to imagine. The desks, the chairs, oh it is truly amazing to see. It is unfortunate that I am unable to upload photos as yet but be sure to watch this site to see some of this wonderful craftmanship.
In the grounds of Capitol State Building the 11th President of the United States, Mr. James K Polk and his wife lay peacefully entombed. The 7th President of the United States, Mr. Andrew Jackson is eternally captivated in an equestrian statue known as “Old Hickory”. He was the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. Other statues include that of President Andrew Johnson, the 17th President, Sam Davis recognised and remembered as the Boy Hero of the Confederacy, World War 1 Hero Sgt. Alvin York and Senator Edward W Carmack. There is also a massive bell that still rings. It, I believe, was put there as at some stage as a commerative milestone. I will have to check it out with Mr. Google. You have to physically move the pendulum but the echoing tones of this huge brass bell are majestic and ring for some minutes.
It may be alone on the pinnacle of the hill but the surrounding area is adorned with other buildings of the same era. The State Office building, The Court House, Churches, just to mention. Although these buildings are not internally accessible to tourists the exteriors are just as spectacular. Massive structures with towering columns and authentic statues. It must have been hard yakka for the men on the ground. Unbelievable! Well that is about it for the history lesson.
The other exciting thing to happen today, if you love The Blues, is The King himself, BB King was in town last night. Yes 86 year old Mr BB King stepped out of a 1 and a half million dollar bus, sat down in a mobile chair and ushered into the BB King Blues bar to play a gig. Unfortunately no tickets were available but I hovered and got some video footage and a smile from this legendary artist. There was a real street hype as dedicated fans awaited his appearance. Speaking to part of his entourage I found out that he still plays several gigs a year. The gigs have little structure. They maybe listed to start at 9 and finish at 11 but in fact they may not start until 9.45 and finish at some time after midnight or whenever he decides to stop playing. He said it all depends on how the man feels and how his audience is responding (connecting) at the time. Once again, an unbelievable day in Nashville Tennessee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-au04Cu0ro

Two days with tom jackson

2011-05-16T13:20:00.001+10:00

I’m exhausted but so inspired!! I have been watching Tom Jackson dvd’s for a few months now but there is nothing like the real thing. Wow, that man waves his magic method and whoolah the lights flash and the whistles blow. A tweek here and a turn around there and look out baby it’s a whole new show.

I have been humbled by the experience and realise how much work I have to do. There was some absolutely amazing talent, actually it was all amazing talent and everyone attending had something special to offer. I had travelled the farthest, there were people from all over America with a big emphasis on religion and message music. The task now is to work out how to balance the implementation of affiliation. It will become one of my goals to grow the concept of “Tom Jackson Live Music Methods” initially at the AICM, making the results of his teachings so apparent that it generates interest and spreads like wildfire throughout Australian educaction and entertainment arenas. I want to be the girl they call in Australia when they want to apply Tom’s Music Methods. Affiliation makes it possible but I have to make it reality!!!
I also, with new inspiration, need to work on my own passions and develop as a singer, guitarist and songwriter. After this weekend I know it would be difficult for me to be effective as a teacher if I were watching everyone do what I love doing but wasn’t doing. I will need to be diligent in my application, strategically placing and managing my priorities.
Day 1 was all about the planning, the creation, the fundamentals, the setting of foundations. The how of the how to build your craft. It was like a freight train reality. The reality of the diligence and honest self evaluation that is required to get where you want to go. Attending a “Tom Jackson Music Methods Bootcamp” opens your eyes to the things that you are not doing and clearly outlines the things you should be doing. It is a 10,000 hour project. After evaluation I am just teetering on 5,000 hours completed thus far. I have masses of work to do developing my core craft and half of that amount again on my performance delivery, but that’s ok.
Also discussed in depth was VISION. Where do you want your music to go? Each one of us that makes the choice to become a performer needs to consider VISION. The where do we want to go with this and how far are we willing to go to get it there. Then we have to the apply the energy and perseverance to get there. No one else can do this for us.
We enjoyed a presentation from Ariel Hyatt, Ariel Publicity & Cyber PR. A New York based digital firm that connects artists, authors and film makers to blogs, podcasts, internet radio stations and social media sites. Ariel was very informative discussing the overall concepts of cyber marketing. Music Success In Nine Weeks, this is a step by step guide on how to use Social Media to increase your fan base and your income. With a background in PR and Artist Management she certainly knew what she was talking about but, as she stated, you need to be diligent and focused following a plan and staying positive.
There was so much more to the day but I can not reveal all the secrets, there will be nothing left for me to teach.
Day 2 was just as jam packed with band makeovers being a large focus of the day. The “magic method” turned performances around in hour long sessions with artists that were ready to go to the next level. I watched one band, a Rock Band become Rock Stars, it was the most thrilling experience as an observer. I want to do that with my students but they have to let me. You have to work with artists that want to let it happen, artists that are ready to go to the next level. Artists that have a vision coupled with determination and humility. Vision and determination reduces the fear factor, it doesn’t take it away. You have to be willing to take chances.
We were taken in depth through designing set lists, rating songs, the 7 deadly sins. It was very full on. Our guest presenter today was singing coach to the stars, Mr Brett Manning. He showed the new techniques in voice control, blending and projection. So much to learn and redo. All in all it has been a very intense couple of days with a group of great people that drink sweet tea and eat grits, Southern Style.
Before signing off I must mention the wonderful food that was served, it was fresh, well prepared and plenty of it. Tom’s team are equally as magical as the man himself. The venue was unbelievable. Taylor Swift was in room 2 and Kings of Leon will be in on Monday, Robert Plant just spent time there and any big artist you could think of uses the facilities there on a regular basis. It is a rehearsal venue that has all the stage facilities of an open air concert with the capacity of hosting 3 or 4 bands at any one time. It is huge!
I was allowed to recorded a little bit of footage,the guitar room, drum room, amps, speakers etc, it is a sensational facility and the staff better than good. Naturally it is a place that is not advertised in the local rag for obvious reasons. The people in this part of the world are some of the friendliest I have come across in my life, it is all a really wonderful experience.

