Show-Biz Life Coach - Blog

who needs a plan "B"???

Sat, 19 May 2012 17:11:22 -0600

Having a plan "B" or a "Backup plan" as my parents used to call it can be good and sensible. It gives you something to fall back on if the thing you are pursuing doesn't work out. It certainly sounds like the responsible way to plan a future. I remember a very wise soap opera actress telling a group of young hopefuls (of which I was one) years ago...."You should only go into the entertainment industry as an entertainer if you are absolutely positive that you won't be happy doing anything else"

WOW... A powerful statement!She went on to say ...

"If you love decorating and performing-be a decorator. If you love children and performing -work with children " Okay, you get the idea. "But, if you are sure that being in this crazy business is the only thing that will make you feel fulfilled...Then do it!" "BUT"...she added firmly..."If you are going to do it make sure you have something very important"

We all started raising our hands. Calling out... "Training?", "a good agent?" "parents with money?" Finally, someone said "A backup plan?"She smiled and said "yes, but not just a backup plan. 2 full backup plans"

ICK. Not what anyone wanted to hear.

She later told us that a college degree in anything could be considered one backup plan. At that time that was enough to ensure you some kind of solid employment. (I wonder if she would still say that today? Well, that's another subject for another day) The other backup plan could be a license in real estate, stocks, to do hair etc. Basically anything that you could fall back on if your dreams were to fall apart.

Honestly, this was good advise. Rational advise. Sensible advise. BUT... what if you can't be sensible and rational when it comes to your dreams? What if you can't see your self (forget being happy) being even slightly content if you aren't performing? What then?

I have met these people throughout my whole life. I was you. To the average person, it doesn't sound heartbreaking "Just do something else" or "Find another job". I assure you that when you feel as though you were born to do something and you just can't get a break...It is extremely heartbreaking. And, the idea of having a "plan B" is outwardly admitting that you accept the fact that you may not make it....AND...you may not want to accept that yet, you may not want to accept that tomorrow or maybe not ever. And shouldn't that be okay? Especially, when people such as myself keep pointing out that the ones who reach their goals are the ones who don't stop believing? The ones who don't let doubt sneak in? Isn't that what the video from Mr. Tyler Perry was about?

So, let me go on record right this very moment saying that I do not think everyone needs a plan 'B' !!! However, I do think that everyone needs to eat. So, how do we keep your belly full, a roof over your head and some cash left over without feeling as though you have totally sold out?

Some people don't mind having "regular" jobs until they get a break. Where others absolutely refuse to do anything that isn't show biz related. Well, for those of you, here is a list of part time jobs that are great for any aspiring performer (especially in the Nashville area) that will give you a decent cash flow and still allow you the time needed to pursue your dream. The immediate goal as performers should always be "getting to the next level" fame, fortune or whatever may be your ultimate goal but like anything else it has to be one step at a time.

1.Giving tours of the city you live in
2.Giving tours in a museum
3. For singers- Wedding Bands (don't knock it, they work 50 weekends a year, rehearse once or twice a week, make tons of money and the rest of the time is their own.
4. Cruises- Now that may take you away literally and figuratively. BUT, if you are looking for your niche in 'the biz' you may find it there. They have plays, DJ's People hosting talent contests and so much more on these cruises and they pay lots $$$
5. For actors- Get a gig doing 'murder mystery dinner' Can't find one? Start your own? Can't write well? Hmmm maybe an out of work songwriter could give you a hand? I actually did this and it's a lot of fun.
6. For songwriter- Jingles
7. For singer/songwriters- start a business writing personalized wedding songs (I also did this and it was also a lot of fun) It will bring in money and really enhance your skills
8. Give lessons- I know I know this town is full of people who are giving lessons waiting for a break. So what, make yours different. You can make a full time living and work very few hours while...making a difference in the lives of others.
9. Piano Players- grab a gig playing in the mall during the holidays. You WILL book other gigs while you are there and it is so much fun.
10. Singing Telegrams

