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    MusicFirst and MatchmySound™ Partner to Introduce PracticeFirst™, an Innovative, New Online Practice and Assessment Tool

MusicFirst and MatchmySound™ Partner to Introduce PracticeFirst™, an Innovative, New Online Practice and Assessment Tool

MusicFirst announces an exciting partnership with MatchmySound™ to create PracticeFirst™, an affordable, online practice and assessment tool offering innovative features. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, PracticeFirst allows students to practice anytime, anywhere, with instant feedback and flexibility that has never been seen before.

Perfect for band, orchestral and choral practice, PracticeFirst, powered by MatchmySound technology, gives teachers easy-to-use tools for creating assignments that are broad or individualized to each student. Assessment and feedback are instantaneous.

Students can practice any instrument, including voice, using PracticeFirst’s web-based, easy-to-use interface. Band instruments, orchestral, choral practice, even polyphonic instruments like guitar and piano can all take advantage of PracticeFirst’s intuitive lessons and feedback features.

Not only does PracticeFirst, powered by MatchmySound technology, respond with pitch and rhythmic corrections, it can also judge tonal quality. PracticeFirst enables student musicians to become more accurate and more musical.

“In all of my years in music education, I have never been so excited about a new technology as I have about PracticeFirst,” comments Dr. Jim Frankel, Director of MusicFirst. “We are so excited to partner with MatchmySound. It is truly a revolutionary technology and I know that finally music educators have an easy, customizable, affordable way to assess ALL of their performance ensemble students. This will truly change the way we assess our students.”

“We are very excited to be part of this partnership, because we believe the MusicFirst online classroom is an innovative and affordable platform. It’s also an excellent fit for the MatchmySound assessment and feedback technology,” says MatchmySound Chief Technology Officer Margus Niitsoo. MatchmySound Chief Information Officer Kristo Kao adds, “MusicFirst is a great solution for music educators and their students. It provides the necessary tools while addressing the financial constraints that teachers and […]

By |April 25th, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    Submissions Now Open for the 2015 She Rocks Summer NAMM and WGBH Food & Wine Festival Showcases

Submissions Now Open for the 2015 She Rocks Summer NAMM and WGBH Food & Wine Festival Showcases

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) is proud to announce two upcoming showcases as part of its She Rocks Showcase series, spotlighting talented women in music – the She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase in Nashville, Tenn., and the She Rocks Showcase at the WGBH Food & Wine Festival in Boston, Mass.

“The She Rocks Showcases are a part of the WiMN’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities and a platform for women in music. We want to give a chance to as many female artists as possible across the country from every style and age to display their talent in front of music industry experts, influencers, media representatives, artists, and more during two very prestigious events,” said WiMN Founder Laura B. Whitmore.

The She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase takes place on Thursday, July 9 from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. during the Summer National Association of Music Merchants trade show in Nashville, Tenn., at The Listening Room on 217 2nd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201, a short walk from the Music City Center. An optional $5 door charge is requested. Information about the performers will be shared via our partners AcousticNation.com and Lightning 100 radio. This showcase is open to all ages.

The She Rocks Showcase at the WGBH Food & Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the WGBH headquarters on One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135. The showcase takes part during the festival’s Artistan Taste event. Information about the performers will be shared via WGBH’s radio and television stations. For tickets and further info go to http://www.wgbh.org/foodwine/festival_grandtasting.cfm. You must be 21 or over to perform at this showcase.

For the Nashville NAMM showcase, all materials must be submitted by May […]

By |April 22nd, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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  • Permalink Headlining act for the 2015 She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase, Dia Frampton (left), and She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase performers Alyse Black (center), Elle Winston (top right) and Kate Diaz (bottom right).Gallery

    Official 2015 She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase Performers Announced

Official 2015 She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase Performers Announced

The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) is excited to announce the three finalists selected to perform alongside headlining act Dia Frampton at the official 2015 She Rocks ASCAP Expo Showcase. Taking place during the ASCAP Expo, the showcase will be hosted on Fri., May 1, 2015, at the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill in Hollywood, Calif. There is no cover charge.