Off course

2011-05-16T13:19:00.001+10:00

Talk about hi-jack yourself in Nashville. Today I ventured off on the 15 bus service which conveniently leaves from a stop not 3 minutes from my room. With all good intentions, I was heading to Music Row the one that houses the recording studios, the songwriters and all the business side of the music scene. I was aware of a shoe store that was near by and detoured on foot in search of a pair of sandals.

Volleys are a bit hot when you travel the most of the day by foot around the Downtown precinct. Girls you would not believe the shoe shop I got lost in today. Today actually became shoe day!! For three hours I put on and took off, I have never seen such a selection of styles and luckily they also catered for girls that have not so little feet. It was heaven! I got sandals for summer and also armed myself with uggies for next winter, heaven knows how much it will cost me to bring home my purchases but boy it was worth it.

After the excitement of the shopping spree I didn’t much feel like heading down to Music Row Business Centre so I took a bus back down to the action scene on Broadway. It was super busy because they are hosting Music Awards at the Ryhman Auditorium tonight, (the initial Grand’ Ole’ Opre’), for the Bluegrass/Hillbilly Pickin’ side of the country music industry over here and there were people from all over the place cruising about. Literally there were thousands of people around today, it was such a vibe! All toting instruments of many sizes and varieties, there were buses that looked like they were built for royalty and once again the smiling faces of folk that just love and live for their music.

Wandering down past the Raddisson Hotel, which is quite ritzy, I spotted one of those big revolving doors and could not resist a spin in it. As it was, it actually guided me to the “Starbucks Cafe” in the lobby. They specialise in coffee, cookies and such over here. The hype in there was electric. Musician Central and it didn’t matter that I was not part of the convention of people. Welcomed at the counter and after changing choices a few times I settled for a Strawberry Frappe’ which turned out to be something gastronomically sensational. Smooth, cold and creamy in a seductive sort of a way. It was great and I was quite content to sit there watching the comings and goings of the people that live on the professional side of the musical arena. The Raddisson Downtown Nashville even has gold elevator doors decorated with beautifully banded musical notes across the front. Heaven knows what it’s like upstairs but I bet it is lavish with style. It was a great way to take a break from an exhausting morning.

With that moment over I was off again in the general direction of Broadway. Somehow a smile led to a conversation with a fellow from Christiansburg Virginia, a John Miller and he was excited to be here and was heading down to the Ryhman to oversee the setting up for the evening. I had been told Americans love Australians so he was interested to hear the few bits of info that I had on the bluegrass scene in my area. He handed me his card and said that he would love to come to Australia one time so I promised him I would pass his card on to people I know that are into that scene. What a great place to network. His card reads Musician, Vocalist, Luthier, Instructor, so he is obviously very astute in his field. It would be great to have folk like that come over for our Music Muster.

I eventually made it down to Broadway, by this time it’s heading towards 2.00 in the afternoon. My Downtown adventure today began in the Legends Bar taking photographs of memorabilia of the greats, past and present, and chatting to people that were enjoying the non stop music there. Once again I hi-jacked myself and ended up in a store called Betty Boots. I had spent some time earlier in the week looking for proper American boots so it was inevitable that at some stage I would amble back in there. They have the most amazing boots over here, hand made, hand carved patterns, hand painted and just beautiful but the are also priced accordingly. Oh to be rich and famous! I came out with yet another bag but I got a pair of boots that I will cherish forever.

Realising that night was fast approaching I snapped back into reality and got on with job at hand. Gathering information, photographs and video footage for a documentary that will inspire our students to develop a Country Music Scene that is a magnet to listeners both young and old. It is not beyond belief that Gympie could in future years become a hub similar to Nashville, emphasising the Australian flavour. I am also keeping an eye out for “Doof Doof Country”. I know we have Tamworth and Tamworth is wonderful but something up our way with a little bit of a twist would be a good thing economically for our area.

With darkness set and the air alive with sound I continued my roving reporting and met some amazing people. Buskers, travellers, musicians, doormen, boot sellers, ice-cream eaters, all sorts, it was a super afternoon/evening. So many neon lights and all flashing, the odd siren blasting it’s way through, designer cars thumping their way down Broadway, people laughing and talking. It was just the best.

This is not the blog you probably expected today but it wasn’t the day I had expected either. Non the less it was another awesome day in Nashville Tennessee and I will catch up on the Country Music Hall of Fame blog as the days go by.

Tomorrow is Tom Jackson, Saturday is Tom Jackson. These 2 days will be quite intense and very long so perhaps you may not hear from me until Sunday..Don’t worry there will be much to tell so stay excited and keep working towards delivering your dreams.

The magic of studio B

2011-05-16T13:14:00.000+10:00

Today I took a sixty minute guided tour of the historical Studio B. Built in 1957 by Dan Maddox, under the instruction of Mr Chet Atkins, at a cost of $37,515 it was to become the origin of at least 1.000 number 1 or top ten hits recorded in that particular era. Amazing, so simple by today’s standards but the birthplace of what is known as The Nashville Sound. A sound that saved Country Music as Rock and Roll and Pop Music hit the scene.

