TAXI.com

Hello,

I was wondering if anybody who have been to the Rally before have any recommendations for what classes I should attend. I am a non-performing songwriter/topliner. I looked through the list of options, and there was so many great classes - I just got filled with the fear of missing out on lots of info

Thanks in advance for your input!

-Silje

Obviously, "Music Business and Terminology Basics" is a MUST!!

Casey

Yes, that one is of course on the "do-not-miss" list already

-Silje

Any class with Rob Chiarelli. You'll learn tons about mixing/production. Actually, you'll learn a lot about what *not* to do. Always educational and very fun.

There are so many great ones. Of course it depends on your main interest(s). For example, some are more interested in pure songwriting (melody, construction, lyrics) while others the engineering and production side. Not that many aren't interested in both.

I'm more on the songwriting side. There are always really great classes by folks like Jason Blume, Pat Pattison, John Braheny, and other songwriting gurus.

If your interesting in pitching songs to film/TV, absolutely don't miss "The Five Year Plan" by Matt Hirt and friends. That one is usally packed and for good reason! I strongly recommend any class or panel involving actual successful Taxi members. There will always be ones about how to get more forwards, how to better target to listings, etc.

Sometimes it's tough to choose what to do since there can be more than one great even going on at the same time. Drivers Ed classes go on in parallel to many ballroom events such as listening panels. Make sure you check the schedule carefully.

Looking forward to meeting you!
Casey

Ok, thank you both of you for your great input, thats exactly the kind of insight I was looking for. I didn't know what the 5-year-plan class was, but will def. go to that one,

Hope to see you at the rally



Silje

In the past some of us have taken notes and shared what we learned with others, since it's impossible to attend every class you'd like to take

I recommend printing off the official schedule when it's sent out, and taking it with you on the plane to study, and make a schedule for yourself each day. A few classes are offered twice, but most are one time only.

I recommend attending a least one class that's outside your "comfort zone". I am an instrumental composer but one year I attended all the songwriting classes and got a huge boost of inspiration that I was able to apply to my writing, even though I don't specifically write songs.

Also I recommend attending at least one "business" oriented class. Casey, for instance, covers the basics of the terminology of the business, which is great, because this business has a lingo like any other business does, and being able to speak it is helpful to your career.

I don't think you can make a bad choice, either. Just by showing up you are putting yourself way ahead.

mazz wrote:I recommend attending a least one class that's outside your "comfort zone".

+1

Casey

mazz wrote:I don't think you can make a bad choice, either. Just by showing up you are putting yourself way ahead.

xD