MI SPRINGS INTO SUMMER WITH A BATCH
OF EXCITING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS: MI’S
OPEN HOUSE EXPERIENCE, THE 40^th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE BAKED POTATO JAZZ CLUB, VOCAL
MASTER CLASS WITH AMERICAN IDOL’S
DEBRA BYRD AND THE NEXT ‘SUMMER SHOT’

It’s only Cinco De Mayo week, but Musicians Institute in Hollywood is already gearing up for another sizzling summer of dynamic all-star events and special programs.

MI’s annual Open House Experience, which begins on Saturday, May 8 at 11 a.m., is unlike any open house you may have attended before. Anyone considering a future in the field of contemporary music will have the chance to experience the world-renowned school’s unique style of hands-on education. The day will provide everyone with an opportunity to sample the MI student experience while learning about career opportunities in the industry.

On May 22-23, LA’s legendary Baked Potato Jazz Club celebrates its 40th anniversary with a spectacular All Star Festival to be held at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater. The artist lineup will feature a variety of MI staff instructors, visiting artists, and grads including guitarists Scott Henderson and Jeff Richman, keyboardist Russ Ferrante, drummer Joel Taylor, and bassists Jimmy Haslip, John Humphrey and Travis Carlton.

On Monday, May 24 from 1:00pm-2:30pm in the Concert Hall, MI’s Vocal Program is proud to welcome American Idol Vocal Coach and vocalist extraordinaire, Ms. Debra Byrd (aka “Byrd”) for a Vocal Master Class. Students can experience first-hand the exercises, tips, and advice Ms. Byrd imparts to American Idol contestants and touring musicians.

One of the best secret weapons in the field of music education, the Hollywood based Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood keeps the innovative instructional experiences rolling next year with Summer Shot, a unique summer program for guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and vocalists scheduled to take place in late June and early July.

The Performance and Recording session runs from June 21-26; Songwriters session from June 28-July 2; and Guitar Builders from June 28-July 3. 

The curriculum, an intensive six-day crash course in technique, musicianship, music technology, style and performance, is geared towards intermediate players who have been looking for a chance to experience MI’s famous hands-on music environment. Program details vary by instrument. Other Summer Shot options include fun and informative programs in Recording, Songwriting, and Guitar Building, which are offered both as one-week programs and in combination with Summer Shot Performance for a special two-week discount. Please contact MI’s Admissions Department for details.

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals.

SONGWRITER ALLAN RICH IS TEACHING
AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE!

***

Two-Time Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Nominee
Is Now at MI, Instructing A Lyric Writing Course,
Moderating A Weekly Songwriters Class Featuring
Hit Pop Composers and Advising Students As
A Songwriter Counselor

Two-time Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter Allan Rich’s current involvement as an instructor and counselor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood grew out of a very simple truth he learned back in the early 80s, when he was new in town and struggling to have his songs heard: it’s all about making connections.

The Brooklyn native, whose songs have sold over 65 million copies, has penned or co-penned hits for some of the biggest pop stars of the past two decades. “Run To You,” which he wrote with his longtime partner Jud Friedman, was recorded by Whitney Houston and was part of The Bodyguard film soundtrack which sold over 30 million copies; it earned Rich his first Oscar and Grammy nomination. Rich’s hits include Natalie Cole’s “I Live For Your Love,” James Ingram’s #1 “I Don’t Have The Heart,” Kenny Loggins’ “For The First Time” from the Michelle Pfeiffer/George Clooney film “One Fine Day” (which earned the songwriter an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nomination) and *NSYNC’s “I Drive Myself Crazy” (from their 10 million selling debut CD).

Other artists recording who have recorded Rich’s songs include Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Luther Vandross, Dolly Parton, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Barry Manilow. His and Friedman’s most recent placements have been on new recordings by Toni Braxton, Keb’ Mo’, David Foster protégée Charice and up and coming vocalist Anna Margaret.

Despite this impressive track record, Rich still believes it’s important to get out there and attend events where he can hook up with new artists and A&R people. “You never know when you’ll meet that next person who can turn our latest song into a hit,” he says. He attended an A&R panel at MI, where he met Kenny Kerner, head of the school’s Music Business Program. Rich had been thinking for a while that he was at a point in his career where it would be nice to “give back,” and he told Kerner about his interest in possibly teaching at MI.

“I told him I thought I could bring something important to this party,” Rich says, “and Kenny was open to this idea and told me he had created several songwriting classes and that I should submit a proposal and a bio for consideration. No matter how many years I’ve been in the industry, it’s inspiring to be around up and coming writers and I feel I had a lot of songwriting expertise and real life practical experience to offer them.”