Great artists had stood where I stood today and I could sense the magic. The recorded memoirs of stories and clips were so moving it felt like one almost knew the people as if they were still there. With rising emotion my eyes filled with tears as the Guide relayed the brief history that 60 minutes allows. For someone that has really only been interested in Country Music for some 5 years I was overwhelmed as were the others in the group. I had not heard of some of the artists mentioned but somehow in my memory banks the short snippets of their songs brought to me an undiscovered recollection. Approximately 35,000 songs recorded with at least 1,000 of them becoming number 1 or rated somewhere in the top 10 on the charts. The magic remains and music is still being made in one way or another within the historic walls. If only they could talk.

Elvis was brought by RCA from Sun Studios, Memphis, for the sum of $35,000 dollars, he went on to be one of RCA’s greatest assets delivering hit after hit recording most of those songs in the state of the art simplicity of Studio B. Thirty-five thousand dollars was an astronomical amount of money in those times.

Other great artists that stood before where I stood today have been: Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Dottie West, Ernest Tubb, Chet Atkins (founder of The Nashville Sound), Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, The Jordinaires, Don Gibson and so many more. There were days that every song that was recorded in the sessions became a number 1 hit or there abouts.

When you see the simplicity of how these timeless hits were created, musicians and artists alike all in the same room with just baffles between them when necessary it makes you appreciate that you are standing amidst something that will remain a part of Musical History forever more.

Most of the instruments and equipment from those early days remain in Studio B lending another nostalgic moment to experienceand absorb. The floor is still covered with the same square patterned vinyl with the scuffs and scratches that the long gone traffic has left in their passing. Music told the stories of life, love, heartache and happiness and so much of that nostalgia remains within the walls of Studio B. Under Elvis Presley’s request mood lights were hung, red, blue and yellow, and they still shone today as bright as back then but with perhaps new bulbs over the years. Blue Christmas was recorded in July and we were told that the studio was decorated as if it were Christmas so the mood could be inspired. Just awesome stories. A truly wonderful experience.

Studio B is still used today for recording and as an educational facility in analogue training for the Belmont University. It’s great to know that these parts of musical history will never be lost. If you are ever in Nashville take the tour and connect with what these great artists left behind at Studio B. Feel what I felt today you will never forget it. Inspirational.

That’s not all!! The Country Music Hall of Fame is spectacular but I will fill you in on that in tomorrow’s blog. Thanks for reading share my link please, and start saving, this is a wonderful City!!!!!

The journey

2011-05-16T13:09:00.000+10:00

Depart Monday 27th arrive Monday 27th, how surreal. Everything is on the opposite side of the world including me, it’s quite unbelievable.

For any of you like me that have never been abroad I arrived on the same date that I left, time and all it’s zones. I have been too excited to be tired just yet but I am told that jet lag will surely set in. It has to catch me first. I won’t wait around for it, I have no time to let the grass grow under my feet. Anyway, it may not happen. I am going for the moments now not the ones that might happen!!

No hassles getting out of Brisbane International, smooth sailing and smiling people. Amongst the excitement of the journey with some surprise I experienced a deluge of emotions, all the way to the point of not wanting to get on the plane, crazy hey. I expect that I am not the first person to experience these feelings for one reason or another. The realisation of the distance that would be created between the travelling me, the people I love and all the special people in my life was trying to be a burden but I got over it and they have too.

After checking in there was time to kill. I met a lady from Austin Texas, Karen, no wonder she had no trouble striking up a conversation.. It was the general conversation content, the where, lifestyle, family, work, you know the kind. About a half hour of introductory stuff. Karen found me again in the International Complex and flagged me down. She had scratched her name and email/facebook contact on to a torn off piece of paper, inviting me to consider bringing some students to their Ranch. Of course the timing would be designed as to enjoy the music festival in Austin, Texas. Apparently it is absolutely wonderful and huge. We had made an initial connection that can be developed with the use of the wonderful tools that the I.T. world offers. Music is apparently a big thing in Austin Texas!!!!! Everything is big in Texas they say, even the toilet paper! It was a super start to the trip. I hope to one day take her up on the offer. Anyone interested?? There was a tatty looking fellow with a guitar, he had it tucked up with cardboard and was taking it on board. I will tell you more about that coincidence later. It is a small world.

The flight just to L.A.X (Los Angeles) 13 hours. Cabin Fever almost set in. Following the clouds for thousands of miles over the ocean in the daylight hours looked stunning. It’s not often I look down at the clouds and I was inspired by the beauty. The colours, the textures and impressions created by shadows of light, it was truly beautiful to see. Night fell and you imagine what blind eyes see. I watched 4 movies, lots of music videos and almost anything else that looked enticing on the tiny screen embedded in the headrest in front of me. It was a good selection so time, although slowly, did pass. Oh might I mention the food was great and the crew wonderful.

Arrive L.A.X. One hour late and for some reason I had been booked on a flight that was earlier than the one that was on my itinerary. It actually flew out before I arrived. A little frustrating but just a test to see how long I could keep my cool. I did, but it was a close call. What can you do thousands of miles away from the comfort zone of home and dealing with people you know. It was the concrete jungle and it’s inhabitants were not all friendly. I don’t feel that I would ever make the effort to go past what I saw at the airport. Obviously a lot of folk like it because it is very populated, but what is their lifestyle? oh well I am happy to leave them to it. I did note that most cars were real big and many of them were blowing their horn, luckily not all at the same time. I have experienced the L.A feel and was glad to leave it behind on the wings of a silver eagle.

