Artist Bootcamp 2011

Artist Bootcamp is a rotation of developmental workshops that educate and prepare artists for the next step in their music careers. Thirty artists will participate in hands-on workshops focusing on the Business of Music, the Art of Performing, Importance of Branding and will also participate in a “power lunch” with industry professionals. Artists will walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to realistically achieve their goals and will gain insight from established industry professionals. There will be 15 workshop spots reserved for ReverbNation artists. If you are selected for the workshop, there is a $20.00 registration fee to participate.

Some industry professionals in attendance include…
Shawn Gee: Sports and Entertainment Financial Group
Ladana Jeter: Jive Records
Ashley Coleman: The Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter
Steven “PJ” Whitaker: Istandard Inc.
Walter Reeder Jr: Big Bloc Entertainment
Carol Riddick: Recording Artist
Meeka Johnson: Godda Godda Clothing

Schedule of Events
9:30am Sign In/General Announcements/Refreshments
10:15-11:00am Rotation 1 (2 groups of 15 artists at each rotation)
11:10-1155am Rotation2
12:05-12:50pm Media Coaching Workshop
1:00-1:45pm Power Lunch w/ Industry Professionals*
2:00-3:30pm Music Business Panel
3:45-5:00pm Performance Workshop

*Students will be paired with an industry professional during lunch and will have the opportunity to ask questions in smaller groups.

Rotational Workshops
Online Branding
Online branding professionals Steven “PJ” Whitaker and DeNiro Forte’ will cover social networking and the steps to maximizing your online brand. They will dissect pre-selected artists blogs and/ or websites and give tips on how to improve what the artists have already started. During the second half of the workshop, they will also go over the importance of creating a marketing and promotion plan and give basic tips on how to get started.

Fashion
Fashion Industry professionals Meeka Johnson will focus on the importance of an artist’s look, how much planning goes into it and why. They will give feedback on how each artist’s image is perceived and give tips on styling, photo shoots and press photos.

Effective Communication
Professional Media Coach Dyana Williams will elaborate on the importance of an artist’s image in the media. She will also review her 7-step influence system, which helps artists hone their skills so they are able to communicate effectively, and have positive and productive interaction with the media.

Power Lunch
During lunch, boot-camp participants will have an opportunity to eat in smaller groups with a music industry professional. Some groups will be focused on “the pitch” and others will be focused on “the art”. In a style similar to speed dating, artists that select “the pitch” will have 2 minutes to “pitch” themselves to the executive (A&R, booking agent, or manager) and receive feedback. Participants that select “the art” will engage in a Q&A session with an established recording artist.

Indie Music Business Panel
Music Industry professionals will discuss basic steps for turning your music into a profitable business without the help of a record label. Following the panel discussion, artists will be able to ask questions.

Discussion Topics:
• Getting involved in local music organizations (Ashley Coleman)
• Being Signed versus being Independent (Verna Miles)
• How to be your own publicist and what to look for in a PR Professional. (Ladana Jeter)
• Financial Management (Shawn Gee)
• How to properly book and create live show opportunities (Walt Reeder Jr.)
• International Touring Opportunities (Chuck Treece Clip)
• Other Topics: Selling Music, Joining a Performance organization, Set up legal entity and copyright music.

Performance Workshop
Artists will come prepared to perform one, four-minute song. After each performance, Music Industry professional Cannon, Carol Riddick and Holly Stain will give each performer feedback on how to enhance their performance. During the second half of the workshop, Cannon, Carol and Holly Stain will give tips on stage presence, audience interaction, creating a listening experience, sound quality while performing and performance Do’s and Don’ts.

HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES OF BEING SELECTED?
Make sure your ReverbNation profile is updated to show a more accurate representation of you and your music. Syncing your Facebook and MySpace pages to your ReverbNation page and adding the #1 Artist Application on Facebook (Band Profile) will boost your Fan Totals instantly and show a more competitive RPK. None of this is mandatory of course but showing the Talent Buyer, Label, Licensing Company, Publicist, etc. more about you is always a plus.

Event Dates: July 23, 2011
Submission Fee: Free
Submission Close: July 1, 2011
This Event takes place in PHILADELPHIA, PA.