by Gary Powell
My semesterly sojourn to Glenn Richter’s music business class at the University of Texas is like a performance. Professor Richter is School of Music’s Professor of Instrumental Conducting and the Director of the Center for American Music.
I think all my best teachers and professors have had a bit of performer in them regardless of the subject. This class was the kind that allowed some improvisation. Below is a list of what I THINK we talked about. If I left anything out, please add it in the comments.
If you are under the illusion that these students are not on top of all the issues discussed below, then visit the site of violinist Rebecca Browne, who is the class member pictured second from the right in red. Also, you can listen to the wonderful voice of singer Azniv Korkejian, (pictured center in the white jacket/maroon collar) who sang for me after class.
I opened by singing “I’m Gonna Get My Needs Met”, my interpretation of Joseph Stalin. Then the following topics ensued.
The size of the musical palette needed in order to accommodate the size of the idea expressed.
Learning our own personal philosophical leanings as defined by how we view ourselves in relation to others and our own identity and responsibility. 
The source of the creative urge or spark…..trusting the mind to assimilate all the “loaded-in” disparate parts into the whole. (See drawing at right to help make sense of this and yes, I know I can’t draw!)
How to keep the gig? Don’t miss deadlines! Don’t go over budget! Don’t whine!
When it is time to take care of yourself, take care of your client at the same time whenever possible.
How do you get the gig? Get lucky first, but back it up with training, discipline and a prodigious work ethic just in case you have to actually work for a living. Be brave. Be bold. Go to parties.
The fine line between arrogance and confidence.
Don’t let adults perpetrate the big lie about “arriving” or “the cream rising to the top”. Here is what adults don’t tell you. At 55 years of age I have the exact same challenges you have. Get comfortable with the constant reinvention of yourself.
This class was really fun for me. I met some wonderful and talented young people and we cut a wide swath across the professional music field. Teaching another person how to be successful is a slippery prospect. Even after 30 years as a composer, musical arranger and musician, I have just a sliver of knowledge about how it all works. NO ONE knows how it all works. However, when we come together we can share, learn and inspire each other from our own experiences, the good and the bad of it, in spite of our own prejudices and our ever-expanding philosophical and ever-changing emotional selves.
Best regards to all of you and especially Glenn Richter for sharing his class with me.
by Gary Powell
My semesterly sojourn to Glenn Richter’s music business class at the University of Texas is like a performance. Professor Richter is School of Music’s Professor of Instrumental Conducting and the Director of the Center for American Music.
I think all my best teachers and professors have had a bit of performer in them regardless of the subject. This class was the kind that allowed some improvisation. Below is a list of what I THINK we talked about. If I left anything out, please add it in the comments.
If you are under the illusion that these students are not on top of all the issues discussed below, then visit the site of violinist Rebecca Browne, who is the class member pictured second from the right in red. Also, you can listen to the wonderful voice of singer Azniv Korkejian, (pictured center in the white jacket/maroon collar) who sang for me after class.
I opened by singing “I’m Gonna Get My Needs Met”, my interpretation of Joseph Stalin. Then the following topics ensued.
The size of the musical palette needed in order to accommodate the size of the idea expressed.
Learning our own personal philosophical leanings as defined by how we view ourselves in relation to others and our own identity and responsibility.
The source of the creative urge or spark…..trusting the mind to assimilate all the “loaded-in” disparate parts into the whole. (See drawing at right to help make sense of this and yes, I know I can’t draw!)
How to keep the gig? Don’t miss deadlines! Don’t go over budget! Don’t whine!
When it is time to take care of yourself, take care of your client at the same time whenever possible.
How do you get the gig? Get lucky first, but back it up with training, discipline and a prodigious work ethic just in case you have to actually work for a living. Be brave. Be bold. Go to parties.
The fine line between arrogance and confidence.
Don’t let adults perpetrate the big lie about “arriving” or “the cream rising to the top”. Here is what adults don’t tell you. At 55 years of age I have the exact same challenges you have. Get comfortable with the constant reinvention of yourself.
This class was really fun for me. I met some wonderful and talented young people and we cut a wide swath across the professional music field. Teaching another person how to be successful is a slippery prospect. Even after 30 years as a composer, musical arranger and musician, I have just a sliver of knowledge about how it all works. NO ONE knows how it all works. However, when we come together we can share, learn and inspire each other from our own experiences, the good and the bad of it, in spite of our own prejudices and our ever-expanding philosophical and ever-changing emotional selves.