Next stop Dallas and the warmth of the people there. Just a pit stop but you could sense the friendliness. After take off I became mesmerized by the silver wings of that eagle and grabbed a little shut eye. I awoke to the the vivid impression of a meandering river and all it’s tributaries, the precise outlines of manicured pastures, waves of hilly landscape topped with thick foliage, waterholes, tiny little houses, it was beautiful and very reassuring that the final leg of the journey was almost over. I would have loved to have listened to the captain describing the locations that had greeted my wakening but I will seek the answers through the web, what a great tool this technology is. I think the big river was the Tyne but I will have to ask Mr. Google. Clear skies and little turbulence all the way, not even a hint of nasty pollution as we descended into L.A, Dallas or Nashville so I was pleasantly surprised. It was great.

Touchdown Nashville, Music City, The United States of America. YeeHaa!!!! Now the adventure begins.
Oh the man with the guitar that I mentioned at the beginning of this entry, I had not set eyes on him for 7,100klms and woolah along he came, guitar in hand, happy and smiling and hopped onto the shuttle bus that was taking me to my motel. We struck up a conversation and swapped email/facebook addresses, yet another story in this epic journey. It is a small world with wonderful tools!

Music bloggers

2011-05-06T15:35:00.001+10:00

Calling all MUSIC BLOGGERS, it doesn’t even have to be country but MUSIC PLEASE.
We have all been so busy at the Australian Institute of Country Music that finding time to blog has been difficult. With this years Muster having been and gone there should be a little more time to focus on maintaining this blog.
If you have never been to the Gympie Music Muster do yourself a favour and plan a trip to it. Each year it just gets bigger and more exciting.
The AICM helps out in the Maton Talent Search venue and it was a very busy few days for the wonderful volunteers from our community. In fact without volunteers there would be a lot of work not getting done at the Muster. Congratulations to all the organisations and their helpers for a job very well done. A great job done by all and proof that many hands make light work. Thank you to all and sundry for the assistance that was given under the banner of the Australian Institute of Country Music, look forward to doing it all again next year.

Now back to this blogging situation. WHERE ARE ALL THE MUSIC BLOGGERS GONE!!!!!!!! I apologise to the people that are using this site for other than music blogs but hey what’s it all about and where are you guys and girls from?
I would like to invite musically minded people to join the blog and share information and experiences that we can all grow from.
AICM home site is currently under reconstruction, renovation if you like as we have some wonderful new people on board upgrading our online image. It will be back shortly with all the info and educational facilities as before but there will be much much more!!! Keep an eye out aicm.org.au
Don’t forget if you are looking for entertainers, sound engineering, recording facilities, guitar, performance, keyboard or drum classes, photography etc., feel free to give us all a call on, 54812355 karen@aicm.org.au
Come on music lovers GET BLOGGING and share some info and tips
Karen

What Didn’t I Do? Why Didn’t I Get Placed?

2011-05-06T15:21:00.000+10:00

A question often asked by students and parents of students who have competed in competitions but have not gained a place.
It is not a question of what didn’t the student do but what did they do!

Did they remember all their lyric?
Did they play their chosen instrument to the very best of their ability?
Did they connect with the audience through lyric and melody?
Did they make an effort to dress for the performance?
Did they have fun?

If all these questions have been answered in the positive they have done nothing wrong and even if there have been little hiccups throughout the performance it still does not mean that they have done something wrong.
Competitions are not the be all and end all of developing as an artist. Sure they are a great way of gaining onstage experience but they sometimes can be detrimental to the growth of our confidence. Confidence being an extremely important part of becoming a performer.
How do we really know what individual judges are looking for? How do we satisfy all of the judges expectations? It is not an easy task and often if you are not a circuit performer regardless of your talent you don’t stand a chance.
The priority of any performance is to have fun and extend that emotion to the audience, that way they will remember the people that may not have been placed.
Please understand that if you are a developing artist and you are confident that you are putting all your passion and effort into becoming “The Performer” never be disheartened by not securing a place in talent quests.
Watch and learn from what others do but develop as yourself and you will stand more chance of being recognised as an individual artist.
Remember that it all begins with immitation then as we grow imagination and innovation click in and we begin developing as an individual artist, adding our personal signatures to the performances we deliver.
Above all remember the fun factor, hold fast to that because if you lose it you may stall your growth.
Keep on working on the “who you are, not what others think you should or could be”. Your audiences will let you know if you are heading in the right direction and their opinion really counts!

Excitement and Vision

2011-05-06T15:20:00.001+10:00

What is life without vision? Not much! What is life without excitement? Boring!! The same applies to our shows. The same applies to audience reaction. We are the ones, as performers, that have to be excited, we have to have the vision of making it special, an extension and delivery of who we are. It is up to us!!! Rely on yourself and be yourself. If music is in your DNA it is not a hard task.
In the beginning of our careers we look for assistance to create our shows, we look for support to develop the who we are and the what our shows will be. What happens if we are not excited about the big picture of what we do? The whole thing, the big picture, will become stagnant, like a river in drought, going nowhere. Our excitement and vision are the biggest feeders of our development. The ability to dream is a powerful resource and the best part of dreaming is that it is FREE!

