There are many details that must come together in unison for a marching band to present a stellar performance. At the core of any music program, however, is how the instruments sound together. Therefore, band directors and other leaders should know a few time-tested methods for getting the best out of every musician.

Emphasize Proper Breathing

Whether in practice or just before a performance, it is vital for players to practice breathing techniques. These exercises will help brass and wind players create robust notes while giving everyone in the band more breath control while marching across the field.

Prioritize Practice Time

Any accomplished musician understands the importance of practicing the craft, but it is also vital for bands to properly prepare as a unit. When a marching band emphasizes the marching aspect more than the music, the overall performance can easily suffer. Instead of putting too much time and effort into creating the perfect look, it might be more advantageous to make sound the priority during periods of practice.

Identify Effective Techniques

Almost every band relies on playing scales and other methods of building proficiency, but there are likely other ways that a marching band director can help encourage musicians to reach their peak potential. For example, mouthpiece buzzing can help brass instrument players develop the muscle memory and confidence necessary to properly play notes of all types. 

Focus on Major Moments

Every great composition includes some key sections that will immediately resonate with audiences. Although it is important to make sure the band is comfortable playing all parts of the show, it could be beneficial to expend some additional time practicing the most memorable moments of a piece. Whether it’s a huge crescendo or an attention-grabbing chord, smart band directors isolate these sections and ensure everyone is working toward the same goal. It might not always be necessary to always perform the piece as written, but allowing musicians to become comfortable with creating the most pleasing sounds possible during practice will likely translate to a more optimal exhibition during the actual show.

The post Perfecting Your Marching Band’s Sound first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/perfecting-your-marching-bands-sound/
via IFTTT

When you use social media, you have a lot of competition. It is important to make sure that you plan your content so that you stand out. You need to draw your customers in with innovative and engaging content. Take a look at some of the ways that you can make your business stand out on social media. 

1. Take Excellent Photos of Your Products

If you have bad photos, people are going to scroll right past your posts. You need to take great pictures that stop them in their tracks. Make sure that the photos aren’t cluttered, and use a neutral background. Get the best angle to show off your product. If you have a few products that go together, be creative and get them into the same photo. Use your photos to show customers why they need your products. 

2. Get Your Followers to Share

One of the best ways to stand out is by getting your followers to share your photos. Be sure that you are engaging with your followers regularly, and ask them to share. If your customers have content about your brand, be sure to share it. You can have contests where users submit photos of your products for you. 

3. Keep a Schedule for Posting

Consistency is critical when you are managing your brand on social media. When you create content, create batches so that you can upload them on your schedule. The key is to plan ahead so that you have the content when you need it. It can be overwhelming if you fall behind, so create a schedule, and create content early in the month. 

4. Use Video

Take the time to learn how to make great videos. You can use transitions to make your content eye-catching. Keep the videos short because nobody wants to watch for too long, but pack a lot into those few minutes. 

5. Use Voiceovers and Music on Reels

You can bring your reels to life by adding voiceovers or music. It’s easy to do, and it will catch people’s attention. This is a great way to express your brand’s personality and let people know what you are all about.

The post Making Your Business Stand Out on Social Media in 2022 first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/making-your-business-stand-out-on-social-media-in-2022/
via IFTTT

There are great music programs at schools around the world, but many students can benefit even more from private lessons than in group settings. Anyone who is unsure about what to expect upon finding a one-on-one tutor can learn the ins and outs by referencing the following points.

Start at the Appropriate Level

A primary benefit of private lessons is that students feel less pressure to advance faster than they might prefer. Before attending the first lesson, a young musician should take stock of personal preferences and expectations. If someone already has an instrument, it can help to bring it along. Extensive preparation is probably not necessary, however, since the teacher will use the first meeting to gain some insight regarding the appropriate focus of future lessons.

Teaching Techniques May Vary

Since each teacher has a unique style and every student has individualized needs, there is no one-size-fits-all music lesson. Instead, an effective teacher will get to know every student during private lessons and tailor an approach that is best suited for the situation. Some tutors might emphasize learning one composition or technique at a time while others choose to start with a more wide-ranging lesson plan.