In addition to launching his work as a one on one songwriting counselor for MI students,

Rich made his debut as an MI instructor with three ten week classes during the recently completed Winter Quarter 2010: Fundamentals of Lyric Writing, Lyric Writing for Original Songs (both songwriter courses) and The Songwriters, a weekly “Actor’s Studio” type setup where Rich brings in one big name pop composer each week for an interactive Q&A session on songwriting and the music business. Many of the 23 students in The Songwriters class had come to pursue their musical education at MI from other countries, including India, Guatemala, Panama, Korea and Sweden.

In the lyric writing class, Rich had each student comb through newspapers and magazines for five phrases that might make a good song title; once the students chose one to run with, they worked with the instructor week by week on developing lyrics for a song based on the title. Rich also gave feedback to those students who brought in melodies to work with. The class midterm assignment was writing fresh lyrics to the melody of The Beatles classic “Let It Be.”

The ten hit composers that Rich brought to The Songwriters class include Lindy Robbins (Backstreet Boys’ “Incomplete,” Nick Lachey’s “What’s Left of Me”); Steve Dorff (Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, Whitney Houston); Robin Lerner (Tim McGraw, Randy Travis, Faith Hill’s “This Kiss”); Shelly Peiken (Christina Aguilera’s “What A Girl Wants,” Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch”); Franne Golde (Selena’s “Dreamin’”, The Commodores, The Pussycat Dolls’ “StickWithYu”); Ry Cumming, a new recording artist discovered by Teresa LaBarbera Whites, who developed Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears; Lauren Christy of the Grammy nominated writing/production team The Matrix (Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and “I’m With You” and Jason Mraz’s “The Remedy”; Annie Roboff (Faith Hill’s “This Kiss,” Whitney Houston, Bonnie Raitt, Dixie Chicks); Evan Bogart (Rihanna’s “SOS,” Beyonce’s “Halo”), DQ (Beyonce) and Erika Nuri (Fantasia, Brandy) of The Writing Camp; and Rich’s songwriting partner Jud Friedman.

“When I first moved from New York to L.A. to become a songwriter,” Rich says, “I was blown away by how many top name panels there were and how easy it was for an up and comer to make connections and pitch their songs. ASCAP and BMI had them, and there was the Songwriters Resource Service (SRS) and Los Angeles Songwriter’s Showcase. There aren’t as many opportunities for young writers to meet top songwriters and A&R people and showcase their songs. As part of my commitment to give back, I thought MI would be the perfect place to recreate that kind of environment. It was very exciting. My students from other countries had a strong desire to come here and dedicate their time to becoming quality songwriters, and they deserve these opportunities.”

Rich will be teaching his lyric writing class during the spring quarter and will reprise his Songwriters course in the fall with another slate of high level surprise guests. He adds, “I tell my class that they have to learn the rules before they can break them, and I teach the old school perspective on lyric writing combined with today’s more common approach of writing lyrics and melodies to existing tracks. I’ve become a cheerleader for them and am amazed at the level of talent these students have. I’m excited about having the chance to help them along in their careers and realize their dreams.”

Students Will Now Have Two Options: An Expanded Version Of
The Existing Certificate In Music Business and A New
Certificate Of Music Business (Music Entrepreneur)

Ever dedicated to helping its students explore exciting new possibilities in the industry, Musicians Institute in Hollywood announces an exciting expansion and new options for students enrolled in its Music Business Program.

Beginning with the April 2010 quarter, MI is offering two Music Business Certificate programs. The existing 30-unit Certificate in Music Business will be revised with several new courses and reorganized program content. The new 45-unit Certificate in Music Business (Music Entrepreneur) will provide the same basic curriculum plus an additional 15-unit emphasis that prepares students to set up and operate an independent music business.        

The two quarter, 30 credit Certificate in Music Business program provides students with knowledge and skills sufficient to apply for entry-level positions in record companies or music industry firms specializing in public relations, artist management, artist booking, music publishing, music supervision, A&R, artist marketing & promotion, copyright, and radio/record promotion.

Quarter 1 classes include: The Record Company; Music Law I: The Fundamentals; Internet Marketing; Music Publishing; Personal Management; Your Music Business Career; Agents and Attorneys; Computers in Business; and assorted Electives.         

Quarter 2 classes include: Music Licensing and Supervision; Music Law II: Contracts, Licenses and Releases; Media Relations; Networking Strategies; Music Distribution; Concert and Tour Production; a Music Industry Internship; and assorted Electives. 