Oh here is another. Waiting on tables is one of the most popular things aspiring artists do from my neck of the woods to get by. It isn't glamorous but those who are the most outgoing and can win people over do really well. And you haven't heard "Happy Birthday" really sung until you hear one of these people do it! Now, here in Nashville some friends and I stumbled upon a restaurant near Opryland not to long ago. (It may have been called the Opryland diner???) Anyway, the waiters and waitresses all had to audition because they would take turns singing kareoke...classic country kareoke to be exact. How cool of a gig is that?I realize that all of these aren't going to work for all of you. But, there are so many more out there if you just take the time to brainstorm. And check out things like good old craigslist. Lots of performance opportunities there such as Promotional modeling.

The main thing is to always keep your eyes open. Even if you are doing something that you consider to be extremely ridiculous. You are adding to your "life resume'" and meeting all kinds of people. Also, at 18 or 21 you may be positive that you want to be a performer. But, there could be something out there that you love even more that you just haven't been exposed to yet. You just don't know.

Opportunities for me= opportunities for YOU!!!

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:56:30 -0600

So, I am having a blast with this life coaching thing and working with aspiring artists is just so much fun and challenging. I've done ...wow so many consultations, about 14 short term clients. (people that were getting ready for a specific project) and have about 6 regular ones. I see huge changes in them and what's most important is that they are seeing big changes in themselves. Changes in the way they think which leads to changes in the way they view the world and finally...changes in the way the world views them. Or to make it simple. They are seeing their goals, dreams, plans, whatever...come to life!!!

Meanwhile my friend Mike (we are co-owners of 'Top Notch Talent') is down in Texas seeing big things happening with his radio station. We are putting everyone that is participating in our CMA workshop on the radio. If their music is original...we will put it on. If it isn't...We can still interview them. He is getting some big advertisers lined up so this is very exciting...Mike and I actually became friends about a year ago when I was learning all about this coaching stuff. I wasn't certified yet but he was a great guinea pig. (SHHH)

This all made me think... Anyone that signs up to work with me for a month (after the free consultation etc.) Will also have their work put on the radio, Again, if you don't have anything that we can put on the radio...We will give you one heck of an interview. Nobody will know that you are working with a life coach. Because he is doing several interviews each month and is in the business to help aspiring performers get to the next step.

If you are signed up for the CMA workshop you are already in...but for the rest of you this is something to think about. And honestly, wouldn't you love to take your life/career...a take a giant leap??? Anyway, it's something to think about.

The preparation of a song...10 years + later

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:31:32 -0600

While I was away, Scott decided to go through "The boxes" in the back of the closet. You know those boxes that sit in the closet or maybe your basement (if you have one) or your attic year after year. You swear that... "One of these days we're gonna go through them and get rid of what we don't need". Well, the day arrived and I was in San Antonio. I swear I didn't plan it that way.

Anyway, he found some old outlines from when I lived in Daytona Beach. Yes, there were cool times between NY and 'Music City'. This was from a seminar called "The preparation of a song" I was not the only speaker. There is even a part where I refer to all the kids in the area going to work at Disney. It was only an hour away. Okay, lets see if it holds up over a decade later.

I had a theory that you could break down preparing a song in 5 steps. Here it goes...

1) Choose A Song

That certainly sounds easy enough and for many people it is. However, so many things must be considered regardless if the song is for an audition or just to put in your set. Is the song in your range? If not can it be transposed into the appropriate key? Is it age appropriate? This isn't just for young people singing songs that are clearly too adult but, for people in their 30's for example singing "On the good ship lollypop" If it is for an audition is the best choice to showcase your voice and style in a such a short amount of time. Sometimes a song we love to listen and sing with just may not be the best choice.