The cost is not a dollar value, it is personal. it’s the effort we put into turning dreams into reality. We are the captains of our vessel. The keepers and creators of our own destiny, something I say so many times. Something that has taken me a long time to put into practice, but great things happen once you do.
Get excited!! every show is different, every audience is different but we are the same person every time we go out to perform. We may have different material to deliver, we may have different clothes or hair but we are the same person. You can establish a connection with any audience the minute you walk out on stage if you are excited about what you do. People respond to body language and if you are excited it will have a roll on effect, exciting your audience. Makes sense hey!!
Imagination creates the vision. Imagination, another inexpensive but powerful tool. It’s the vision of what we want to do. “Just imagine”, how many times have people said that? My imagination drives my vision. I have to see it first in my head and then I have to work out how to deliver the visual reality of what I am seeing. If I imagine my show will be a certain way then I can create the vision of what it will be through drive and determination. I can create the reality of the vision.

The powers of positive thought are endless if we engage the practice.

Bad habits

2011-05-06T15:15:00.001+10:00

How easy it is to go through life not assessing the little things about ourselves that are habitual. We support and advertise the good and ignore and grow the bad. Ignorance is bliss isn’t it! Of course not all the little habits we have within ourselves are bad but we find it extremely hard to accept someone bringing the bad ones to our attention. Being of human nature we are often offended. We shut down, taking the attitude of “what does she know anyway”.

Don’t respond by shutting down, respond with action, help yourself to fix bad habits!

In a lot of instances we don’t even recognise that we do little things that are not totally correct. Being told and made aware, constructive criticism, often hard to accept, especially when it is something that we do and consider we do well. Develop thick skin and utilize all tips and suggestions to your advantage. Do not allow them to disadvantage and handicap your development. Take it all on board and sail on!! Knowledge, something in life no one can take from you.

This blog I am dedicating to singing and acoustic guitar technique. They are just a couple of things that I myself was guilty of until a kind soul made me aware of them. I remain thankful to that kind soul. It’s the little things that if someone doesn’t mention will continue, allowing the creation of bad habits. The longer we are permitted to get away with them the harder they will be to correct.

1. Sliding: The habit of dragging the note from a place other than it’s correct origin in order to reach and deliver it. As a vocalist you hear and know the note before it leaves the vocal folds, the note is already in your head. The destination and the origin, one of the same. Smack bang right on the note, not over, not under but right on it. Practicing your scales, over and over, will correct the habit of sliding. Create habits vocally, good ones! Enhance what you have, repetition creates habits so practice correctly.
2. Chomping: The habit of cutting the word and the note with your palette without finishing or rounding the tone. It sort of sounds like you have actually swallowed the note and the words with it, quite an abrupt way of finishing a sentence or word. Rounding vowels and correct pronunciation will assist in this area. Practice and repetition, “how now brown cow”, “she sells sea shells on the sea shore”. There are heaps of these cliche’s that are helpful, so find some and work on the rounding and the finishing of words creating the habits that will flow through to your singing style and technique.
3. String Attack: The habit created when we don’t strum the correct strings for the particular chord. Not all chords require the strumming of 6 strings, nor do they require to be always approached with a heavy hand. As a novice guitarist myself these are little habits that I am finding I have had to be fixing because I was let get away with my string attack style of playing initially. Once again thank you to that kind soul.

Remember, create good habits for onstage delivery. Create good habits within yourself.

Repetition creates habits so be aware when practicing to consider all the little things. it’s the little things that make the difference and deliver the biggest rewards.

Keep Smiling!

Silence is golden

2011-05-06T15:14:00.001+10:00

We live in a world of white noise, always something filling our airwaves to distract us from the soul inside. What can we find in silence? Growth, personal growth.
Silence creates a personal space, a personal space to communicate with ourselves. A place where we can deal with the who we are, a place where we can redirect our path and manage our future steps, a place where we can privately analyse the me. A place that delivers satisfaction through truth, an honest retreat, a personal haven.

It has only been in the last few years that I have discovered how golden, finding silence can be. How rewarding the sitting back, listening, absorbing can be! An attention seeker almost all of my life, it’s been an eye opener. I’ve never really found satisfaction in personal silence but through life’s twists and turns, music and the emotional connections it delivers, I’ve discovered my attitudes and approaches have changed, making me more comfortable with my own space, more assured of who I am. I’ve located the silent haven within me and found another person. A better person, a person who has the capabilities to grow spiritually.
The true essence of our soul desperately needs silence to grow.

External noise, that we have become so used to, distracts us from the inner self. It’s like a disease that penetrates and then restricts inner growth and healing. Creating personal silence can be confronting, displaying raw truth, a personal stand off in a way. A space where we have to learn to accept, a place where we learn to understand, a place where we can reflect and redirect. It is a place where we pursue and strengthen our inner courage and relinquish our exterior fears.
I encourage you to find a pleasant spot, a private place, a place that will allow you to seek and listen to silence. Allow that environment assist your emotions in finding silence and all the amazing knowledge and beauty it has to expose.

Singer

2011-05-06T15:08:00.001+10:00

Everyone has talents of some description. Some are never applied, some are never developed and in unfortunate situations some are never even discovered. It’s the special something in everyone of us. Art, sport, cooking, dressmaking, music, we all have a niche, all different and it is up to us to find it and apply it. Chase, Embrace, Enhance and Develop it is your responsibility to yourself.
As a performer there is a requirement: talent: something that can be developed.

