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    Alan Parsons Presents Hands-on Master Class for Music Educators focusing on Teaching Music Production and Audio Engineering

Alan Parsons Presents Hands-on Master Class for Music Educators focusing on Teaching Music Production and Audio Engineering

2019 GRAMMY® Award-winning musician and producer offers action-packed day of professional development for music educators as one of three unique master classes at his private new ParSonics Studio in Santa Barbara, CA on July 252019 GRAMMY Award-winner Alan Parsonsannounces a unique master class for music educators on July 25 at his personal new state-of-the-art studio, ParSonics, in Santa Barbara, CA. Titled ‘Music Production Rules!,’ this one day intensive will be hosted by Parsons himself supported by a team of audio specialists and educators, who will unravel the mysteries of teaching music production and audio engineering.Topics include Funding, Which DAW?, Pedagogy, Lesson Plans, Certification and Career Opportunities. The day culminates with a session that sees Parsons demonstrating best practices when recording acoustic guitar with vocal simultaneously—a perennial challenge and one of the most popular segments in Parsons’ Art & Science Of Sound Recording (ASSR) series that has now become a staple in schools and colleges all over the world.A free lesson plan is now available for download at https://www.artandscienceofsound.com/educationEach attendee will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop: Music Technology In Education, a valuable asset for those looking to add industry credentials to their resume.  This is the first master class to be held at Parson’s luxurious, Neve 5088-endowed ParSonics facility on his ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara, where attendees will be able to relax and take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean during breaks.This event is open to all educators, institutional and private, and for both current instructors and those looking to develop a recording or music production course—band and choir directors, and studios looking to develop an educational program. The Art & Science Of Sound RecordingAlan Parsons has been involved in music production education for many years with […]

The MI Market is Growing—How Can You Capitalize?

There’s been talk these days about the apparent death of the electric guitar, leaving lots of folks worried about the state of the MI market. But, the truth is, it isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, things are looking quite positive.
Businesswire recently reported that according to Technavio, the global musical instruments market is expected to register growth of approximately 3% during the period 2018-2022. What do they attribute this to? It’s the increasing popularity of attending live music events. We all knew concerts were special, and yes, the pendulum is swinging in the direction of people getting off their couches and experiencing live music.
In addition, as disposable income has increased, the trend of purchasing musical instruments online continues to grow. How does this benefit you? Here are a few tips on you can capitalize on the growing MI market!
Tap into musical trends.
You’ve probably heard the chatter that acoustic guitar sales are up, thanks to artists like Ed Sheeran who have grabbed the public ear. Check out the Billboard Heatseekers and Emerging Artists charts. See what kind of instruments and equipment those bands are playing. Take a look at the local music scene and talk to fans. You’ll want to be ahead of new trends, not trailing behind. Don’t just wait for customers to come to you. Get into the scene and put your finger on the pulse!

Get educated.
It’s been no secret that music education is great for the brain and benefits students in many areas outside of music. One study indicated that students who had experience with music performance scored 63 and 44 points higher on the verbal and math sections of the SAT, respectively.
In 2017, new arts standards defined by the National Core were adopted by 14 states […]

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    12 Disruptive Marketing Tips for Musical Instrument Companies

12 Disruptive Marketing Tips for Musical Instrument Companies

With so many companies competing for the same customers, it’s more important than ever to have a unique approach to marketing – one that’ll make you stand out from your competitors. Enter the exciting world of disruptive marketing!
The dictionary defines disruptive as “causing or tending to cause disruption,” or as “innovative and groundbreaking.” We think a combination of both makes for the perfect marketing campaign.
The first step to disruptive marketing: Create experiences that are relevant to the customer. Think from the their perspective – how can you bring value to them?
Remember, we sell music. We sell products that make people happy. That might sound a bit cheesy, but it’s true. Kids and adults alike dream about owning that guitar, that keyboard, that drum kit. There are plenty of potential consumers out there hungry to know your message. The mission at hand is telling a story that brings value to them – stylizing a brand that they want to support.
Here are 12 marketing tips that put new or disruptive technology to work for you and your products. Try them and let us know your results!
1. Unlikely partnerships.
Think outside the box! The local farmers market needs music. Have your students perform there, and have the market promote you in return. Your local gym wants live music for a popular yoga class. A local bank might like the idea of sponsoring a local outdoor concert series featuring your teachers and students. How about a tattoo parlor and a musical instrument retailer joining forces? Cool guitars. Cool tattoos…hmmm. Find partners whose goals are synergistic with what you can provide and you both can win! Think about local businesses in your area and how you can work together. Partnering […]