2) Learn The Song

Memorize the lyrics. Know what key you sing that song in. If the key changes anywhere in the song, know where that is and when exactly that happens. I realize that some singers don't know what "keys are?" In this case it doesn't matter. This is for the purpose of conveying information to another and to sound educated. Learn who wrote the song. If the song is from a musical, know what show and who the composers are. Understand where each verse is, chorus and bridge. If you do not know the difference between a verse, chorus and bridge...LEARN IT!!! Understand where the most powerful 16 bars are. HINT..It usually isn't at the beginning. Most of the time it is the bridge and the last verse. However, you may not even have that much time. Know where the good stuff is. Mark the music for an accompanist and make sure each page is photocopied , separated and taped on the back. This is usually for auditions. But whatever the reason, you do not want the accompanist having to stop to figure out where they are. Or worse, have a big book fall of the piano. Bottom line if they mess up. You mess up. You are the one that was supposed to be prepared.

3) Interpret The song

This is where a true performer is going to shine. What is the song about. I mean really about. Let's talk about so many of you kids that are getting gigs at Disney. What is the song "Part of your world" about? A mermaid who wants to live on land right? Well, sure. But, maybe there is something more. Maybe the song is about someone longing to be somewhere else. Someone believing that life would be so much better "if only". Suddenly a song that very few people can relate to becomes a song that everyone can relate to. Who hasn't at one time or another thought "if only"? Use all your acting skills, talents, body language and facial expressions to tell the story of your song.

4) Add Movement

Okay, this is important. You have to add some kind of movement to every song. Movement. Not full choreography! Movement can be an outstretched hand at the right time, or a smile a head tilt...a faster song may just need some swaying to not look boring in an audition. In a performance you will need more choreography and that must be worked on. Otherwise your song, your entire performance will be lifeless. Also, if this is not something that comes naturally to you, ask for help. Hire someone. You do not want to look awkward and robotic.

5) Make The Song Your Own

By far, this can be a very creative part of the process. This is where you can break away from what you have heard a million times before and try something new. Change the ending. Or, work with someone to add a different kind of chord progression to it. Maybe you want to speak a line to give it more intensity. Whatever it takes. You may not have written the song but, you have to look and sound like it is yours, yours and all yours.

How to create some good luck!!!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:39:14 -0600

Don't you ever just wish you were one of those lucky people? The ones that just seem to get everything they dream about....Everything we all dream about? Well, I've been watching these "lucky" people a lot lately and here is what I've noticed.

1. Most of them aren't lucky at all. They work very hard for the things that they get. We don't hear about that we only hear about the part where it all turns to gold.

2. There aren't really lucky people vs. non lucky people as much as there are smart people or should I say people who really you use their God given smarts in a way that many of us just don't.

3. These people also seem to have an incredible amount of patience and they do not give up.

I'm not saying there aren't cases of luck. There are both good and bad. Winning the lottery is a case of very good luck. Then again, what does everyone who has ever won the lottery in any amount have in common? ANSWER- They all got off their behinds and bought at least one ticket. If I won the big lottery last week it would've not only been luck, it would've been a miracle since I didn't buy a ticket. So, even something as vast as the lottery isn't all a matter of luck.

Real luck is when a tornado rips through your neighborhood and for some unknown reason decides to leave your home untouched. Or 2 brothers spend their lives smoking cigarettes. The same brand and the same amount. One develops heart disease and the other lives a healthy long life. We have to call that luck.

Other than those things that are completely random, if you think about it most luck has some work or preparation behind it. Many people define luck as the moment when hard work and opportunity meet. Well, if this is true, then we all have a shot at being one of the luckiest people alive. We can create our own luck.

If we want something. Really really want something. We should be willing to put lots of time, energy and work into it. The "thing" we want should be worthy of it. And, finding opportunities to show off our hard work aren't that hard.

Of course I'm thinking of all of you that are pursuing careers as performers. If you are in my neck of the woods, I can find you multiple opportunities to showcase your hard work any given day or night of the week. If this is done long enough and with the attitude that the lucky people have ....not giving up, incredible patience etc. there is no other outcome then success.

I'm not exactly sure what your success will be or what success means to you. However, I bet when you tell your story someone says "wow, you're really lucky"

So now let's raise a glass to those who actually went out,bought that ticket, and had it pay off BIG!!! (THIS IS REALLY CUTE)

My most genuine thanks & it looks like I'm the new it girl...

