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Coaching for Young Performers |
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Most all young performers need a little help in getting started. Millions of them see the music videos online and on TV, hear the music on CDs and the radio and want to do that, too. Some kids set lofty goals about being the next American Idol or being the next Kenny Chesney or Sara Evans. With TV shows like Nashville Star, America's Most Talented Kids, American Idol, and many others, it is in the heart of 1000's of young people to: "Be like George Strait, Faith Hill, Brooks and Dunn or Carrie Underwood." The kids see fun, excitement, fame and fortune. These famous performers are their heroes. They don't see the heartache and disappointment and struggles. Most have unrealistic expectations. Just like many young athletes want to be in the Olympics, but a very, very few make it to the top and win a gold medal. "Spectacular performance is always preceded by: unspectacular preparation, hard work, struggles, disappointment, hurts, stress, and practice, practice, practice for years and years. I believe there is a minimum of seven years before you can say you've paid your dues, and only then will you see the fruits of your labor." Having said all that, it's a good idea to remember an old Sioux Indian saying: "It's better to aim your arrow at the moon and hit an eagle than to aim at the eagle and hit a rock." I coach young singers, musicians, and performers who want to get "good enough" to "have a career in music". Well, that's a lot easier to say than to do. LeAnn Rimes sang at the Johnny High Music Review from age 7 to age 13. She sang every weekend for 6 years before anyone really "noticed" her. Willie Nelson says it takes about 20 years of hard work to become an overnight sensation. Since I was a young performer myself and struggled to get started and made lots of mistakes and then have had some degree of "success"... I feel qualified to offer help, assistance, and advice in this area. I've recorded in Nashville with the best musicians in the world, been on TV many times, had my records played on the top radio stations in the USA, written two books and own a very successful country music theatre venue. It's ironic that the big stars or their agents call me and want me to book them into our Kentucky Opry Theatre or the Carson Center. I have helped hundreds and hundreds of struggling performers by giving them an opportunity to perform with a "live band" and sing in front of a crowd, in a non-smoking, no alcohol venue. I try to give advice sometimes in a talent contest, but to really help in most cases, it requires much more help than I can give in just a minute or two. Most young performers need consistent, weekly lessons on many things, which include but are not limited to:
I teach and play violin, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, mandolin, and bass. I teach how to read music, and also play by ear. I teach how to sing the harmony parts. I give professional advice, training & guidance. Now you can get the type of training usually only available to professional entertainers signed to a major record label. I talk about and teach the following to all my students:
I have had the fortune to visit and get to know several big stars before they were big stars, and can tell you the struggles they've gone through. For example - George Strait, John Conlee, and Jessica Andrews. (She got started right here at our theatre.) I have been privileged enough to sit and talk at length with many big stars about their careers, struggles and successes. Those stars include Bill Monroe, Jerry Clower, Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ronnie Milsap, Don Williams, Ray Price, Jim Ed Brown, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Rhonda Vincent, Barbara Fairchild and many more. I've been a musician and entertainer singer since 1963. I have many friends in the music business, and know the owners of many other theatres. I coach and help the "Stars of Tomorrow," too. My coaching fee is $75 per month for a four-week month, for a 30-minute lesson. You pay up front for the month. If there are five weeks, there is an additional charge of $18.75. There is no charge for the first "get acquainted/find out what is expected" lesson. I take only a few students. They must have a strong desire to learn, and be willing to practice. They must be someone I believe I can help. I have a studio in the basement of my home next door to the Kentucky Opry. For availability of lesson times, contact me at: info@oprytalentsearch.com or call (270) 527-3869. |
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© 2006 Kentucky Opry |