The Showcase will bring together singer-songwriter Elle Winston, guitarist and singer-songwriter Kate Diaz, and singer-songwriter Alyse Black to perform in front of industry experts, media representatives, artists, publishers and more during one of the most prestigious songwriting events of the year. Performers were chosen based on their submissions to thewimn.com.

“The amount of submissions we received this year was unprecedented. There was great enthusiasm on behalf of so many talented female musicians out there, and choosing just a few to perform was challenging. I am very pleased with the finalists and know that we’re going to have a great show!” said Women’s International Music Network Founder Laura B. Whitmore.

Elle Winston is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, who spent most of her life growing up in the southwest sun of Phoenix, Arizona. Her sound might best be described as a meeting of folk-legend James Taylor, the songstress Erykah Badu and the classical great Elly Ameling. Winston earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Herberger College of Music at Arizona State University. Learn more at http://www.ellewinston.com.

Kate Diaz is a songwriter/guitarist/singer who has released four acoustic albums and three singles, including award-winning songs and songs for various causes. Over the past five years, she has booked her own gigs and performed more than 150 solo acoustic shows at Chicago venues and national festivals, notably at Lollapalooza, Milwaukee […]

By |April 10th, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    Laura B. Whitmore Selected To Speak At Spring 2015 McNally Smith College Of Music Commencement Ceremony

Laura B. Whitmore Selected To Speak At Spring 2015 McNally Smith College Of Music Commencement Ceremony

Music industry veteran and founder of Mad Sun Marketing and The Women’s International Music Network, Laura B. Whitmore, will be offering a commencement speech at the renowned McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minn., on April 25, 2015 at the college’s History Theatre.

Whitmore will address graduating students from 12 different programs, including Music Production, Music Business, Audio Engineering, Songwriting, and more. She plans to draw on her vast experience in the industry as it relates to marketing, public relations, negotiation, advocacy and more, and also her perspective as a former music student herself.

“To be able to speak to future generations of musicians and music industry businessmen and women is an absolute privilege and a truly humbling experience. I am honored to have been asked to participate in this memorable ceremony, and look forward to making an impact on these future music-makers,” said Whitmore.

The ceremony will also feature a performance by McNally Smith’s World Vocal Ensemble directed by Peggy Larson.

“Laura Whitmore is a perfect example of how a modern music professional can make a life in music her own unique way. She’s a gifted musician who has channeled her creativity into a variety of pursuits—marketing, public relations, writing blogs and columns for industry publications, business entrepreneur, and, of course, being a singer/songwriter. I am certain our students will benefit from and be inspired by Laura’s words and her accomplishments,” said McNally Smith College of Music President Harry Chalmiers.

A graduate of Hofstra University with a B.S. in Music Merchandising and an M.B.A. in Marketing, Whitmore served as Marketing Manager for Korg USA for 20 years, where she was instrumental in developing marketing, PR and artist relations efforts for the Korg, Marshall, and VOX brands. […]

By |April 2nd, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    NYC Guitar School Announces Online Lessons Affiliate Program

NYC Guitar School Announces Online Lessons Affiliate Program

NYC Guitar School has announced the launch of its affiliate program – an online referral-based platform that allows individuals with a website to earn unlimited income based on the amount of students who enroll to NYC Guitar School’s successful online beginner courses using referral codes.

The affiliate program, which enables people with a website or audience to promote these beginner courses, is ideal for media outlets, bloggers, social media influencers, music schools, and truly anyone with an online presence. In addition, music teachers have found it to be the perfect complement to their on-site lessons and are using the method to enhance at-home practice.

The program allows registered and approved members to make a 40% commission on the monthly tuition of each student signing up to NYC Guitar School online beginner lessons using a uniquely assigned referral code. With some students receiving lessons on a monthly basis for many years, and no cap on the amount of referrals, the earning potential is virtually limitless.

“The spirit at NYC Guitar School has always been one of collaboration and teamwork. We’re proud to introduce a platform that not only promotes collaboration, but also one that allows the expansion of music education while generating benefits for all of those involved. It’s truly a win-win situation,” said NYC Guitar School co-owner Dan Emery.