Be Prepared to Practice

No aspiring musician should expect to learn everything from a series of private lessons. Instead, these are just opportunities to review important information and demonstrate developing proficiency. Much of the fine tuning and honing of these skills will come between lessons by practicing how to put those lessons into action. Spending as much time as feasible becoming comfortable with reading music and playing scales can build the confidence necessary to become a great musician. 

Although it might present an added expense and require some planning to fit within busy schedules, there are major benefits associated with private lessons for anyone interested in learning how to play an instrument. Whether a student has aspirations of becoming a professional musician or is simply interested in performing for fun, the personalized input of a tutor can help foster the appropriate environment for learning the basics.

The post What Can Music Students Expect in Private Lessons? first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/what-can-music-students-expect-in-private-lessons/
via IFTTT

There are several reasons that a business might schedule team-building retreats on a regular basis. Factors such as COVID-19, however, have led to the increased popularity of virtual retreats. Anyone interested in finding the right activity can consider some of the popular ideas listed below.

Collaborate on a Video

Individuals or small teams can coordinate a special message to share with the entire organization and make a short video. This can spark a renewed focus on teamwork, creativity, and innovation while resulting in footage that can be compiled for a one-of-a-kind advertisement or promotional video.

Stage a Trivia Night

Almost everyone enjoys trivia-based game shows, but a creative virtual retreat can put a new twist on the familiar format. It might be that the questions are related to the company or organization. There might be an opportunity to answer questions about colleagues or major projects. Whatever the ultimate direction happens to be, it is important to keep things light and inclusive. 

Plan a Virtual Puzzle

There are many ways that complex puzzle-based games can be enjoyable even remotely. Among the most popular options is an escape room, which requires teams to solve complex problems to advance and escape the virtual room. A virtual murder mystery could also be a unique way to include everyone in on the mock investigation.

Share Some Good News

When faced with uncertainty and isolation, hearing a bit of encouragement or good news can be a breath of fresh air. For this virtual retreat, individuals can submit short videos that showcase an act of kindness or just something cute from their own lives that might make everyone share a laugh. The final product could be presented in a news format or just as a fun series of clips for the entire team to enjoy together.

A little bit of foresight can go a long way when planning a virtual retreat for any organization. Fortunately, there are several compelling options available that can help teams of all types establish bonds and use the unique talents of individuals to accomplish a common goal.

The post Virtual Retreats for Your Organization first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/virtual-retreats-for-your-organization/
via IFTTT

While many people are familiar with what it takes for an athlete to be recruited by colleges, the rules about marching band recruitment can be a bit more nebulous. Generally speaking, there are a few main factors to consider when trying to fully understand the process.

Don’t Expect a Scholarship

Even though marching bands can be a big part of school pride and various events that directly reflect a college’s brand, it is uncommon for universities to extend scholarships to such musicians. Research indicates that fewer than 1 in 10 colleges in America offer marching band scholarships, including some that are as little as $200.

Enrollment Comes First

Whereas most colleges begin recruiting athletes before they even apply, it is typically not the same for musicians. In the majority of cases, universities form their marching bands by using students already enrolled in the school. Larger colleges sometimes express an interest in talented musicians, though any talk of scholarships and grants are typically on an individual basis.

Recruiters Want Variety

Instead of college athletic recruiters who have their eyes on a few key players, those who try to attract marching band musicians are generally seeking to cast a much wider net. Their chief objective seems to be reaching as many prospective applicants as possible so that the director will have the deepest pool from which to build a stellar marching band.

All Experiences Are Unique

While the information above applies to many colleges and band directors, there are no clear rules that dictate how the recruitment process will play out. If a university has a surplus of available funding, for example, it might make sense for the band program to offer some financial incentives for standout musicians to join the marching band. As for whether being a band member will provide any credits or honors, these are details that can also vary depending on the school in question.

The bottom line is that there is a wide chasm between the recruitment process for athletes and that of marching band musicians. Nevertheless, it is possible to have a rewarding experience as part of a band at colleges of all sizes.

