Vocal Coach – Showcase Tips

Music Showcase Tips from Vocal Coach, Melissa Ellen

Here are some things to think about and go over with your vocal coach before performing at your showcase.

The trick is to know which type of showcase is right for you.  Be clear and honest about your level of talent.  If you are not sure, ask a professional, (vocal coach, Melissa Ellen) for a consultation, NOT your friends.  You can get an assessment from Melissa via email or  see her in Nashville for a few voice lessons.  Check out the showcase(s) online that you are interested in being a part of, and even listen to other artists who participated in it previously.

When performing, do not try to impress or engage us with banter.  It’s a showcase, not a gig.  Do not tell us about your website or new CD, or give us a ten-minute soliloquy about your next song.  Be sure to work on your performance with your vocal coach for several weeks prior.  If this showcase is solely yours and you are investing a lot of money into it, then you should work with your vocal coach for several months prior.  Be well rehearsed and kick butt.

If there is a fee to perform, I usually would say, “don’t bother” however, most music conferences charge a nominal fee upon submission (up to $25).  This is a common and accepted practice.  A showcase where you only perform one song should not have an entry fee at all.  There are certainly exceptions to the rule.  Just keep in mind that you can perform a lot of places for free.  The goal is that people should eventually be paying you to perform.

Always have business cards with you.  Always collect business cards.  Have a notepad or use the back of each card collected to write down where and when you met that person and what you spoke about.  NEVER hand out CDs to industry people unless you are asked.  Establishing relationships is the key to success in this business (as with most businesses). Just as you establish a relationship with your vocal coach, you should  do with other industry people that you come in contact with at music events.

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