NYC Guitar School’s online beginner courses have a proven success track record, and were developed by world-class guitar players and educators. Through these beginner courses, students can learn the fundamental skills of guitar from the ground-up through interactive and easy-to-follow video lessons. NYC Guitar School’s online courses are also a perfect complement to face-to-face lessons. Each lesson includes a video tutorial and corresponds to a downloadable instruction book that […]

By |April 2nd, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    Dia Frampton to Headline Official 2015 She Rocks Showcase at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

Dia Frampton to Headline Official 2015 She Rocks Showcase at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

Today the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) announced acclaimed singer/songwriter Dia Frampton as the headlining act for the official 2015 She Rocks Showcase during the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO on Fri., May 1, 2015, at the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill in Hollywood, Calif.
The Showcase, which brings together female artists to perform in front of industry experts, media representatives, artists, publishers and more during one of the most prestigious songwriting events of the year, will culminate with Casio artist Frampton’s vocal prowess and dynamic performance. Several additional female acts will be selected to perform during the evening from submissions to The WiMN. See more information about submitting here: www.thewimn.com/ascapshowcase.

“We are so excited to have Dia Frampton as our featured performer,” said WiMN Founder Laura B. Whitmore. “She is such a talented musician, and will be a huge inspiration to aspiring female talent performing and attending that night.”

With six number-one singles across Asia as a solo artist, Frampton has established herself as a prolific songwriter, collaborating with distinguished artists from around the world, including Lindsey Stirling, The Crystal Method, M83, and Singto Numchok. Currently, she is working with her band ARCHIS, which pairs her with renowned film composer Joseph Trapanese, the musical mastermind behind Tron, Oblivion, and Insurgent. In February, ARCHIS released a self-titled EP through Nettwerk Music Group. The band is now writing their debut album, to be released later this year. Find out more about Dia Frampton at www.archismusic.com.

The She Rocks Showcase will take place on Fri., May 1, 2015, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the heart of Hollywood at the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill, located at 1724 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, across the street from the ASCAP Expo headquarters at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The […]

By |April 2nd, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    The Women’s International Music Network Announces the 2015 She Rocks ASCAP EXPO Showcase at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

The Women’s International Music Network Announces the 2015 She Rocks ASCAP EXPO Showcase at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) announces the official 2015 She Rocks ASCAP EXPO Showcase scheduled during the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles, Calif.

Now in its second year, the She Rocks Showcase will take place on Fri., May 1, 2015, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the heart of Hollywood at the Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill, across the street from the EXPO headquarters at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The ASCAP Expo runs April 30 – May 2, 2015.

The 2015 She Rocks Showcase presents a unique opportunity for female artists of all styles and ages to perform in front of industry experts, media representatives, artists, publishers and more during one of the most prestigious songwriting events of the year.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this platform to female musicians from all over the world. I can’t think of a better place than the ASCAP EXPO for women to demonstrate their musical talents to top songwriters, composers, producers and industry influencers,” said WiMN Founder Laura B. Whitmore.

Artists are encouraged to submit their best material for an opportunity to be selected for a performance slot at the showcase. All materials must be submitted by April 5, 2015. Showcase performers will be announced by April 8. Selected performers will also receive a free day pass to the ASCAP Expo. An EXPO badge is not required to attend or participate in the Showcase.

The 2015 She Rocks Showcase is sponsored by Taylor Guitars, Casio, 108 Rock Star Guitars and Acoustic Nation. To fill out the submission form and for official rules and regulations, visit thewimn.com/ascapshowcase.

By |March 10th, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    12 PR Tips for Musicians, Music Companies, and Just About Anyone!

12 PR Tips for Musicians, Music Companies, and Just About Anyone!

Public Relations, better known as PR. That holy grail of message distribution.

I once had someone tell me, “I don’t believe in PR.” My reply was, “What do you mean, like it’s the tooth fairy?”

Well-done PR can get you massive amounts of interest, YouTube views, interviews, and so much more. Of course, all with the hope of your efforts leading to sales.

Poorly done PR is just frustrating for everyone involved.

As an editor I get loads of news releases and pitches every day in my inbox. Your goal should be to interest me, provide me with well-written information in a format that I can use with almost no editing, and all the assets I need to get your news out there quickly.

