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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 CD's and Radio and want to do that too. Some kids set lofty goals about being the next American Idol or be 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 hero's. 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 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 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."
Clay Campbell
Having said all that it's good to remember an old Sioux Indian saying: "It's better to aim your arrow at the moon and hit an eagle that 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 lot's 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 help 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 not limited to:
Singing on pitch, song choice, stage presence, working the crowd, lack of confidence, development of their own style, making a CD, career advice, fear of losing, fear of people, how to find places to perform, and unrealistic expectations. I teach and play violin, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, mandolin, and bass. I teach how to read, 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 Available Only To Professional Entertainers Signed
To A Major Record Label
I talk about and teach the following to all my students:
Stage Presence
Movement on Stage
Image Development
Getting Over Stage Fright--Learn How it Happens and How to Overcome it
Dressing for Best Effect
Promo Packets
Effective Microphone Techniques
Effective Eye Contact
Self Esteem and Confidence Building
Learning to Communicate the Message of a Song
Connecting with the Audience
Sound Applications, Monitors, Equalization
How to Handle An Interview
Vocal Performance Tips and much, much more.
How to Hold a Microphone Properly
How to Relate to a Band
How to Improve Your Chances of "Making It" in the Music Business
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 been privileged to sit and talk at length with many "big Stars" about their careers, struggles and successes. Those 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 it's an extra $18.75
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 availabilities of lesson times contact me at: info@kentuckyopry.com Or call 270-527-3869
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Coaching Young Performers