2018 She Rocks Awards Honorees Announced

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), proudly announces the 2018 She Rocks Awards honorees. Paying tribute to women in the music industry, the sixth annual She Rocks Awards at the NAMM Show will debut at its new home, the House of Blues Anaheim, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at 6:30p.m. Tickets can be purchased at sherocksawards.com.

The 2018 She Rocks Awards recipients include:

Lisa Loeb, Platinum-selling singer-songwriter, touring artist, author, and philanthropist
Karla Redding-Andrews, Executive Director for The Otis Redding Foundation
Exene Cervenka, vocalist for the iconic punk band, X
Amberly Crouse-Knox, Senior Director of Creative and Business Development, BMG Music Production
Jean Millington Adamian, June Millington and Brie Darling, of the pioneering all-female American rock band, Fanny
Candace Stewart, Studio Manager, EastWest Studios in Hollywood
Dawn Birr, Channel Manager for the Americas, Sennheiser Business Solutions
Fabi Reyna, Founder and Editor of She Shreds Media
Vanessa Mering, Marketing Manager, HARMAN Professional
Kristy Porter, Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandising, General Accessories & Media

Additional honoree announcements to come.

“We look forward to formally recognizing our 2018 honorees at the upcoming She Rocks Awards,” said the WiMN founder, Laura B. Whitmore. “From manufacturers to musicians, our She Rocks honorees of 2018 span all corners of our industry, and we can’t wait to join with them in this year’s celebration of women in music.”

Gearing up for its sixth consecutive year, the She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show. Previous award recipients include female industry leaders such as Colbie Caillat, Ronnie Spector, Sheila E, The Bangles, Shirley Manson, Esperanza Spalding, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Batten, Karmin, Orianthi, Dinah Gretsch, Craigie Zildjian, and more.

The She Rocks Awards brings together industry professionals, music icons, […]

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    The Women’s International Music Network Celebrates New Website with GRL PWR Giveaway Courtesy of PRS Guitars

The Women’s International Music Network Celebrates New Website with GRL PWR Giveaway Courtesy of PRS Guitars

Needham, MA, November 1, 2017 ––The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN)has launched a bold new website that boasts a clean modern look, a robust selection of inspiring articles about women in the music and audio industries, the latest and greatest artist news, and much more. Everyone is invited to visit them at www.theWiMN.com. To celebrate the new site, the WiMN has partnered with PRS Guitars to offer a very special giveaway contest.

From November 1 to December 31, 2017, visitors to the WiMN website can enter the GRL PWR Giveaway to win one of four fantastic prizes – courtesy of PRS Guitars – that are sure to please all musicians:

Grand prize: PRS S2 Vela electric guitar with gig bag (value $1,349)

1st Prize: PRS SE Angelus A20E acoustic guitar with pickup and hardshell case (value $699)

2nd Prize: PRS SE Standard 24 electric guitar with gig bag (value $499)

3rd prize: PRS Guitars ‘Guitar Lovers Bundle’ (value $75) – includes a 2018 Private Stock calendar; two PRS Camp Mugs; a long sleeve PRS T-shirt; a pack of PRS Med picks; PRS stickers; and a Guitar Care Kit (guitar cleaner, polish, fingerboard conditioner and polishing cloth)

Jeanne Nooney, Public Relations & Partnerships for PRS Guitars, shares, “As an advocate and supporter of female musicians, PRS Guitars is pleased to help our longtime partner, The Women’s International Music Network, launch their new website by providing a few tasty guitars. We’re looking forward to being a part of the WiMN’s continued efforts to raise up female musicians and industry leaders for years to come and wish them much success with the new platform.”