The post Marching Band Recruitment first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/marching-band-recruitment/
via IFTTT

Using a call to action effectively is the best way to improve your conversions. If they are effective, CTAs can drive sales. They shouldn’t be pushy or patronizing, as customers see right through this type of message. You should show off your products and services, and make sure that a link is available. It helps customers see the next action to take after they interact with your brand. Take a look at how to create a successful call to action. 

1. Incentivize It

It is important to give your customers a reason to click on the link. You can offer a discount, and let them know what it is. If you are giving them a downloadable PDF, make sure that you include the word “free.” You can use time limits to create a sense of urgency, but the CTA should be clear and concise. Make sure that your incentive is in the text over the clickable link. 

2. Be Transparent

It is important to build trust with your audience by being transparent. Most of the time, when they don’t click on the links, it’s because they don’t believe what they are reading. Make sure that you are honest when you are describing your brand. Be honest about what happens after they click the CTA so that they trust you. 

3. Be Strong

Some people are afraid of sounding salesy, so they are weak in their approach. You need to be bold and show that you believe in your brand. What you are offering benefits your customers in some way, so don’t be shy about sharing it with them. Find the right balance so that visitors feel excited about your products and want to click the link. 

4. Plan the Words You Will Use

When you write a CTA, it needs to be short, clear, and bold. You need to think carefully about what words you are going to use. They should be words that are confident and persuasive, and they should incentivize your customers. Try to include words such as you, free, now, because, and new. These are words that get people’s interest.

The post Your Guide to a Successful Call to Action first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/your-guide-to-a-successful-call-to-action/
via IFTTT

Businesses of all sizes and in every industry are looking for new ways to make employees, clients, and customers feel included. Building such a diverse corporate identity might mean different things depending on the type of company, but there are a few general characteristics that signal inclusivity in the workplace.

Offering Remote Work Options

As the pandemic taught workers around the world, many jobs can be performed effectively and efficiently from home. Companies with an emphasis on diversity likely offer a wide range of options to employees based on their preferred workplace.

Giving Everyone a Voice

A range of programs and campaigns have addressed the need for everyone involved in a business to express themselves as they see fit. Inclusive workplaces prioritize adopting and implementing the type of environment where all voices matter, regardless of gender identity, race, age, disability, or any other factor.

Reflecting the Population

When one thinks about diversity, it might be easy to picture individuals from every walk of life. Even some ostensibly inclusive startups, however, can easily omit older generations. A truly diverse business would emphasize recruiting all ages for a multigenerational staff.

Addressing Unconscious Bias

Even the most open-minded employees might have some deeply ingrained biases about others for any number of complex reasons. When a business focuses on being inclusive, managers and executives should look for ways to allow workers to identify and address their unconscious biases in a non-judgmental and constructive manner.

Advocating for Mental Health Care

Some types of diversity might not be apparent at first sight, but it is important for any inclusive workplace to give employees the tools and resources needed to address any mental and emotional issues that might be holding them back.

Whether a company decides to hire an outside firm to develop an inclusivity program or dedicate in-house resources for the task, it is an important issue to consider in today’s business climate. Beyond simply paying lip service to oppressed or underrepresented individuals, true diversity means that individuals from all walks of life can work together toward a common goal.

The post What Diversity Looks Like in Business in 2022 first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/what-diversity-looks-like-in-business-in-2022/
via IFTTT

Even the most promising young musicians become nervous when the time comes for a music school audition. Picking the right composition can be an intimidating and overwhelming process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can take some of the guesswork out of the process.

Play to the Audience

Knowing as much about the school and staff as possible will help any aspiring musician make the most of an audition. Although it is hard to determine what an approval board might dislike, there might be some ways to identify what members would enjoy. If there are public documents and statements by any of the judges, this could reflect the opinions of the board in general. Furthermore, speaking to students who were approved after an audition might provide additional insight into what songs would play well to this specific audience.

Love the Chosen Piece

While it is vital that any audition include a composition that suits the musician’s abilities, it should also reflect personal tastes to some extent. After all, it is much easier to give a compelling and heartfelt performance when the song evokes a feeling of happiness or fulfillment. 

