Success Beyond The Score

In the first post of this series, we talked about health and safety. Now that we know the necessary precautions we have to take, we can talk about the main devices we are dealing with: amplifiers and mixers.

1. What is an amplifier?

Amplifiers are not unique to music. In fact, they can be found in most, if not all, electronic equipment. Their basic function is to increase the magnitude of a signal, which is itself defined as a current that varies through time. Microphones, electric instruments and digital devices feed signals to audio amplifiers and mixers, which then amplify (i.e. increase loudness)them to make them come out of speakers with the volume and characteristics that we want. 

The main difference between an amplifier and a mixer is the number of signals that each of them can handle. The amplifier is designed for only one, while the mixer can process multiple signals at the same time. Due to this, amplifiers tend to have a built-in speaker, while mixers don't.

2. Ba...

We are almost done revisit season 2 of the podcast Success Beyond The Score. This time, we have two more compilation episodes, in which, instead of hearing one guest talk about many things, you will get to know all guests’ opinion on a single topic.

On episode 18, we looked back at the event that completely changed the course of the 2020s: the coronavirus pandemic. It was a devastating blow for humankind at all levels that is still taking a toll to this day, yet it was also a moment of crisis that allowed us to think differently about what we were doing and what we really wanted. How did it affect the music industry during the first two years? Specifically, how did it impact musicians at different levels?

Episode 19 is all about practical information: from each guest, we are going to hear at least three essential tips, or things that you can do to help you make it in the music industry.

We hope this information is useful for you, and that you are enjoying this trip down memory...

Here is the first of seven posts in our series about amplifying devices, what they do, and how to use them. They are summaries of workshops that took place in the Time For My Music community group. You can learn more about the context in our intro post.

We are starting at the most basic, yet most important aspect of this and any type of work: safety!

1. Take care of your body.

By definition, the performing arts are physically demanding. Music too! You have to look after your health: diet, sleep quality, and fitness level all play a part.

Specifically in regard to amplifying devices, their weight can represent a risk. When deciding on what to buy for your PA system, think about how you are going to transport and set your new device up. Learn the proper form to lift heavy objects; you can do it at the gym or even through online tutorials, like this one.

If you find yourself in a situation where the weight of the equipment is too much for you, don't force yourself. There's no shame i...

Here are two more "themed" episodes of the podcast Success Beyond the Score.

Episode 16 is all about the business side of music. It is an essential part of the journey to becoming a professional musician that intimidates many emerging artists, but it doesn't have to be that way! Listen to the guests talk about record labels, contracts, finances, networking, training and education, from their vast experience, and without keeping any secrets.

Episode 17 moves from the professional to the personal. Each guests tells us about their career highs and lows. What have they realised truly matters after decades of experience? What have they learned from difficult times?

As usual, the audio-only version can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!

I am always doing that which I cannot do in order that I may learn how to do it

—Vincent van Gogh, in a letter to Anthon van Rappard about his process for the creation of the painting ‘The Potato Eaters’

This quote is an interesting counterpoint to the last one we shared, written by Friedrich Nietzsche. The only way in which Vincent Van Gogh can figure out how to paint the subjects of his painting is by trying to paint them, the same way that we learn how to play a song by attempting to play it.

Let's use this juxtaposition to think about perfectionism and our fear of failure. It is easy to fall into the trap of procrastination under the guise of "preparing" for something that we don't know how to do. However, we do need a solid technical foundation and/or context knowledge in order to achieve the things that we want to achieve.

• How do you strive to reach this balance in your music?
• Do you have other ways to fight perfectionism off? 

Give these questions some thought, and...

So far, this year we have offered two free webinars for emerging musicians: ‘How to stream your live music performance’, and ‘15 ways to promote your music online and offline’. They were successful and enriching experiences that gathered testimonials like this:

I found [‘15 ways to promote your music online and offline’] really interesting and informative. There were so many fundamental and incredibly useful tips that had somehow passed me by, e.g., adding information about yourself in the signature of your email – genius! I absolutely agree with the “concentrate on one social media platform at a time” approach. It will make my life a lot easier.

We are very happy with these results, and we are going to bring you more of these opportunities throughout the year. Here is a basic outline of what is to come:

• April: Free webinar about the legal framework for musicians and copyright.
• May: Exclusive events for Time For My Music members.
• June: Short paid course about how to get book
...

We are very pleased with the reception of the free webinar, "How to stream your live music performances". Seeing how useful the information was for our participants, we have decided to offer another learning opportunity at no cost.

This time, we are going to talk about how to get more people to learn about what you do. 

This webinar is open to anyone who is up and coming, or established as a singer, producer, musician, music director, songwriter, rapper, or DJ.  Even if your music is done in your spare time, part-time, or full time, understanding promotion will help you with growing your performance opportunities, developing music into an income stream, or growing a fanbase. 

in this free Zoom webinar, Millicent will explain 15 tools you can use to help you move forward.

You will learn:

1. The difference between publicity, marketing and advertising.
2. Seven reality checks for your promotion journey.
3. Fifteen free or low cost tools for promoting your work.

Th...

These episodes of the podcast Success Beyond the Score complete the segment about music press kits. If you want to learn more about how to make money from your music and how to promote yourself, be sure to join our mailing list to be notified of our offers on this and other topics.

Have a listen:

19. What should be your killer music track for your press kit?

Sometimes, potential clients ask you for your music instead of your press kit. So, what should be your killer track, the one that gets them thinking you are the one to book? In general terms, what is the client looking for in your music?

20. How to make serious money from your music

Would you like to know how to increase your earning potential through your music? Would you like to earn the money you desire from your music? Millicent shares her experience of making a living from her music in this episode. 

21. What are the top three essential things to have in your music press kit?

Millicent wraps up her series on the Mus

...

The following group of episodes of the podcast Success Beyond the Score are all about how to market yourself. While the event discussed in episode 14 has long since past, the process described is a good example of what to expect when trying to get that sort of gigs. From episode 15 onwards, Millicent will talk you through the design of your Music Press Kit.

Have a listen:

14. How to perform in the Commonwealth Games 2022

Would you like to perform in the Commonwealth Games in 2022, which are being held in the city of Birmingham and the West Midlands region, United Kingdom? In today's episode, Millicent explains how to get yourself in.

15. What should you have in your Music Press Kit?

What is a Music Press Kit? Is it different from an Electronic Press Kit? What should be in it? Whether you are in the early stages of your music or performing regularly, a Press Kit is a must.

16. How to write an artist bio

What should you put in your music bio? How should it be written? What sho

...

One of the things that I learned in the early stages of my music career is the importance of having a sound check.

In the early stages, I would turn in at the start time of the event with my instrument, put it together while I was in my seat, go on stage when my name was called, and play. This made it so I didn't normally get the sound experience I hoped. Fast forward to today, when I arrive 90 to 60 minutes before the starting time of the performance, depending on whether I’m bringing my own PA. I make sure that my sax mic is working, that my setup is correct and that my tracks work. Then, I walk around the stage in order to identify any zones where the signal of the radio mic may drop or stutter, or where feedback could be generated.

This is how I can guarantee a good sound and therefore a good experience for my audience. To illustrate, here is a little clip of me doing a sound check before playing Kingston Town at an event this summer: