FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Yes, we do have a standard pricing system. Given the huge set of parameters that can come into play with live music performance, the wide variety of venues clients use, widely fluctuating needs with respect to sound reinforcement and other related costs, the number of musicians necessary to fulfill the requirements, and the demand (affecting price) for live music tending to fall on weekend nights most often, prices definitely vary. I would advise that any potential client should question carefully and thoroughly any vendors who claim to have an absolute fixed price for every situation. They may not have the experience to realize such a pricing system is unrealistic for a performance of the highest quality.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Since I do so many different kinds of work in the music industry, I like to discuss the specific expectations of each prospective customer, in order to best accommodate their needs. I'll need to know what the event is, how many will attend, what function(s) the live music will serve, where the musicians are to be located, and a general idea of the time frame the client envisions. Live sound reinforcement is an issue that creates confusion for many clients, and it can also make or break an event. There are certainly customers who already have a good understanding of high quality sound reinforcement and PA systems in general, but most do not, and they certainly shouldn't have to, because that's where the expertise of the professional should come into play. After determining the specific wants and needs of the customer and coming to an agreement, I have a standard contract that serves to protect the interests of both the client and me. It is simply a list of specifics that will be accomplished by both me and the client, and the fee we have agreed upon for those services, as well as the specific time frame in which the services will be performed. Specifics about a deposit (if applicable) and the time frame for payment in full for services rendered will be spelled out very specifically in such a way that both parties are protected and feel confident moving forward. As the performance date approaches, I typically contact the client again, to confirm that all the circumstances of their event are still consistent with the contract we have both signed. This is affords the opportunity for fine tuning the details, and for avoiding misunderstandings and unnecessary last minute changes. Sometimes things happen that are impossible to anticipate - a thunderstorm and power outage, for example. I have experienced and handled countless last minute "emergencies" before, during, and after live performances, and I am definitely flexible. I will do everything in my power to adapt and overcome any challenges that arise the day of the event, but I've found that most preparations and adjustments can be anticipated and accommodated well in advance of the performance date/event, which makes the event run smoothly and with less stress for all. I'm always seeking to meet and if possible, exceed expectations, resulting in a "win/win" situation for everyone involved.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
After graduating from the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX, I earned a Bachelors of Music degree in Jazz Studies from UNT (University of North Texas), with a concentration in Jazz Composition/Arranging and Jazz Performance. I've taught private music lessons of all kinds since I was a teenager. I taught Private Applied Commercial Voice lessons and directed the contemporary (rhythm section accompanied) vocal ensemble at Cedar Valley College for fourteen consecutive semesters. I've composed music for several area theater companies, and served as both a performer and Musical Director. Though I've trained extensively, both to teach and to perform, I think the best training for both is ultimately the experience of actually doing it. As far as performance experience goes, I began performing (singing and playing piano, guitar, and flute) in church as a kid. I began playing and singing professionally in college. I took a sabbatical and moved to Germany to tour Europe with a band during my college years at UNT, before returning to finish my degree. I was a touring member of a band that originated in New Orleans for over a year. I've played thousands of hours of both solo work and with countless bands of various sizes, for a wide variety of events both big and small in the DFW area, throughout the country, and in Europe and Mexico City.