Lectures on the Inside Track of How the Music Business Really Works
Presented by Mary Ella Collins, Ph.D.

Self-Empowerment for Singers NEW!!

If you really want to SING, become innovative in creating compelling ways to perform and share your talent with others. Too often performers have waited for opera companies, orchestras and festivals to hire them, or for ‘someone else’ to get them a job. Pro-active approaches are discussed including non-traditional programming, funding sources, and marketing assistance .This is a path to self-fulfillment, which can also enables you to bring the great gift of music to the multitudes.

Developing a Professional Career

You can do much during the years you are gaining an academic education that will give you a jump start in the final stages of schooling and right after graduation. From the moment you decide to pursue a professional career, you can begin building a strategic network. Additionally, suggestions are made of suitable performance opportunities and expansion of your horizons.

Stepping Out Professionally

We take a look at the hiring of singers from the company’s perspective. Included are the pre-audition procedures and obtaining an audition, tips on how they really hire, and pointers on getting re-engaged.

Am I Ready for Management?

Your particular personal qualities and resources are carefully weighed by a prospective manager. We discuss what is needed for a manager to be able to market you, and what signals your readiness and gives evidence of the advancing status of a career.

A Closer Look at Management

We explore what management can provide the singer, what a singer should do for the agency, and how to seek representation. Agency contracts for representation, questions to ask a prospective manager, and other specifics are examined.

Tips on Auditions

There are many resources on the popular topic of "Auditions", and we look at the basics along with special tips. We begin with the preparation for an audition, what to do after securing a time slot, then what to do on your way to, during, and after the hearing.

You’ve Got the Job---Now What?

These practical suggestions are not widely discussed or mentioned, but can make a significant difference in your engagement period: things like "how do I get there", "what do I take", and "what do I do when not rehearsing." Thoughts are suggested for being a good colleague and endearing yourself to the company.

Some Realities of Having a Career

It’s good to have realistic expectations of what a career entails, and to be aware of the nitty-gritty aspects. Why do you really want to do this? Thoughts are shared on time lines, expenses, financial/accounting complexities, and a hard look at the rigors of the road. These challenges can be translated into workable solutions with informed planning and early consideration.

Bringing Your Soul and Passion into Your Singing

Performing as a singer is a highly complex activity, and generally takes years to develop to a professional level. Along the way, the artist may get lost in the technical and social aspects of performing and lose sight of his purpose. Ideas and techniques are given to illuminate your goal and instill your passion and soul in the core of your singing.

E-Mail: friends@mec-sing.com - Voice: (972) 661-9074 - Fax: (972) 661-9514
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