Song critique

Being Creative…What Do I Look At?
Lyric, melody and structure. What is the style?  Is it a dynamic song? I will study your song from all angles in order to give you a complete picture of your creation.

I WILL CRITIQUE AND EVALUATE UP TO 8 OF YOUR SONGS.

If you do not know what songs you should go into the studio with to make a full-blown demo or a master, I will listen to your guitar/keyboard vocal or the full demo. I’ll make some suggestions and help in your decision.
We will have a “one-on-one” conversation about your songs for up to 90 minutes (one-and-a-half hours).
Prior to our 90-minute discussion, I will have already listened to your songs and prepared my thoughts and notes about those songs.
I may play a few excerpts from your songs to point out “good”, “so-so “ and “why”.
You will have my undivided attention focused on you and your songs and your career.
You will have the benefit of my expertise and experience.
Keep in mind that this is a two-way conversation and not a lecture.
All critiques are confidential and will be shared with no one but you.
You may record our conversation.

WHAT I NEED FROM YOU

A cassette or a CD with your songs.
They can be a guitar or piano with a vocal.
They can be a full demo.
Make sure the recording is clear/audible.
 
 I need a lyric sheet. I do not need a leadsheet.
Your cassette or CD should be labeled with: the names of the songs, your name, your phone number and address. If you want the cassette or CD back, provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

You may pay with a  money order or a personal check.
After the funds have been received and I have a copy of your songs, we will set a time so that you can get on the right track for your career as a writer.

Fact: Believe in Yourself .  Invest in Yourself
Fact: You need to take control of your career. The first step is right here.
Fact : You don’t need to be bounced around; that won't happen here.
Fact : I am not going to publish your songs, I am not going to ‘work” them….but…
Fact : I will evaluate your songs with the same attention as if I were going to publish them; that’s helpful.

My fee, for up to 8 songs... US $300.00

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Lyric evaluation

Your lyrics will receive the same detailed critique, as all other material. I will accept up to 12 sets of your lyrics. I will look at originality, content, form, and how the lyric will translate and function as a "song". We will discuss your lyric in depth and I will break down yout lyric; line by line and word by word. Keep in mind this is a two way conversation.

This session will be a one on one for up to 90 minutes. You may also record our conversation.

My fee, for up to 12 lyrics...

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Services ….special programs

I offer a thirty week program as your personal consultant.  This is open to writers and artists.
I will evaluate your songs and performance. I will critique and make suggestions. We will discuss career moves, what-ifs, can I do this?, what next?, where do I go ?, how do I handle that? , do I need a manager yet?, do I need a publisher?, should I record this song?, am I nuts?…and many other questions will be met and addressed with answers that are real, in-depth and professional.

We will examine every aspect of your career and come up with a game plan that is unique and custom made for you.
This is a “one-on-one” consultation by phone. You will be always speaking with me.
It is possible for us to meet in person, if we are in the same geographical area and time permits. A meeting in person at least once is preferable, but  is not a major consideration.

This is a thirty week commitment. I will furnish you with a letter agreement on the terms of my performance .
I will be available to you for up to one-and-a-half hours (90 minutes) each week for 30 weeks.

That is 45 hours of  “one-on-one” consultations that will be set aside for your exclusive use. It is about your career.

Fact: I will ask questions and answer yours.
Fact : I will guide you and make suggestions
Fact : I am very direct and to the point. I will not insult you.
Fact : I respect the fact that you have put every effort into your work.

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, I will guide you through problems in your songs and show you how to deal with your craft. I will show you how to handle business and the creative process.

My fee... US $2,500.00

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The time structure for the following "phone" consultations are up to two hours, "one on one"

Music Video

So you have a video. I offer a professional in-depth critique of your video. Does it stand up to the test? Is it in the running? Is it special? Does it really work? Is it original?

Music video critique, one on one... U.S. $300

Artist Critique

Are you ready? A serious look at the artist and the presentation. You as the artist can send me a recording or a video of your performance. If you are a manager or a producer and need an unbiased opinion about someone you are considering working with, I will make suggestions, offer guidelines, point out strong and weak points and give you the tools to bring your "chops" up to the mark.

Artist critique fee, one on one... U.S. $400

Your Own Record Label

We can examine your unique niche in the marketplace. What are your chances? We will discuss your expectations. We will take a look at the many options available for a custom label, distribution, sales promotion, making money, you as the artist and the artist you may sign to the label.

record label consultation, one on one... U.S. $1500

Self-Publishing

“It's my song--I wrote it.” Should I, can I, publish my own songs? The “whys and why-nots” of publishing your own songs. Learn the ups and the downs and the pitfalls. We will look the elephant in the eye before we take that ride. It might be better news than you think!

Self-publishing, one on one... U.S. $400

Management

If you are an artist's manager or want to be or are considering taking on an artist, being an artist's manager can be heaven or a nightmare. We can discuss how to do it and why. What to avoid. Is the artist really ready? If you are an artist looking for a manager, we will look very closely at this arrangement and the pros and cons. Are you ready and what do you do now? We will cover it all.

Management consultation, one on one...U.S. $400

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Seminars

I am once again available for seminars.
Please contact me for arrangements and my fee structure.

I have spoken and lectured over the years and been involved with hundreds of seminars and panels on and about the music business, songwriting, the recording business, songs in film and of course, music publishing.

I have spoken at dozens of colleges and songwriter groups and have conducted workshops for ASCAP and BMI.

I was a frequent guest speaker for the nationally known Songwriters Showcase and dozens of music expos.

Some feedback:

Dude is a much sought-after speaker who is knowledgeable and articulates the “business” on its many levels in everyday terms.

Dude is a motivational speaker and is an inspiration to his audience.

Dude will answer questions in a direct and honest manner without any hesitation about whose toes are being stepped on.
You will learn about the music business as never before.

Dude is entertaining, amusing, educational, anecdotal, illustrative and deadly serious about the music business.

Email me and give me a brief overview . Leave your phone number and name. I will call you and we will discuss the situation a bit more. I will then set my fee.

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Bonus deal

After (or before) any seminar, I am generally available for one-on-one “quickies”. These are strict 30-minute consultations: a one-song critique per artist evaluation on any aspect of the music business.
This is a special deal through your sponsored event.

Fee for 30 minutes one on one... U.S. $50.00