Monthly Articles

The Vocal Coach

The Vocal Coach - May 2004

I want to first wish all the Moms a Happy Mother's Day. I am thankful for Mothers because without them we would not be here toady. And no one really knows all the things a mother does for her children through the years and we often take them for granted. I want to encourage you to take the time to really think about all that your mother does for you. Sit down a write out a list and read it to her and let her know some of the things that you appreciate. That would be the best gift she could ever get.

This month we are going to talk about what you should have in a packet of information when a church or promoter ask for information about your ministry. This can be very expensive if youï¿½re not resourceful.

These are the things you will want to include.

1-You will want an introductory letter.
2-A biography sharing about your ministry.
3-A list of references from churches where you have ministered.
4-A photo of the group (or soloist).
5-Enclose a demo with only three songs. A CD will be lighter and easier to mail.
6-And business card.

Be sure that the written material is neat and easy to read. It's okay to use your computer to type up the information but be sure that it looks professional. Use a font that is easy to read. Itï¿½s a good idea to get several people to proof read your information before making copies.

The photo can be a black and white photo but a color picture usually is more attractive if you have the money in your budget. Have your picture taken by a professional photographer. It is well worth the investment. You want it to look as professional as possible. A picture is worth a thousand words so make your picture speak for you. Zane King of Journey Records told a group I was working with one time that he wanted to hear their group because the photo on the front of their CD looked so professional and caught his eye. Looks do count. So be willing to spend some money here and you can us this photo for all your publicity.

For your demo, put only three songs for them to listen too. People are busy and they will not take time to listen to more than that probably. Donï¿½t put your complete project in the packet. It is too expensive and you only want to give them a taste of your music. Always leave them wanting more. Be sure to put a fast, medium, and a slow song on the demo. That will give them a feel of all your overall music.

Be sure that everything has you name, address, and phone number on it and that includes your demo. If any of the material should get out of the packet they will know where it belongs. And if someone hears the demo and your information is not close at hand they will still have a way of getting in touch with you. Be sure you have a business card in the info so the pastor or minister of music can file it for future purposes.

It is always best to buy a nice looking folder with pockets to slide all your information into so that it can be filed away by the recipient. Or be creative with ways to present your info professionally. But always consider the cost because you will need a lot of these packets when trying to get into new churches.

I want to take a minute and just encourage everyone to attend one of the music schools this summer. It will be the best vacation and learning experience you could ever have. There are some really good ones like, The Steve Hurst School of Music, Charles Novellï¿½s Christian Music Conference, Stamps Baxter School of Music, and Cumberland School of Music. You can find information about all of these schools and others by visiting their websites. Look at what each school has to offer and then attend the one that you feel will help you grow. They are all great schools and have so much knowledge to share with their students. Donï¿½t just pick a school because you think youï¿½ll be discovered because that probably will not happen. But go because you want to learn the craft of correct singing and what it takes to be the best you can be.

Until next month, keep singing his praises.

Marti Ledford