If you are tone deaf it will be impossible to be a great singer, fact!
Initial stages of development, you’ve got to hear the note before you can pitch it to sing it! You have to be able to understand the fundamentals of reaching for that note and the physical mechanics that will allow you to do what you have to with that note. If you want to be a singer you need to have vocal ability. You don’t have to be Celine Dion but there needs to be some ability to start with otherwise there is nothing to work with.
Step 2, if you discover that you can sing, is to locate and engage a reputable singing coach that will assist in the ongoing development of your vocal ability. The voice is an onboard instrument, a valuable tool of the performance trade so you need to develop it without destroying it. A good vocal coach will teach you how to maintain your instrument throughout it’s development. It’s what you have for life so make sure to treat it right in the initial stages of development.
Listed are a few of the aspects a vocal coach will guide you through. As you can see it is much more than just opening your mouth and singing.

Correct Breathing and Mouth Positioning
Vowel Exercises: The Key to Developing Vocal Control
How To Find Your Vocal Range
Exercises for Extending Your Vocal Range
“Chest Voice”
“Head Voice”
Ways To Interpret a Melody and Make the Lyrics Come Alive
Vocal Maintainence: Taking Care of Your Voice

Your health and well being are an essential part of vocal development and impact directly on the voice. Revive to Survive Vocally.
Hydration is at the top of the list in voice care. I encourage a consumption of 2-3 litres of water per day. Water consumed can only be effective to the vocal folds and vocal tract through absorption via the digestive tract. This process takes 15-20 minutes so it’s advantageous to consume water prior rather than during a gig.
Vocal Tips:     Many professional singers use Black Currant Pastilles 24 hours before their performance.       Avoid anything with mint or menthol in it.    Throat Coat® Tea, designed specifically for voice professionals, is better than Pastilles. The tea contains licorice root, which is widely used to enhance throat and upper respiratory tract health.      Any beverage that affects your stomachs acid level, like caffeine, will also affect your vocal cords. Caffeine is a mild diuretic and dries the throat and vocal cords. Coffee, including decaf, due to its natural oils causes acidic results that cause vocal damage. This includes chocolate. If you suffer from acid reflux disease, you need to take extra care of your voice since acid reflux causes permanent damage to vocal cords. Sodas also cause acid reflux and damages vocal cords.
read more at     ……………….
www.selfgrowth.com/…/voice_care_for_coaches_and_speakers.html
www.rogerburnley.com   to get a few tips then source a local coach for guided tuition
Hope you get a little something out of this blog. Have a great day and please leave a comment.

Little things that make me australian

2011-05-06T15:07:00.001+10:00

I constantly keep reminding myself to be who I am in performance. Sometimes it’s hard because by human nature we strive to be something more. I advise, not teach the students I deal with. I highlight small windows of knowledge that I hope they will adjust and implement to their particular style as they develop. Outstanding entertainers develop themselves with the “who they are”.
I work with Artists in the making. Australian Artists in the making.

One small facet of delivery that creates a challenge to me in our students is their diction and pronunciation. I am forever correcting the pronunciation of the small words like last, past, carrrr etc.. The finishing of words the rounding of notes and tones, so important in the development of style and who we are. We are very influenced by America, the great nation, but need to stay true to our origin, it’s the core of who we are!!, Australian Artists.. Every person I have spoken to with regard to American music or travel has emphasised that Americans love the Australian accent. Why do we not sing with it? Many may disagree with me but as a child under the teaching and guidance of Mr. Dick Stevens and Miss Sandra Breen, founders of Kids Incorporated, I was conditioned to be very particular with pronunciation and diction. It is a minor facet of performance delivery but a cutting edge in refinement.
A comment I often hear as I correct the students is “Kasey, Catherine or Kieth say it like that . Listening to their music I hear that they do. I would like to instigate the change that highlights our Australian origin in the delivery of songs whether they be American or Australian. I never hear an American artist trying to pronounce their lyrics like an Australian.
I would like to think that here at the Australian Institute of Country Music we encourage students to deliver their music with their Australian flavor. It’s unique and with proper pronunciation, diction, rounding of notes and tone becomes a very beautiful thing.
Love Australia and all the great things it has to offer!!!!!!

Just let it happen

2011-05-06T15:06:00.000+10:00

One of the biggest restrictions to our movement when performing is the fear of how we look, I know I’ve said it before and I know, heaps of times. Remember music is repetition!
As a performer adapting movement and implementing it on stage is the next step after you get the hang of delivering the song as the story. Adapting and implementing the dynamics.
Working with a young student just the other day I began to jump around. The script and the melody of the song she was singing directed me to do it. To me it was an uncrontolable urge, to her it seemed silly, at first.

As a performer, the next step after learning to deliver the song as the story is adapting the dynamics. I couldn’t help it, yet it was difficult for her to even lift her leg. Ahh! youth and all the inhibitions! By the time we had finished the class I had done a work out and she was beginning to loosen up enough to start bopping too. The young lady was really starting to loosen up and I could see the chains being unlocked. I could see a new depth and dimension to her smiles, her body language and her facial expressions, it was awesome! I could actually see that she was having a good time with her songs. That’s what an audience wants to see!!
We are directors from the stage and whether we have 3 or 300 people in our audience we are in charge of how their experience with us will evolve. If it’s a fun song have fun, if it’s a testimonial song send it from the heart etc etc.. The audience will be engaged with what you are delivering if you release the inhibitions, and go with the “ let it happen!!”. In your heart, if you are aspiring to being a performer, I know that you want to!!