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:55:34 -0600

First, I want to thank everyone everyone everyone that sent me such amazing and uplifting messages through facebook and here last month. It was really a hard time (Still is!)

Honestly, that night when I made that comment about my mom suffering through one of the last nights in her life on facebook, I guess I expected some response. I wasn't really thinking about that. I just wanted to scream. My mom was 90 so, I don't feel that she was robbed of any time here on earth. However, she had a hard time leaving this realm. She had so many things wrong with her. Still, she kept on going like the energizer bunny. She even had a form of blood cancer that was effecting her kidneys and because of her age, they couldn't do anything. But, she was strong. All those walks and exercises in her younger years really paid off.

Finally, one night she told the nurses that she no longer wanted to eat...This happened a lot with her. They would get my sister on the phone or sometimes me. We'd tell her she had to keep up her strength, she argue with us and then she'd eat something. Not much, she was like a bag of bones when I saw her 3 weeks before she passed.

This time however, she told my sister that she knew if she stopped eating she would die and that was what she thought was best. She was tired of fighting. We didn't take it all that seriously. But, that was it. She didn't eat again. They couldn't give her a feeding tube because she was too weak. Even an IV put a strain on her heart. So, she sat there for days literally starving to death. This nearly killed me. It was like she turned all her fight inward and then her organs started shutting down and it was past the point of no return. She died a few hours later. It was night and we weren't there but the hospice nurses were. We are so relieved that she didn't die alone and that her suffering was over.

But it was in that frame of mind that I wrote that post..That..."Someone help, my mother is starving to death" mode. I really didn't expect all the wonderful things that all of you would write. Prayers from people who are "my friends" although, I have never met them. You are a wonderful group of people you facebook friends. You made a horrible time much less horrible for me and I will always be grateful to you all!.

I don't think you are ever really prepared to lose your parents. I'm really lucky though besides wonderful friends, cousins and the cutest niece in existence (No really she is), I have an awesome hubby. And a sister who remembers all the things about our parents that nobody else even ever noticed. It sort of keeps them alive. I hadn't spoken to my sister in 2.5 years. That's a long time to be angry. So, my message to you, as your friendly life coach is... Be grateful for every second you have with the people (furry family members and friends too) you love. if you do get angry, as we all will. Get angry, get it out and move the f--- on. The clock isn't going to wait for you and loved ones leave a really big whole when they go.

Are you depressed yet??? Well...

Now, on to happier things...How cool is it that I am interviewed this month in "I AM ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE"???? I think I'll give up this helping aspiring performers find their place in the spotlight and grab a piece of it myself...This feels great!!! (LOL...ahahaha...that's me being sarcastic)
Here is the link...I absolutely love it...please leave comments...CLICK HERE

How balanced are you?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:49:01 -0600

One of the hardest things to do in life is to have all areas of it running smoothly at one time. I can think of maybe 3 times in my life when I felt everything was just about perfect. That lasted maybe a day.(???) Life is sort of like that game where you hit one peg down and as soon as you do another one pops up...But that is the ongoing challenge we all face. Still, it is good sometimes to take an inventory of the things that are important to us and where we stand with them. It can also be fun.

Okay, so, here's a little test. Well, more like an exercise. For each one of these categories you put a number 1-10. 10 being the highest. Then you look and say see what areas in your life may be lacking. Now, just because a category scores a low number doesn't mean that you have to work on it. If you are going through a time in your life where you are not looking for romance on any level, that would bring your number way down. But, that is not a problem. Maybe you don't see your family very often so you only give it a 3. However, you aren't all that crazy about them anyway and for you a 3 is just fine. You have to way your responses against the importance of each topic.

Family
Friends
"Significant other"relationships
Money
Health
Fun & recreation
Physical environment
Creativity
Career
Spirituality/Religion
Service & contribution

Some of you may be surprised...Let me know leave a comment here or on facebook

Brad Pitt, Baseball & more making OUR dreams come true!!!