Abide By House Rules

No matter what a musician might be used to doing during a performance, it is important to be familiar with the guidelines and restrictions put in place by a particular music school’s audition board. If any songs are prohibited or if a particular piece is mandatory, it helps to focus on those requirements and rules as early on in the process as possible.

Solicit Honest Feedback

Playing a song for friends, relatives, and teachers might not be the same thing as a music school audition, but it can lead to some helpful advice. Whether these trusted voices have a preference about which song to pick or how to perform it, this can provide a firm basis on which to make the final decision.

There are many factors to consider when narrowing down the list of possible songs to play for such an audition, but the simple steps outlined above can help.

The post Choosing an Audition Piece for Music School first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/choosing-an-audition-piece-for-music-school/
via IFTTT

Jazz music holds a storied place in history and is still being played and enjoyed by fans around the world. Many people are unfamiliar with the genre, however. As experts explain, there are a few primary ways that all musicians and music lovers can benefit from studying this eclectic and unique style.

It Helps Identify Harmonies

One of the unmistakable characteristics of jazz music is its ability to achieve complex harmonies within a single key as well as harmonic sounds that are not confined by just one key. The way that these sounds build and shift within various jazz compositions can give anyone a sense of what is possible within the wide boundaries of music. 

It Strengthens Abilities

Whether a person is proficient on a stringed instrument, a woodwind, a brass horn, or just about any method of making music, it is likely that studying jazz can enhance those abilities. Listening to or performing such pieces can build knowledge regarding how the tempo of a song can change suddenly and melodies can dance around from high notes to low.

It Enhances Appreciation

After spending some time listening to the beautiful and unpredictable arrangements in jazz standards, even casual fans can become more attuned to the nuances and improvisations that are inherent within this genre. While it is important for most musicians to read and understand sheet music, there are some lessons that can only be learned by listening to the stylized notes of a jazz composition.

It Builds Confidence

Identifying with the artistic and creative liberties that jazz musicians take with their craft can make almost anyone become a bit more brave in expressing their own unique voices. In fact, it has been shown that studying jazz can help even highly accomplished composers improve their work and develop exciting new sounds.

Jazz is far more than just a collection of notes on a page or an arrangement of musicians on a stage. This is a living, breathing style of music that has a specific relevance for individuals from all walks of life.

The post The Benefits of Studying Jazz Music first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/the-benefits-of-studying-jazz-music/
via IFTTT

PR is always important in business, no matter what size it is. Some people think of large corporations, but small businesses benefit greatly. Public relations is just a way of communicating with people about your brand, and it is one of the best ways to get your message out. Not only does PR help share your products and services, but it lets people know what matters to your brand. Take a look at the best PR strategies for small businesses.

1. Speak to Your Audience

It is important for you to direct your communication towards your audience. Small businesses have all different audiences, from customers to a particular industry and other businesses. Think about your audience, and design a PR message that will resonate with them. Having intuition about your audience is critical when you are devising your strategy.

2. Be Organized

Once you define your audience, spend time planning how you will get your message out to them. Consider your goals, how you will measure your PR campaign’s success, and when you should launch. You may need to be flexible with your plan, but having a plan is critical to a successful PR campaign.

3. Get Media Attention

Media attention is considered genuine by customers, and it is one of the best ways to gain recognition. If you can get your message into print or on the news, this will give you credibility. Digital media doesn’t carry the same weight yet, so focus on traditional media, such as the local newspaper or news. 

4. Get Testimonials

Another way to boost your credibility is with testimonials. When your customers recommend your products and services and encourage others to use them, people feel confident shopping with your brand. You can show positive reviews, customer surveys, and get people to speak directly about their experiences with your brand. 

5. Try Using Influencers

Influencers have a lot of followers, and they team up with brands as an ambassador. They will share your products and services with their followers, and people listen to them. Some influencers work with particular industries, while others work with any brand they want to support.

The post PR Strategies for Small Business first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/pr-strategies-for-small-business/
via IFTTT