Best regards to all of you and especially Glenn Richter for sharing his class with me.
Thank you, Glenn Richter, for another great day with you and your students. Here are links to some of the topics we hit on in both your classes for those students interested in following up. See you soon. — Gary Powell
News on Podcasting
Antares Auto-Tune and A-Vox
I don’t remember which student in the morning class turned us on to this, but this site is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. It figures someone has developed this kind of idea so completely. I’m lovin’ this. Please tell the student (on the back row) thank you for me: Artistshare
This PBSYOU program will be helpful to anyone with an individual spirit: Entrepreneurship Classes on PBSYOU
Powell Studio Productions in Austin, Texas uses the following music production applications:
For Sample Library Playback:
Tascam GigaStudio
Real Guitars with Modeled Guitar Sounds:
Line6
For Digital Audio and Sequencing:
Digital Performer
For Music Notation:
Sibelius
Thank you, Glenn Richter, for another great day with you and your students. Here are links to some of the topics we hit on in both your classes for those students interested in following up. See you soon. — Gary Powell
News on Podcasting
Antares Auto-Tune and A-Vox
I don’t remember which student in the morning class turned us on to this, but this site is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. It figures someone has developed this kind of idea so completely. I’m lovin’ this. Please tell the student (on the back row) thank you for me: Artistshare
This PBSYOU program will be helpful to anyone with an individual spirit: Entrepreneurship Classes on PBSYOU
Powell Studio Productions in Austin, Texas uses the following music production applications:
For Sample Library Playback:
Tascam GigaStudio
Real Guitars with Modeled Guitar Sounds:
Line6
For Digital Audio and Sequencing:
Digital Performer
For Music Notation:
Sibelius
by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of freshman Plan II students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. I always enjoy spending a day with Glenn and his students each semester.
A Note to the Class of TC 301
The college experience is going to be wholly different for you than it was for me when I was a freshman music major in 1969. The ego-driven, autocratic classroom learning model of “I know everything and you don’t” is hopefully dying. Music is a dynamic subject, meaning we must learn together how to negotiate the rapid changes in technology and sociology.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
As freshmen, you are probably feeling some of this life dynamism right now. As we age, the game only intensifies. I remember being surprised in learning that adults never really “arrive” at what might be called the “best expression” of their lives. So, how does this life and artful dynamism relate to musical performers? Plenty! Certainly you have your favorites. This is the perfect class whereby the examination of a performer’s art and life might become an examination of your own!
Here’s where you, the young student, gets to hear someone else’s truth unprotected from “spin”. I remember, when presented with a chance of talking with a professional, feeling like I didn’t know enough to even know what my questions should be. I don’t want you to have a lost opportunity.
So, instead of asking questions, I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you actually make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Like I said, sometimes we don’t know enough to ask a question. As Plan II students, I know you can write and comment on what’s around you. For instance, the photo at the right has plenty to comment on if you are interested in the performing arts. If we can move the conversation toward cogent and thoughful concern for YOUR experience then my brief visit might be helpful to you. If nothing else, you will learn that your education is YOUR responsibility regardless of who’s paying for it or who’s teaching you. So, post away. Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas on how you might start your post:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. Let’s see if we, together, can make this a memorable day. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for inviting me into your already successful program. I wish this course had been offered in 1969!
by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of freshman Plan II students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. I always enjoy spending a day with Glenn and his students each semester.
A Note to the Class of TC 301
The college experience is going to be wholly different for you than it was for me when I was a freshman music major in 1969. The ego-driven, autocratic classroom learning model of “I know everything and you don’t” is hopefully dying. Music is a dynamic subject, meaning we must learn together how to negotiate the rapid changes in technology and sociology.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
As freshmen, you are probably feeling some of this life dynamism right now. As we age, the game only intensifies. I remember being surprised in learning that adults never really “arrive” at what might be called the “best expression” of their lives. So, how does this life and artful dynamism relate to musical performers? Plenty! Certainly you have your favorites. This is the perfect class whereby the examination of a performer’s art and life might become an examination of your own!
Here’s where you, the young student, gets to hear someone else’s truth unprotected from “spin”. I remember, when presented with a chance of talking with a professional, feeling like I didn’t know enough to even know what my questions should be. I don’t want you to have a lost opportunity.