If you’re a musician or fledgling publicist that wants to spread the word about your projects, here are some tips for making the most out of your efforts.

1. Make sure your news release is factual…and actually news
News releases are generally written in the third person, so avoid the use of “I” and “we.” They give a run down of the who, what, when, where, why, how and then elaborate in each paragraph, scrolling out a logical progression of facts. Typically editors don’t want to see words like “the best,” “amazing,” “fabulous,” and the like. Leave it to editors to aggrandize about you. You should be factual and fairly humble.

2. Keep it short
If you have so much to say that your release is longer than a page or a page and a half, you are probably going to confuse me. Edit, edit, edit. Make sure you are concise and to the point. Have someone else read your release to confirm that it is easy to understand.

3. […]

By |February 25th, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    Students, Musicians and Filmmakers Unite for the Take Me To The River Education Initiative Launch at the World Famous Apollo Theater

Students, Musicians and Filmmakers Unite for the Take Me To The River Education Initiative Launch at the World Famous Apollo Theater

Pro musicians, students, teachers and fans came together at the World Famous Apollo Theater on Thursday night, February 12, to celebrate a new education initiative based on the award-winning documentary feature film, Take Me To The River.

The brainchild of Director/Producer Martin Shore, the film chronicles a project that spans generations, races and genders to create a new music collaboration centered around the Memphis music scene. And the event Thursday night did the same.

Emceed by Director/Producer Martin Shore, and producer and musician Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, the evening brought its cross-generational theme to life with a fresh spin on timeless songs performed by classic Memphis artists like William Bell; Bobby Rush; Otis Clay; and Stephanie Bolton paired with young hip-hop and rap artists including Frayser Boy, Al Kapone, Tori WhoDat; and more.

The evening began with remarks from Berklee College of Music President, Roger H. Brown. Berklee City Music has partnered with the film to bring educational materials based on the film.

“Our collaboration with Take Me To The River and these legendary musicians has enabled us to bring history to life for our Berklee City Music students in terms that they not only understand but celebrate. We are excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will continue to bring to students across the nation through our PULSE® program and our friends from Take Me To The River,” Brown shared.

Highlights of the event include the opening act Music With A Message, a student band from Berklee City Music Network (BCMN) partner Renaissance Youth Center, who got the evening off to a rocking start with fresh instrumentals and vocals. They were followed by alumni band from BCMN partner STAX Music Academy, the Bromfield Trio, made up of a […]

By |February 16th, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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    Take Me To The River Education Initiative Launched with Berklee City Music

Take Me To The River Education Initiative Launched with Berklee City Music

Lifelong musician and Grammy-nominated Director/Producer Martin Shore announces a historic partnership with non-profit organization Berklee City Music®. The two have developed a music education initiative based on Shore’s film Take Me To The River, which explores the inter-racial musical influence of Memphis in the face of pervasive discrimination and segregation during the Civil Rights Movement, and the cross-generational and cross-gender collaboration exhibited in a new music project documented in the film.

Released in February in celebration of Black History Month and beyond, the Initiative brings standards-based instruction materials centered around the film and its music to educations nationwide free of charge.

“We are thrilled that Berklee City Music is a part of this amazing initiative. Take Me to the River brings to life, through music and film, an important chapter in the history of American popular music. Through Berklee’s PULSE® music method and the film’s reach into schools, we’re able to educate a new generation of young people about the musicians and social context surrounding the music of the Mississippi Delta,” said Lee Whitmore, EdD, vice president for education outreach and social entrepreneurship at Berklee College of Music.

Take Me To The River brings multiple generations of award-winning Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians together, following them through the creative process of recording a historic new album to re-imagine the utopia of racial, gender and generational collaboration of Memphis in its heyday.

The education initiative, which will initially be piloted in New York City public schools, was prepared with the assistance of the Berklee City Music program, a nonprofit education program directed by Berklee College of Music that enables youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially and emotionally, primarily through the study of contemporary music.

The initiative helps students:

Make cross-curricular connections […]

By |February 3rd, 2015|News posts|0 Comments
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