Music is repetition everything about learning it and delivering it is repetitious. Because we love it, we do it! As we develop as PERFORMING ARTISTS it becomes easier to go into the delivery zone. Our zone, the zone that is specific to our style, our personality, you are delivering the “this is me” in the hope that the audiences you encounter will like you and what you do. Do you want to be a player or a performer? There is such a mammoth difference.
To fast track development you must get the groove thing happening. Find your zone in every song that you sing and JUST LET IT HAPPEN. If you are carrying inhibition in your luggage “get rid of it“!, it weighs you down and restricts your growth. Fast track your path to where you want to be!!
You are the only one that can do it, so JUST LET IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Choices

2011-05-06T14:28:00.000+10:00

I spend Thursday of each week at the AICM with a bunch of senior students from various high schools in our town, Certificate 3 in music has been their choice of music education in their final years of school. When I leave the building I wonder sometimes why particular students have made that choice. Will they get to an older age and regret that they didn’t approach this class with dedication and zest utilizing it as part of the foundation in their future?

At 50 I can look back through my years and recognise where I lacked commitment and neglected the foundations. The “if only” so many of us feel as we get older. Hindsight can be a bitter pill. How do we help them see that making the correct choices now will reduce the amount of bitter pills they have to swallow as they get older?
There are so many open doors, everything there at the tip of our fingers! How do we encourage the kids to step through the right doors and seek the good things that are on offer and then commit to absorbing and applying the knowledge? At the end of the day it will be their choice not our expectation that prevails.
It is the endeavor of the AICM Organisation and staff to encourage our students to make correct choices by introducing and exploring the creative avenues within the entertainment industry. Offering a relaxed positive thinking environment, we are committed to extending the common courtesies applicable to society in our classrooms and through guidance and some days perseverance, we hope that these courtesies will become a part of their everyday journey when dealing with others.
A young student mentioned “compromise” just yesterday. Throughout life we discover that the day to day experiences we share with people around us is all about compromise. Learning and understanding the how and when of give and take. When to sit back and when to step up. What foundations have we established within ourselves to be recognised as a serious player when it comes to compromising?
We were the same as they are today, it was just a different era. Knowing everything, non accepting of the advice from older people, rebellious, disruptive and challenging, all part of the age group, all part of growing up and discovering and developing who we are. The only difference perhaps, the boundaries, and how far we could push without consequence? Will the consequence of our choice leave a lasting scar in our memory? Will our choice create a consequence that may scar the memory of someone else?
Have you checked your boundaries lately and do they need to be reassessed and modified?
Consider consequences before you make choices.
Develop your capabilities on solid foundations!

Aura and Energy

2011-05-06T14:26:00.001+10:00

We sometimes meet artists who exude an amazing aura. They have something special, an unexplainable vibe that makes us feel comfortable around them, they make us feel good, they give us a buzz. If you are a passionate performer it is likely you have a personality that has a distinctive aura. The YOU factor. Audiences want to have access to the you in you. Throughout our development as artists we learn to give that part of us to them.

Wanting to share, wanting to connect, wanting to make a difference with your music, all of these things create an energy behind your aura. The amount of passion and drive you have within will determine the energy behind your aura. From the stage, using the you in you, you can establish connections with an audience as you deliver your songs, making it special. At the beginning of your journey it may be a little difficult due to nerves, inhibitions, self doubt etc. etc. As you grow as an artist, by staying true to you, you learn that that particular part of your dna has the ability to establish lasting relationships with people that you may not often see and may never know personally.
One of the first things to consider and maintain when developing you as an artist is to be happy with you and what you have to give. What you have to give may not be the same as a person you may aspire to but it is the you and that’s the most important thing. Never forsake the you in you in the search for what others have or do because they already have it and they’ve already done it.
The you factor is the foundation of your path as an artist. Everything else develops from there. Your talent, your style and your presence. Be happy being you and all else evolves in a natural progression. Who you are becomes greater than what you can do.

How do i find my comfort zone

2011-05-06T14:21:00.002+10:00

. Be Yourself, be confident in yourself and what you do, select a repitiore’ that is you and your style, relax and focus on the job at hand. The How is in the practice and establishing muscle memories and habits. Put together a selection of songs that effect you personally. Compile the playlist. A couple of slow songs to begin with and increase the moods of the melodies as the playlist progresses. Find a private place and put the music on. In your room, out in the paddock anywhere you will feel comfortable. Starting with something slow and soothing, release the part of you that is connected to that particular melody.

Only you around, feeling goofy is out, so relax and enjoy.
With gentle movements work your head and shoulder areas by rotating and rolling your bones. You can sit on the floor, stand up the decisions are yours. Very low impact movement but relaxing. As the music plays on extend your arms and reach. Reach to the side, to the front, up, down. It’s working when you can feel the melody through your body extensions, reach out extending the core of the melody then gently pull it back in close to you. You should begin to feel emotionally connected to the melody, in the zone! As the moods of the songs on the playlist increase so should your movements. Every part of you should be feeling the beat as you go along and if your compilation is structured correctly by the 9th or 10th song you should be really getting into it. Skipping, spinning, jumping, kicking, bending as much of you as you can. It doesn’t have to be choreographed dance or exercise steps, remember it is an exercise simply to introduce our bodies to movement through melody. Totally engrossed in the melody and feeling it to the core. Freedom. You will feel exhilarated and inspired!!!
This is an ideal exercise because the song selection is yours, there’s only you thus enabling you to have total control and go at your own pace. Even if you don’t use any of the movements you have created during this exercise on stage, it will identify, to you, the freedom you can establish with lyric and melody. If you are a non mover you should be doing this exercise frequently creating movement habits that are not inhibited by the “I don’t dance” attitude. There are several ways to move across a stage in order to connect with the audience and include everyone. Whether you are with or without an instrument, standing or sitting down, I feel it is important to become one with melody first. Find the Freedom.
If your reaching for the stars then you physically have to reach! Each song in your repitiore’ is a story and it is that story we need to connect with. Take it on board, feel it, understand it. As we learn to connect with the songs through movement our body language allows our audiences to connect with us.