So, instead of asking questions, I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you actually make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Like I said, sometimes we don’t know enough to ask a question. As Plan II students, I know you can write and comment on what’s around you. For instance, the photo at the right has plenty to comment on if you are interested in the performing arts. If we can move the conversation toward cogent and thoughful concern for YOUR experience then my brief visit might be helpful to you. If nothing else, you will learn that your education is YOUR responsibility regardless of who’s paying for it or who’s teaching you. So, post away. Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas on how you might start your post:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. Let’s see if we, together, can make this a memorable day. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for inviting me into your already successful program. I wish this course had been offered in 1969!
by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of upper division students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. Glenn is a long-term ally of mine who actively searches out new experiences for himself and his students.
A Note to the Class of Mus 376C
Learning by appointment in the classic model of “here’s the information you need, learn it now” does not always work. Maybe this system is an effective way to study 18th century literature, however, any subject that is either dynamic in technology or highly personal and subjective is going to be bogged down under this archaic “non-method”.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
Music is both technically dynamic and highly subjective. One could argue that anytime a lecturer leaves the student out of the process excepting examinations, it might be a good idea for her to look around the classroom for drooping eyelids, nodding-off heads, surreptitious text messaging and game boys. (If only my iPod earbuds were a little smaller and not so white.)
Here’s where you, the interactive, self-motivated and under-appreciated student, get to drive the subject toward your interests. I could talk about myself for several years (as well as any narcissist), but much of that data would not be beneficial to you. The remedy for this problem is for me to know where YOU are, not where I have been.
So, let’s use this cool blogging technology to do more than just rant. I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Sometimes when we ask questions, we as individuals are not aware of our own psychology behind the question. A comment, however, puts your brain on notice that you might have to defend your comment. Therefore, you might reveal to yourself more about yourself AND learn more about the responsibility you have for your own education. If you need help with not asking a question, try starting sentences like this:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. I look forward to both meeting and learning from you guys and hope we all enjoy this exercise. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for your brave soul and warm heart.
by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of upper division students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. Glenn is a long-term ally of mine who actively searches out new experiences for himself and his students.
A Note to the Class of Mus 376C
Learning by appointment in the classic model of “here’s the information you need, learn it now” does not always work. Maybe this system is an effective way to study 18th century literature, however, any subject that is either dynamic in technology or highly personal and subjective is going to be bogged down under this archaic “non-method”.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
Music is both technically dynamic and highly subjective. One could argue that anytime a lecturer leaves the student out of the process excepting examinations, it might be a good idea for her to look around the classroom for drooping eyelids, nodding-off heads, surreptitious text messaging and game boys. (If only my iPod earbuds were a little smaller and not so white.)
Here’s where you, the interactive, self-motivated and under-appreciated student, get to drive the subject toward your interests. I could talk about myself for several years (as well as any narcissist), but much of that data would not be beneficial to you. The remedy for this problem is for me to know where YOU are, not where I have been.
So, let’s use this cool blogging technology to do more than just rant. I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Sometimes when we ask questions, we as individuals are not aware of our own psychology behind the question. A comment, however, puts your brain on notice that you might have to defend your comment. Therefore, you might reveal to yourself more about yourself AND learn more about the responsibility you have for your own education. If you need help with not asking a question, try starting sentences like this:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. I look forward to both meeting and learning from you guys and hope we all enjoy this exercise. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for your brave soul and warm heart.
by Gary Powell
A simple report can hardly explain the whole of the workshop at “The Buffalo Summer Institute in Media Writing and Production” in Buffalo, New York this last week. I really like to interpret my experiences beyond just what happened, otherwise we’ll all just be punching time clocks and this was definitely not punching time clocks. 
Let me first say that I really miss these singers already. Missing someone implies an emotional attachment which became apparent to me when I saw how hard these singers were willing to not only work, but work outside of their normal comfort zones.
As a vocal clinician, it was my job to identify the vocal talent present, and as diverse as that talent was, find the common thread of what would most benefit the most people. For this group, that turned out to be deepening the relationship of the ear and the voice……and in this, case learning to LEAD WITH THE EAR. It’s a paradigm shift for singers to suddenly switch off what they think has always worked for them. Many singers are flat-out resistent to this kind of vocal “therapy”. Well, not in Buffalo!
These singers have all had successes, been trained, sung in front of large audiences, been on TV, made commercials and had record deals. Maybe it’s the hot buffalo wings up there, but whatever it was, the egos were dropped almost immediately.
This was inspiring and encouraged me to come up with more exercises and music that would be right for them. I wrote, with the help of everyone, one little funky tune entitled, “I’m Going to Eat My Way to the Top”, inspired by food made famous in Buffalo.