Contestants can visit thewimn.com/girl-pwr-giveaway and enter to win. Four lucky winners will be selected after December 31, 2017. Please see website for rules and details. For more information about […]

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    Lisa Loeb to be honored at the 2018 She Rocks Awards by The Women’s International Music Network

Lisa Loeb to be honored at the 2018 She Rocks Awards by The Women’s International Music Network

ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 4, 2017) – The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) is pleased to announce acclaimed platinum-selling artist Lisa Loeb as the first honoree at the upcoming 2018 She Rocks Awards. Recognizing women who stand out as role models in the music industry, the live awards event will take place on January 26, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the new House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at sherocksawards.com.

Lisa Loeb is a singer-songwriter, producer, touring artist, author and philanthropist who started her career with the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites.A trailblazing independent artist, Lisa was the first pop musician to have a Number 1 single while not signed to a recording contract. Lisa continues to craft irresistible pop songs for the 21st century, while designing Lisa Loeb Eyewear, writing children’s books, and supporting non-profit causes. She is releasing a new children’s album on October 6, titled Lullaby Girl. For more information about Lisa Loeb, visit Lisaloeb.com.

Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the WiMN and co-producer of the She Rocks Awards, comments, “We are so thrilled to honor Lisa Loeb, an iconic and pioneering artist. She is truly a role model for female artists of all ages. The She Rocks Awards celebrates women from all walks of the music and audio industries and we are looking forward to a stellar event this January!”

More 2018 She Rocks Awards honorees will be announced soon.

The She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music and audio industry. It brings together industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans and the media.

Past honorees of the She Rocks Awards include multi-platinum artist, Colbie Caillat; legendary percussionist Sheila E.; icons […]

Music & Arts Opens New Location in Riverside, CA

Frederick, MD (September 28, 2017) – Music & Arts announces the acquisition of Music Mike’s in Riverside, CA. Music Mike’s has served the community as a respected music retailer and a Music & Arts rental affiliate. They are now being formally welcomed into the family as an official Music & Arts location.

The store will continue to serve the residents of Riverside and surrounding towns in the Inland Empire with expanded services now including private and group lessons, instrument rentals, repairs and a wide assortment of instruments and accessories. Located at 6511 Magnolia Ave in Riverside, the store will also serve school music programs throughout nearby counties.

“For many years, Music Mike’s has been the go-to music store in the Riverside area for performing musicians of all styles and levels. We’re excited to continue to provide the best in instruments, lessons, rentals and repair services to Riverside and surrounding communities,” shares Music & Arts president Steve Zapf.

Jeremy Mueller, National Sales Director notes, “In each new location we open, Music & Arts becomes a strong member of the community it serves. The combined experience of Music Mike’s and Music & Arts, plus our passion for service, will certainly benefit the families of the Riverside community for years to come.”

Music & Arts comprises more than 150 retail stores, more than 120 educational representatives, and over 350 affiliate locations. In addition to carrying a wide assortment of top-name brands, most locations offer expert repairs and university-trained, background-checked lesson instructors.

To learn more about Music & Arts, visit www.musicarts.com, and for more on this particular location, click here.  For the latest on upcoming new store openings, please visit here.

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    Flea to be Honored at Bass Player LIVE! 2017 November 4-5 in Los Angeles

Flea to be Honored at Bass Player LIVE! 2017 November 4-5 in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA, September 12, 2017 — Bass Player LIVE! 2017, the premier yearly event for bass players, returns to Los Angeles November 4 – 5. The event will take place at SIR Studios, located at 6465 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, and will offer attendees two days of drool-worthy exhibits by top gear manufacturers; clinics by world-class bassists; Lifetime Achievement Awards presentations; a Star-studded Concert featuring this year’s award recipients; and an All-Star Jam to close out the event.

The Bass Player LIVE! Educational clinics, exhibits, and awards presentation/All-Star Concert at SIR Studios in Hollywood will be held Saturday, November 4 from 11:00 AM-10:00 PM and Sunday, November 5 from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Tickets go on sale September 15 at www.bassplayerlive.com. Bass players and musicians of all ages, levels and styles are invited to attend.