Always be prepared

2011-05-06T14:21:00.000+10:00

I don’t know if we ever completely lose the jitters before performing but I do know if we are prepared it is a darn site less nerve racking.
Music is repetition. Learning the instrument, learning the lyric, putting it all together, pulling it apart, refining it all then combining the packages to make one complete product of each song in our repetiore”.
The more sure we are of what we are doing the less we have to think. The less we have to think the less we have to panic. We have no time on stage to think about what the next chord or lyric is, we have to focus on our audience and create the connection with them. It’s for them we are there, leave the ME in the wings or the carpark.

Practice, Rehearse, Perform, three stages of preparation.
Be who you are not what you or someone else thinks you should be or would like to be.
Always arrive prepared!! You then have the opportunity to enjoy yourself because that is what it’s all about when it comes down to the bottom line. Having fun and sharing the moments!!

Do i look goofy?

2011-05-06T14:20:00.000+10:00

Oh my lord, are they looking at me? Oh my lord they are!!
Of course they are, you are a performer an entertainer, that’s what they are meant to do, they are the audience and you have chosen to be an entertainer.
With the love of our music we need to find freedom. Freedom that allows us to physically show our audience what a particular song does for us as performers. This is, at times, very difficult because of the inner fear factor. The little voice that tells us that we look stupid or we are not this or not that.

Forget it, ignore it and get over it or it will restrict your growth.
If a song makes you happy then be happy. Jump around, clap, get excited. Happy people don’t stand still! If it is a sad song share the meaning you have taken out of it and give it to your audience with your hands, your face, your vocal tone. That’s your job to share all that you are doing and feeling onstage with the audience.
Find your groove and put a smile on someone’s face, it’s all part of developing your individual style as an entertainer. Once again “the who you are!”
Each song is a new script, each time you sing it you may get something else out of it, allow your body to help you express the emotion of the lyric and melody.

How do you know who i am

2011-05-06T13:58:00.001+10:00

What are you most passionate about? Is it country, pop, is it heavy metal or maybe it’s poetry or rock etc. etc. There are so many styles and so many art forms but there is only one that fits us like a glove. The meant to be! We get a warm fuzziness inside when we are performing our chosen style whether it be delivering a song, poem, speech or even dance, the glow from that passion can create connections with people in an audience. Your performance can be special. It’s the you that makes it special!

You don’t have to be the best at any of these arts. If you are honestly passionate about what you do and want to share your love of it with others you have every chance of surviving as an entertainer because you will connect and make the audience feel as if they are part of what you are doing and who you are. It is not rocket science and it’s not unattainable, we just have to be who we are. The real person, not one that wants to be because someone else is or does.Don’t set out to be a star, set out to share with others the ” who you are”, and be the best you can. You will be surprised at the impact you can have on other people’s lives. If you can make a happy man sad and a sad man smile then you have been yourself and that is the best feeling in the world.
Pursue what you can achieve and don’t waste energy on the want to be. Along your journey you will grow and develop new skills, sometimes without even trying to.

How do i prepare

2011-05-06T13:56:00.000+10:00

If the Head Chef at the best Restaurant in a big city wandered in a couple of hours before dinner service and scratched his head wandering what the heck he should put on the menu for the night do you think there would be happy diners at the end of the evening. No!!, if that were the case it would be a shocking night for staff and diners because there was no forethought, no plan and no preparation. As a performer, without preparation, the results would be the same. There would be no connections, no special moments and people leaving the venue wandering who you were. Not very memorable.

We need to make it memorable, that’s our job. Prepare physically and emotionally.

Physically we need to know our songs and the musicality of each. Inside out and back the front. We need to choose the songs, learn the lyric, learn how to play the music, design and apply the dynamics of the delivery. Remember it’s a live performance and a lack of preparation will show. We need to be sure. We need to prepare our equipment, there is so much to do and we have to be diligent and dedicated in our preparation. We need to establish a spontaneous reaction that activates when we hear or play the intro to each song. There are no shortcuts. We need to be extremely disciplined. The preparation is the foundation of what we do, without it the show will be a flop.

Practice, Rehearse and Perform. Repetion, that’s how it happens. In a performers life new songs are always being written or sourced and because we have chosen them we are eager to perform them. Leave the new ones on the back burner until you have established their foundations. Without the foundation of practice you will never deliver the song to it’s full potential.

We need to learn to speak to our audience. We need to be able to connect through conversation. Conversing with the audience establishes the artist to audience relationship. It generates a feeling of warmth and familiarity, like they know you. That’s what they want to do, they want to know you! They want to feel a part of what you are doing. Choosing to speak of things from your own day to day experiences is advantageous as it’s real. It’s real to you therefore that reality extends to the audience. They love that, that’s why being you and all you are is so important. Relating to people about your experiences is easier than a scripted piece that you know nothing about. Real experiences roll off your tongue because you recall it happening. Audiences don’t expect that you are super human and have none of the experiences that ordinary day to day life brings.

Emotional Preparation…….