Each celebrity food got a verse…food like “Buffalo Wings”, “Beef on Weck”, “Might Taco” and “Bison’s Dip”. We performed this live with a piano at the closing banquet for other students, faculty, parents and friends. (Thanks to Patrick James for giving us your lick for the powerful “beef on weck” lyric.)
Another comment about Buffalo families and supporters: I met so many wonderful parents who were very present while keeping a very respectable distance. Not to take this too globally, but that’s not how all parents act in Texas. (See any news story about the latest cheerleading incidents.) Now that I’ve angered my entire state, let me just say how great it was to see and meet so many parents and just make note of so many gracious fathers. There was no doubt about sacrifices made in support of these young adults.
While I took the musical responsibility, Ted Kryczko, Vice President of Product Development for Walt Disney Records, took the lead in counseling individuals around the topic of music business. Ted interviewed each singer, learning about their experiences and aspirations while lending his sage wisdom from having been at the center of Walt Disney Records for over twenty years. Thank you, Ted, for inviting me to your home town of Buffalo. I guess this makes me a Bills fan, not to mention a “Beef on Weck” fan.
My thanks to Jennifer Koch-Gibson, the director of the institute, for her accommodating support of everything Ted and I needed. I’m so glad we had the piano for the banquet! Also, thanks to Mike and Robbie at Audio Magic, the recording studio where we worked all week. Thanks to Debbie Bello for your open mind, the support of your students and my morning coffee!
Most of all I want to give three big “woops” to these singers and to their friends and families for a wonderful and memorable week in Buffalo, New York. I am impressed by your spirit, talent and discipline and am honored that you gave me your trust. Come to Austin and we’ll write a song about enchiladas verde, suizas and mole with a side of guacamole!
The Singers of the Buffalo Summer Institute
Jennifer Waris, Patrick James, Jay Dref, Samantha Will, Jillian Ambrose, Barbara Levy Daniels, Danielle Calato
Colton Rudloff, Ashley Kate Alaimo, Kelly Warner, Collin Ranney, Samantha Taglienti, Katie Ralyea, Amanda Nagurney,
Eva Burger, Caitlin Koch, Auria Fuentes, Chelsey Zimmerman, Rita Bella, Toni Silveri, Sarah Russell
by Gary Powell
A simple report can hardly explain the whole of the workshop at “The Buffalo Summer Institute in Media Writing and Production” in Buffalo, New York this last week. I really like to interpret my experiences beyond just what happened, otherwise we’ll all just be punching time clocks and this was definitely not punching time clocks.
Let me first say that I really miss these singers already. Missing someone implies an emotional attachment which became apparent to me when I saw how hard these singers were willing to not only work, but work outside of their normal comfort zones.
As a vocal clinician, it was my job to identify the vocal talent present, and as diverse as that talent was, find the common thread of what would most benefit the most people. For this group, that turned out to be deepening the relationship of the ear and the voice……and in this, case learning to LEAD WITH THE EAR. It’s a paradigm shift for singers to suddenly switch off what they think has always worked for them. Many singers are flat-out resistent to this kind of vocal “therapy”. Well, not in Buffalo!
These singers have all had successes, been trained, sung in front of large audiences, been on TV, made commercials and had record deals. Maybe it’s the hot buffalo wings up there, but whatever it was, the egos were dropped almost immediately.
This was inspiring and encouraged me to come up with more exercises and music that would be right for them. I wrote, with the help of everyone, one little funky tune entitled, “I’m Going to Eat My Way to the Top”, inspired by food made famous in Buffalo. Each celebrity food got a verse…food like “Buffalo Wings”, “Beef on Weck”, “Might Taco” and “Bison’s Dip”. We performed this live with a piano at the closing banquet for other students, faculty, parents and friends. (Thanks to Patrick James for giving us your lick for the powerful “beef on weck” lyric.)
Another comment about Buffalo families and supporters: I met so many wonderful parents who were very present while keeping a very respectable distance. Not to take this too globally, but that’s not how all parents act in Texas. (See any news story about the latest cheerleading incidents.) Now that I’ve angered my entire state, let me just say how great it was to see and meet so many parents and just make note of so many gracious fathers. There was no doubt about sacrifices made in support of these young adults.
While I took the musical responsibility, Ted Kryczko, Vice President of Product Development for Walt Disney Records, took the lead in counseling individuals around the topic of music business. Ted interviewed each singer, learning about their experiences and aspirations while lending his sage wisdom from having been at the center of Walt Disney Records for over twenty years. Thank you, Ted, for inviting me to your home town of Buffalo. I guess this makes me a Bills fan, not to mention a “Beef on Weck” fan.
