Director, Sandra Wheeler

Do You Have What It Takes?
So, you want to be a part of the music industry and you want to know what it takes?

PROFESSIONALISM - Whether you are a performing artist, musician, or songwriter, your first consideration in evaluating your abilities should be, "Am I as good as my competition would be if I already had a major label deal?"

If you ask yourself this question, you will soon realize your limitations. This will help you better evaluate your capabilities. In turn, this will give you the direction you need for improving your professional image.

Major label heads are looking for professionalism. They do not have the time to develop talent from scratch. BE CONSIDERATE! Get your act together and save yourself a lot of embarrassment and discouragement. Be realistic when you approach a major label and you won't be told "No" so many times. Remember that you are asking them to invest money in your talents, so BE PREPARED by being professional.

HUMILITY - You must be willing to start at the beginning. This is accomplished first by becoming a part of the local industry (your own home town).

When you have convinced your local audience that you have talent, then you can move on to outer territories and then greater regions. If you think you are too good to start at "A", then it's likely you won't have the wisdom to get to "B".

Never consider any audience too small or too meager. Always be willing to give yourself completely to any audience no matter how unimportant you think they might be. You never know who is listening or whom they might know. Never underestimate the power of the traveled word.

BE FOCUSED - You cannot know your destination until you make up your mind where you want to go. BE SPECIFIC. Ask yourself, "Where do I want to go and how far am I willing to go?" In other words, will you still have the same desire when the going gets tough or you are told "No."

There are great sacrifices to be made in any challenge. Are you willing to make the necessary ones in order to get where you think you want to be. Be honest with yourself, remain focused and keep your eyes on your goal. DETERMINATION is just as important as talent.

ENDURANCE - Be strong in your endurance. The road to the majors is long, hard, and rocky. The few that make it are the few that endure until the end. That means don't run for shelter at the first sight of rain.

If you can't stand a little rain, you are not going to be able to weather the storms of the industry. Be tough! Learn to accept defeat when necessary by learning to use it as a tool for making you stronger.

Professionals are people who don't allow temporary failures to cripple them. When you are told "No" ask "Why?" Use the information to become better at your craft. Remember, as said before, "You cannot know your true capabilities until you know your limitations."

Learn from your mistakes and keep your eyes on your goal in spite of setbacks. ENDURE to the end. Reaching the major label is a wonderful experience, but remember when you do, you are in a whole new ballgame. You will have to start the training all over again, except this time it will be even tougher - for now you are playing in the "Major Leagues."

By Sandra Wheeler

July 10, 2010

In the Know...
...Things to Remember

January 4, 2010
By:
Sandra Wheeler
Director/NCMN

WHAT DO TICKET SALES HAVE TO DO WITH TALENT?

Since audiences do not materialize but are strategically created when a performer reaches out to pull others into his circle of friends, winning favor is part of the process, becoming established in the effort of moving one's career forward. If you can not reach out to others, your singing abilities are of little significance. Record companies and major labels, etc. are looking for the whole package; creating a listening audience is part of a successful package.

Tickets sales are an indication the performing artist has the ability to reach his or her audience, the general public at large. As it is not enough being able to merely sing but to have the whole of one's act together, thus creating an audience is merely due process. As a successful performing artist it is quite important to understand the relevance. It has always been said the cream rises to the top.

. . . RISE— Independent Music Artist.

By:

Sandra Wheeler

Director/NCMN 
  

    As an Independent Music Artist...on your way to where ever it is you plan to go...unless you are the Einstein of this crazy business of music you will need many hands of support along the way.  There are fellow singers, writers, musicians, producers, and marketing people of all kinds; booking agents, managers, many talented people that you as an aspiring artist will be in need.   So... consider it wise to remember: Perfecting your ability to sing, and yes, perhaps to master the instrument of your choice, and then to perform always at your very best, will bring you perhaps to a certain point of continued success.  So it is that you shall also be reminded... as music is not a business one can do alone...as an Independent you will have to find your own field of force by including others in your way.

So now. . . to let the IMA be reminded : The  most important need you  have is in reaching out to others.  I have never met an artist who has made it on his own, neither have I met a performer who did not need an audience.

It is by far your most needed talent, your greatest asset...far beyond your capabilities for making music...to bring your fellow music artists into your circle of friends.  Remember, when you stand alone....you stand alone.       

    And once again to be reminded— A good performer is not afraid of competition.  Your fellow artists in performing are neither better than you nor worse... merely different.   When you believe in your own talents there is power in your thinking...now passed on to others.  The time will come when the power of your thinking will bring you not only to your desired audience—but—a well desiring audience. 

    In conclusion: Do not be afraid, dear IMA,  being out there when and wherever competition is going strong....where the real music of life is taking place.  Remain in keeping with the rest of the music world as much as possible, keeping a level of confidence, and—whatever you do— don't forget to support your fellow artist along the way,  and remember... the same shall return to you.