The three quarter, 45-credit Certificate in Music Business (Independent Music Entrepreneur) program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work within the traditional music industry as well the business, legal and management tools to enable them to establish and operate an independent record company or music-related business. 

The first two quarters include the same courses as the Certificate in Music Business. The third quarter courses include: Start and Run Your Own Record Label: The Creative Side; Owning and Operating A Music Business: The Legal Side; Independent Artist Marketing; Social Networking and Fan Management; Preparing Your Professional Business Plan; Broadcast Strategies; Showcase Promotion; and assorted Electives.

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals. Today, MI’s unique, innovative approach includes degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, audio engineers, independent artists, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.

MI ADDS LIVE SOUND PRODUCTION
PROGRAM TO ITS AUDIO
ENGINEERING CURRICULUM BEGINNING
SUMMER 2010

Musicians Institute is pleased to announce the Live Sound Production Program joining its renowned Audio Engineering Curriculum, beginning with the summer quarter of 2010.

Students working towards a certificate in Audio Engineering (Live Sound Production) will have a curriculum that combines two quarters of comprehensive training in audio recording and production with an additional quarter of intensive, hands-on study in all aspects of audio production for live events from clubs to large concerts.

Courses in Sound Reinforcement, Live Recording and Mixing, Console Operation (Digidesign Venue®), Monitors, Live Recording and Mixing, Lighting and Video, and Stage and Tour Management prepare graduates to apply for entry-level positions in the field.

The complete program is three quarters long and students earn 45 credit units.

The program objective is to provide students of audio engineering with additional knowledge and skill in order to prepare them for careers in Sound Reinforcement, including: Front of House and Monitor Engineer, Live Recording and Mixing Engineer, Sound Reinforcement Design and Installation Engineer, Lighting Technician, Live Video Production Director, Tour or Road Manager, and Stage Manager.

The Live Sound Production Program joins two other certificate programs in MI’s Audio Engineering department. The Certificate in Audio Engineering offers focused, hands-on training for careers in the fields of professional audio engineering and music production. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as Assistant Engineers, Live Sound Engineers, Music Producers, Post-Production Engineers, Mastering Engineers, Sound Designers, Studio Technicians, Studio Managers, Studio Designers and more.

The Certificate in Audio Engineering (Post-Production Audio) combines two quarters of comprehensive training in audio recording and production with an additional quarter of intensive study in the art of recording, editing and mixing music, dialogue, and sound effects for film and television. Courses in Background and Sound Effects Editing, Location Sound Recording, Music Editing, ADR Recording and Editing, and Foley Recording and Editing prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial post-production facilities.

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals. Today, MI’s unique, innovative approach includes degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, audio engineers, independent artists, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.

MI ROCKS INTO 2010 WITH
A CLINIC BY LEGENDARY BEATLES
PRODUCER KEN SCOTT, CONCERT
BY CYPRESS HILL HIP-HOP LEGEND B-REAL
AND MORE

We’re only a few weeks into 2010, but it’s already shaping up to be another eventful year at Musicians Institute in Hollywood.

On Friday, January 29 at 1 p.m. in Studio E, the Audio Engineering Program at MI presents a special clinic with legendary Beatles producer/engineer Ken Scott. Scott will break down the multi-tracks of some of his classic recordings and discuss how he is bringing them into a modern recording environment.

On Thursday, January 28, MI presents an MI-exclusive concert and Q&A session with hip-hop legend and Cypress Hill front man B-Real. Following his set in MI’s Concert Hall, the artist will hold a Q&A session for MI students where they can gain insights into his creative and professional success (this event is open to MI students and invited guests only).

On Friday, February 5 at 1 p.m. in Studio A, the Audio Engineering Program at MI presents a clinic with renowned mastering engineer Maor Applebaum. Applebaum’s credits include mixing and mastering at Radiostar Studios.

MI is also pleased to announce the Travis Hannah Vocal Scholarship, to be awarded to a student entering the Associate of Arts in Performance (Vocal) program in the spring 2010 class.

The scholarship was created in the memory of Travis Hannah, an aspiring MI student who unexpectedly passed away in late 2009 before he was able to realize his dream of attending the school and working in the music industry. The scholarship will be awarded to a vocal student with a combination of outstanding vocal ability and musicianship plus verifiable financial need.

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals. Today, MI’s unique, innovative approach includes degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, audio engineers, independent artists, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.