My thanks to Jennifer Koch-Gibson, the director of the institute, for her accommodating support of everything Ted and I needed. I’m so glad we had the piano for the banquet! Also, thanks to Mike and Robbie at Audio Magic, the recording studio where we worked all week. Thanks to Debbie Bello for your open mind, the support of your students and my morning coffee!
Most of all I want to give three big “woops” to these singers and to their friends and families for a wonderful and memorable week in Buffalo, New York. I am impressed by your spirit, talent and discipline and am honored that you gave me your trust. Come to Austin and we’ll write a song about enchiladas verde, suizas and mole with a side of guacamole!
The Singers of the Buffalo Summer Institute
Jennifer Waris, Patrick James, Jay Dref, Samantha Will, Jillian Ambrose, Barbara Levy Daniels, Danielle Calato
Colton Rudloff, Ashley Kate Alaimo, Kelly Warner, Collin Ranney, Samantha Taglienti, Katie Ralyea, Amanda Nagurney,
Eva Burger, Caitlin Koch, Auria Fuentes, Chelsey Zimmerman, Rita Bella, Toni Silveri, Sarah Russell
by Gary Powell
Top Row
Jennifer Waris, Patrick James, Jay Dref, Samantha Will, Jillian Ambrose, Barbara Levy Daniels, Danielle Calato
Middle Row
Colton Rudloff, Ashley Kate Alaimo, Kelly Warner, Collin Ranney, Samantha Taglienti, Katie Ralyea, Amanda Nagurney,
Bottom Row
Eva Burger, Caitlin Koch, Auria Fuentes, Chelsey Zimmerman, Rita Bella, Toni Silveri, Sarah Russell
————————————————————————
Ted Kryczko, Vice President of Product Development for
Walt Disney Records, invited me to co-teach a class for singers at
The Buffalo Summer Institute in Media Writing and Production in Buffalo, NY. The twenty-one singers pictured above showed up probably not knowing exactly what to expect from us. We, also, had no expectations about the level of talent that might show up.
The singers represent all age groups and presented songs from broadway, jazz, pop, coutnry and R&B. First of all, these people can sing. There is hardly anything more fun for me than to work with singers in groups, especially after we all get over ourselves. Finding our illusive “voice” in an event competitively styled to promise a real opportunity in the music business is a challenge for everyone. I suspect at the bottom of searching for a “break” are people who are sincerely intestested in learning to make better music and learning to be better communicators with their instruments.
All these people are going to sing throughout their lives….that’s clear or maybe just my fantasy. But, they are all that good and my wish for all of them is that they contiunue to learn and grow and bring their gifts and discipline to their communities and the world.
Later, I’ll give a more detailed post about this week-long class and what we all learned together.
by Gary Powell
Top Row
Jennifer Waris, Patrick James, Jay Dref, Samantha Will, Jillian Ambrose, Barbara Levy Daniels, Danielle Calato
Middle Row
Colton Rudloff, Ashley Kate Alaimo, Kelly Warner, Collin Ranney, Samantha Taglienti, Katie Ralyea, Amanda Nagurney,
Bottom Row
Eva Burger, Caitlin Koch, Auria Fuentes, Chelsey Zimmerman, Rita Bella, Toni Silveri, Sarah Russell
————————————————————————
Ted Kryczko, Vice President of Product Development for
Walt Disney Records, invited me to co-teach a class for singers at
The Buffalo Summer Institute in Media Writing and Production in Buffalo, NY. The twenty-one singers pictured above showed up probably not knowing exactly what to expect from us. We, also, had no expectations about the level of talent that might show up.
The singers represent all age groups and presented songs from broadway, jazz, pop, coutnry and R&B. First of all, these people can sing. There is hardly anything more fun for me than to work with singers in groups, especially after we all get over ourselves. Finding our illusive “voice” in an event competitively styled to promise a real opportunity in the music business is a challenge for everyone. I suspect at the bottom of searching for a “break” are people who are sincerely intestested in learning to make better music and learning to be better communicators with their instruments.
All these people are going to sing throughout their lives….that’s clear or maybe just my fantasy. But, they are all that good and my wish for all of them is that they contiunue to learn and grow and bring their gifts and discipline to their communities and the world.
Later, I’ll give a more detailed post about this week-long class and what we all learned together.