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:02:27 -0600

I'm really not a big baseball fan. I mean I know it's "America's sport" and I love that it goes along with summer and bbq's and other fun stuff. And I did have a good time playing when I was a kid. But, the real game...The one the pros play. It can be so boring. It takes so long just to get through one inning. I want to jump on the field and scream..."Okay let's keep this game moving...You are out, you are up...Come on let's go!!!"

Well, the surprising thing is, even though I'm not a big baseball fan I am a big baseball movie fan. First of all, I was in the movie "The Natural" ...It's true I was. I also love the movie "For the love of the game" and of course "Field of Dreams"

Baseball is always like a metaphor for life. You know how you can lose but really win or win but really lose. Stories of underdogs rising up and claiming glory. The "Don't ever give up" message. Or someone loses everything only to find something so much better. I love all that stuff.

So, Saturday night I saw a great baseball movie. It's called "The Money Ball" It was just out in the theaters not too long ago and it stars Brad Pitt. Which means you are guaranteed something good to look at even if you don't like the movie. I won't tell to much about it because it is still new. But, the whole movie was about a team reinventing itself. Taking something that only made sense to a few and believing in it no matter what the whole world was saying.

That reminds me of what so many aspiring performers have to do to achieve any real success. I guess it's just as true and difficult for anyone trying to start a new business or find a new way of doing things. It's not an easy place to find. To believe so much that other opinions just don't matter.

The other thing that was brought up in this film was that sometimes we don't even ask ourselves the right questions. So we do get answers but they are answers to the wrong questions so we get NOWHERE!!! It reminded me of what they told us in coaching school. "It isn't about giving your clients the answers...they will find them but only if you ask the right questions." I understood it then (somewhat) but this movie drove the point home so well.

We should always make sure we are asking for the things we really want and that we are sure of what that is...and if we aren't...to keep asking. Change it around...Why do I want what I want? What will it mean if you have this? It may be that the real thing you want is completely different than what you think you want. WOW...say that 5 times fast.

It sure doesn't sound all that clear and I am still learning about all of this myself. But...I think it's just another couple of pieces in the big puzzle of making our dreams come true...Or finding out what are real dreams are all about.

Your dreams can come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's the big secret...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:47:09 -0600

Okay, I haven't had this blog or site up for very long at all. But, people have been asking me what I mean in my 'About' section when I say..."The secret to "making it" is quite simple in fact, it isn't a secret at all. It's all about having passion and a plan. It's about replacing doubt with a sincere belief in where and who you are meant to be" Most people understand the passion part. And, even if they aren't completely sure what I mean by "a plan" they agree that some kind of realistic, workable plan is needed. It's that replacing doubt with belief.

I have tried to explain it as being a belief that nobody can possibly take from you. Here's a really silly example. Once, while out with friends, we met a man who works in a lab that makes glasses and contact lenses. He complimented the color of my contact lenses. (???) I thanked him but told him that they were my real eyes. He responded with..."Hey don't kid a kidder. I've been making those lenses for over 20 years...I'm a pro." I sort of laughed and said "okay, whatever??" I really didn't feel the need to argue with him. Nor, did I feel any need to run home and check my eyes with thoughts of "Maybe they are contacts...Maybe my parents had them put into my eyes when I was so young that I don't remember" Nope, I didn't do any of that. I know these eyes are the ones I was born with and no "pro" or "expert" was going to say anything to cause me a second of doubt.

So, I said it was a very silly analogy. BUT...It's the same thing. When you believe relentlessly in what you are able to do, who you are, or why you are here, nobody is going to be able to shake your confidence. No amount of rejection...NONE.Why can't we be just as unwilling to be shaken when it comes to... "I am smart enough", "I am talented enough" of "I am lovable enough" as we are when it comes to the easy stuff, like our eye color?

It is the first step to having your dreams become reality. Besides the fact that this belief will carry you through all the bumps in the road and set backs, it will also probably mean you have much less of them. There is something very attracting about this confidence too. It isn't conceit. Or a "I'm the best" kind of attitude. It is just a confidence that doesn't even need to be spoken. Maybe it's a calmness that goes along with this attitude?

And yes, I know this is all a theory and there is no way to prove it. But, I've seen it over and over again. I've seen people with the right belief go farther than others with way more talent.