Highlights of this much-anticipated bass bash include:

Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, followed by a performance featuring Flea’s friends at the All-Star Concert on November 4

Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award presented to session legend and James Taylor bassistJimmy Johnson, followed by a performance with his band at the All-Star Concert, and a live clinic interview on Nov. 5

Posthumous Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award for R&B icon and Booker T. & the MGs bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn

NEW THIS YEAR: Expanded clinic room seating, more than 20 artists’ signings, live music from the SIR Main Stage, gear giveaways, full beverage service and gourmet food truck

The return of the All-Star Jam on Sunday Nov. 5, taking place on the SIR main stage

Clinics featuring Bunny Brunel (with Armand Sabal-Lecco and Hadrien Feraud); Oskar Cartaya; Andrew Gouche; Robert DeLeo; dUg Pinnick; Steve Bailey; Bob Glaub; New York City-based Reggie Young; Bonnie Raitt bassist Hutch Hutchinson; Nashville session bass great Dave Pomeroy; and Chuck Rainey

Appearances by: Juan Alderete, Norwood Fisher, Lee Sklar, Verdine White, Bakithi Kumalo, Alphonso Johnson, Jonathan Hischke, Nate […]

The Women’s Int’l Music Network and #SaveAGuitar Announce the She Rocks Awards Opening Act Contest

Needham, MA (August 15, 2016) – The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), in partnership with #SaveAGuitar, announces the #SaveAGuitar and She Rocks Awards contest. The contest will award one winner the opening spot performing at the 5th annual She Rocks Awards on Friday, January 20, 2017, at the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA.

The winner will also receive a Breedlove Pursuit Concert acoustic-electric guitar and feature profiles on the WiMN website and the #SaveAGuitar site. Also included in the prize pack is a pair of tickets to the awards, as well as a badge to attend the NAMM show. Ten lucky runners-up will receive a feature on the #SaveAGuitar site and socials, a feature on the WiMN socials, plus a Breedlove T-shirt.

Contestants can enter by submitting their bio, along with links to their favorite performance and social media links, plus a short narrative sharing why playing guitar is important to them and why they love the guitar before the September 30, 2016 deadline. Winners will be selected from among all eligible entries, and announced before November 1, 2016. For complete contest rules and to enter, visit www.thewimn.com/saveaguitar-contest/.

The WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore, comments, “In addition to recognizing accomplished musicians, we’re also always on the lookout for bright, emerging talents, and so we’re thrilled to partner with #SaveAGuitar to offer this exciting opportunity for a deserving new musician to perform for their peers at the 5th annual She Rocks Awards.”

The She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show. Previous award recipients include female industry leaders such as Jennifer Batten, Karmin, Colbie Caillat, Sheila E, The Bangles, […]

Mad Sun Marketing Center Stage at 2016 Summer NAMM

We’re thrilled to once again have a presence at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show, taking place in Nashville, Tenn., from June 23 – June 25 at the Music City Center.

Our busy schedules include everything from performances by Mad Sun Marketing Founder, Laura B. Whitmore, to our She Rocks Showcase featuring talented women in music, panels, and more.

Check our events out below, and be sure to stop by and say hi!

Thursday, June 23, 2016 11 – 11:40 a.m.
Laura B. Whitmore performance, featuring Jenna Paone
Music City Center, NAMM Nissan Stage on The Terrace

Thursday, June 23, 2016 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase, featuring performances by talented women in music including Ashley Riley, Juliana Wilson, Leni Stern, and Savannah Lynne.
The Listening Room Cafe

Saturday, June 25, 2016 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
DIY Marketing for Musicians, presented by Guitar World magazine. In this session, Laura B. Whitmore will share insight and tips on getting the most out of your marketing and PR efforts.
NAMM Idea Center (Booth 463)

Saturday, June 25, 2016 12 – 1 p.m.
Into the Sound Hole: Insights From Top Guitar Builders, presented by Guitar Aficionado magazine. Get a behind-the-scenes look as top guitar builders share insight into the guitar-building process. The session will be moderated by Paul Riario, tech editor of Guitar World magazine, and Laura Whitmore, owner of Mad Sun Marketing.
NAMM Idea Center (Booth 463)

Panelists:

Chris Martin, Martin Guitar

Bill Collings, Collings Guitars

Andy Powers, Taylor Guitars

Tom Bedell, Bedell Guitars & Breedlove Stringed Instruments

Saturday, June 25, 2016 3 – 4 p.m.
Songwriting Tips from the Pros, presented by Guitar World magazine. Hosted by Guitar World magazine, this panel of top hit Nashville songwriters will explore songwriting techniques, tips and more! Singer-songwriter and owner of Mad […]