Faqs

I coach performers because I believe it is vitally important for all performing musicians to be allowed the opportunity to seek their fullest artistic potential. I also find it tremendously rewarding to help artists find new depth and fulfillment in their craft.

I serve as an artistic advocate for my clients. I have found that many performing musicians thrive creatively when there is someone in their corner looking out for them in that way. This is a service I feel honored to provide.

I believe nearly every performing musician or band can benefit from someone bringing a fresh perspective. Artists who are just starting out may need guidance on how to construct and present their show for maximum effect. Those who have a great deal of experience may have developed habits which are getting in the way of allowing for greater artistic success, or they may have begun to lose track of what made them want to perform in the first place.

Some artists come to me with specific issues in mind that they want to work on. Others have a general feeling that things could be better, but they don’t know exactly what’s holding them back artistically.

I can say that I have never been presented with a potential client whom I did not think I would be able to help in some way. The only thing I ask you to bring to the process is a desire to do the work.

We would start with an initial consultation and assessment, in person or by Skype. This allows for three basic things to happen: you can communicate your goals for the work; I can begin to provide some detail about how I believe I could help you; and we both can get a sense of whether we would be a good fit.

The initial consultation can take several forms. It can be a face-to-face meeting. Or, I can use the time to observe a rehearsal or a performance. Or I can review video footage you may have of a recent show.

After that, I will make a recommendation as to how we should structure the work. Some clients meet with me once a week, or even more often. Others may see me every couple of weeks or once a month. Some clients tour heavily and only engage me when they are in town. Others may only call me occasionally for a “tune-up,” or so I can monitor how they’re implementing what we’ve worked on.

I typically charge on an hourly basis, at my basic rate of $40.00 per hour. If the scope of the work will be limited, such as for a specific project, I may provide an estimate of how many hours I believe it will take to complete the project, and I can bill you in installments. If the work will be more open-ended, I usually ask that you pay as we go.

Because I believe this work is so important, I have made it a priority to keep it affordable. I understand that many musicians do not have a lot of money to spare. I think you will find that my hourly rate is comparable to, or even less expensive than, a traditional music lesson.

I believe that I provide a valuable service, and that what I do can translate into better earnings for my clients. It is always gratifying when a client tells me that the work we’ve done together has ended up paying for itself.

Yes, absolutely, unless you tell me otherwise.

I have found that the best way to build the trust that is required to do this work effectively is if artists feel completely safe while they go through this process.

Because of this, my policy is to keep my work with my clients confidential. I will not disclose the fact that we are working together, or any details of our working together, without your permission.

No. I am not an agent, manager, booker, industry advisor, or business consultant, although I do have some knowledge in a few of these areas.

However, it is true that I have seen the business side of my clients’ careers improve after they work with me. Clients have been able to get better gigs, sell more merchandise, or develop a stronger fan base, because they have become more effective as performing artists.

It is worth noting that I have seen solo artists and bands put a tremendous amount of effort into formulating their business plan while neglecting their creative direction. When both areas receive ample attention, the chances for success can improve dramatically.

As each client presents a unique set of goals and concerns, the techniques I may employ can vary widely. That being said, I also have found that certain universal issues tend to come up over and over. Because of this, I often implement some common methods that I have found to be of benefit across the board.

I base my practices in what I have learned over the years as an actor, director, music producer, film producer, and performing musician. Each of these roles has given me an understanding of the art of performing from a multi-dimensional perspective.

The most important factor in determining the nature of the work, though, is you — the unique, distinctive solo artist or band. I will develop an individualized coaching plan for you, based on your personality, learning style, experience, strengths and challenges, stage in life, and goals.

I welcome the opportunity to give you my specific recommendations after your initial consultation.