The hard part is how to substitute the doubts we have walked around with for decades with an unshakeable belief? That is the real challenge. For me it's a constant challenge. But... it can be done. Sometimes it happens automatically even if other aspects of your life are filled with doubt.

When I was 15, I was so in love with 'The Ramones'. While the other girls were sweating over who would take them to the dance, my thoughts were all about Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and ...whoever was the drummer at that particular moment (They had a bunch) I knew if I ever got to see them in concert there would be nothing on this planet that would stop me from getting back stage, meeting every one of them AND...making enough of an impression (and not an icky one) on them that the next time I saw them...They'd remember me. I finally got to see them in a stadium setting and there were 20,000 (I don't really know it was a big outdoor stadium like place and it was packed. Not as big a stadium like LP Field but that kind of set up.) Most of these people wanted to do the same thing that I wanted to do. The difference was...My brain couldn't take no for an answer. So, I was one of about 5 people who actually made it back stage. I got to meet them and a whole lot of other people way up in the music industry. It was the best time of my life up to that point and to this day remains right up there. I went to so many of their shows after that...I mean a lot well over 20 maybe somewhere in the 30's and was always remembered. That was the first time in my life that I believed I could make anything happen if I wanted it bad enough and couldn't believe in it NOT happening. This proved to be true for me every time. Of course some of the things I wanted...??? Well, that's the subject of another blog. So, now I'm going to let Mr. Tyler Perry explain it in a much better way than I can....

Are you a stage mother?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:18:40 -0600

First, I want to go on record saying that I absolutely hate that term. It brings about pictures of overbearing moms who embarrass, humiliate, manipulate and ruin the lives of their kids just to get them a moment in the limelight whether the child wants it or not.

I think it's scenes like this that come to mind when we talk about "Stage Mothers"

Yeah, Okay, that is kind of funny and an exaggeration. But....not all that much.

The truth we need our parents in every aspect of our upbringing. Kids who are trying to have a career at a young age absolutely need a parent (not just a guardian but someone who truly cares for them) around at all times. To make sure they aren't over worked, treated badly or taken advantage of.Basically to be an all round advocate for them.

While it is so important for the parents to be involved in the career of their children. There is a line that can get crossed. The problem is that it is very hard to see where that line is. Now, my children have always come with fur, a tail and like to say "meow". So, I really don't know much about being a "mom" in the biz or anywhere in life for that matter. However, I have been on the other side. I have cast all kinds of shows with kids in them not alone but as part of a team and plain and simply put... Nobody wants to work with the kid with the overly overbearing mom. A less talented child is more likely to get a part if the family is easier to deal with almost every time. You have to always be a parent first but there are definite "no no's" when it comes to kids in the biz and their well meaning folks.

1. Don't ever apologize for your child in an audition. "He usually does this song much better" or "He's just getting over a cold"

The directors and casting people just don't care. That isn't to be mean but their job is to find the right person for their show. The just getting over a cold thing is said by everyone young and old...We don't know when it's true or not. So, we aren't going to really take that into consideration unless it becomes so obvious that the kid is really battling just to get through the audition.

The fact that your child usually does the song better may very well be true but I've yet to see a casting person say..."Well, I don't really think he/she has what we want but his/her mom says he/she is usually much better so let's hire him/her. It just isn't going to happen.

If you feel that your child isn't being given the fair chance at an audition you, as a parent, have to bite your tongue, cover your mouth...ANYTHING you need to do to let your child get through it. It has to be sink or swim.

2. Don't tell the casting people how great your child is. Or how he wowed the crowd at his last gig. They know what they are looking for and if they see it, they will use your child. If they don't...Well then no amount of you telling them what a mistake it is not to work with him is going to change there minds. Of course you want to brag. That's what friends, aunts and uncles are for!

3. You have to do exactly what we teach them to do in an audition situation. Stand up, thank them for the opportunity and leave. Walk out of the building and go directly to your car or a cab. Once inside the automobile you can complain, scream or whatever works for you as much as you want. Then you can go home and tell the rest of the family how badly the audition process was. BUT...don't ever let them see you doing this and this goes for everyone in the building too. We all know how gossip gets around.

It can make a huge difference and put your child as a front runner or runner up for a good part even if the audition wasn't perfect.

4. I've seen children brought to tears not because they didn't do their best for a director or casting person but, for letting their parents down. I've seen parents put their kids through so much anguish over forgetting a line.

It isn't worth it. You may be the agent/manager BUT you have to be the parent first. The person who loves them unconditionally. Even when they totally mess up. They know when they haven't done their part right. No amount of disappointment coming from you is going to make them feel worse than they already do. I know it must be frustrating when so much money goes in for training and transportation, only to have your child forget the one line that you begged him to really work on because you knew for whatever reason they were having a problem with it. Of course they didn't listen to you and now...? It's almost impossible not to say "I told you so".

If you really feel that they need some good constructive critiquing, or extra work then hire someone professionally. It shouldn't come from you.

Now, when is it okay to be "The stage mom"? Anytime you see a situation where your child is being treated in a way that is demeaning or degrading to them. This could be other kids putting him down, adults telling him that he isn't good enough...ANYONE...But even then, get your child and leave. Call the person in charge later and talk about it and let it be known that "whatever it is" will not be tolerated. This is so much better than making a scene ...within the scene.

I have worked with parents enough to know that they only want what's best for their kids...They would gladly walk through fire to spare them a bad experience. But trust in the parenting you have already done. These kids are tougher than we realize. They can handle rejection. They can handle idiots. They just need to know that in your eyes they are more than enough. Everything else will become an opportunity to learn.

And hey who knows you may find yourself on the receiving end of something like this one day....

When would you need someone like ME?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:26:49 -0600

So you've been studying voice.(or another instrument, or dance etc. Singer/songwriter is just an example) You've been working your butt off. Maybe you have one of the best vocal coaches on the planet. You can sing anything. You especially sound amazing when you sing the songs that you've written. You work with experienced co-writers and spend time and money going to workshops to make sure your song is just right! You go to other interactive workshops given by some of the best on-stage coaches in the biz. They work with you on how to create a magical show, with your beautiful songs and your kick ass voice. You're ready to go! But wait....

You still haven't addressed the fact that inside you are filled with doubt. Perhaps, you are terrified of failure? Or maybe the idea of success really freaks you out. Logically, you tell yourself that you are just creating problems. But, that only makes you feel worse. So, you walk around with a knot in your stomach. It could be that anytime there is more than 30 people in the crowd you freeze, or feel as though you are going to pass out while you are up there. Or it might not be 'stage fright' at all. It could be that you just feel silly and awkward up there on stage and don't know how to tell anyone.

You desperately want to make that connection with your audience. This is all you've dreamed about and trained for but you can't even make eye contact. You may remember hearing, when you were young, that being a performer isn't a "real career" and if you aren't making big $$$ it doesn't count. Maybe you aren't getting along with one of the band members and it's really throwing off your concentration and confidence.

So now what? This is where I come in...(Thank goodness right? Just in the nick of time)I'm a trained coach, certified and everything who specializes in working with performers. I help artists like you cut through all that BS (for lack of better initials)and own the life that you've worked and dreamed about. I can help you get rid of any doubt or fear that may be standing in the way of you achieving those dreams, destroy any negative thinking and continue to grow artistically. Mostly, I can help you experience more joy throughout the entire process. When all is said and done, what else could matter more?

It isn't therapy. I'm not going to take you on a long drawn out trip to your past to find out why you are who you are and then try to fix it. You aren't broken...you don't need to be put back together. Of course your past is part of who you are. But, I'm interested in helping you create the best "today" you can possibly have...and every tomorrow after. I truly want you to have this in your performing and every aspect of your life.

Whether you are a singer, dancer, band, actor....Or whether you are a parent with a child working or aspiring to work in the industry. Look around my site and if any of it makes you think..."Hey!!! That's me" contact me for a free....yes, free, no strings attached session!