Keeping Your Musical Passion Alive – with Valerie Bouchard
August 12th, 2011
How do keep your passion for music alive throughout your career? How do you know if you are in music for the right reasons? Valerie Bouchard, classical pianist turned jazz, covers these topics as well as how to incorporate different genres to breathe new life into your own style.
Podcast (audio only): Download (66.4MB)
Podcast (video): Download (66.4MB)
Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion with Mary Amanda Fairchild
June 29th, 2011
As a concert promoter, orchestral harpist, piano player, vocalist and former punk bassist, Mary Amanda Fairchild is a Jane-of-all-trades. We talk about overcoming the fear of self-promotion, how to survive in a world of piracy and … why you don’t want to be discovered.
Podcast (audio only): Download (Duration: 34:57 — 28.8MB)
Podcast (video): Download (282.5MB)
Men are better Musicians than Women – Prepare or Beware
May 2nd, 2011
“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” – Ben Franklin
Are you well prepared for your gigs, or do you just “wing it” and expect the guys to pick up the pieces?
Get your act together
I often hear complaints from men about female musicians who don’t seem to have their act together. Either their gear is not maintained properly or if they are singers, they don’t always prepare for performances.
Continue reading “Men are better Musicians than Women – Prepare or Beware” »
The Queen Latifah Guide to Delivering a Supersized Performance
March 7th, 2011

Today’s Quote:
“I think the reason I am here is to inspire African-American women who are rappers, full-figured women to know that they can do it too”. – Queen Latifah
Turn your Liabilities into Assets
What is the difference between Queen Latifah and Kirstie Alley? Besides both being oversized women, Queen Latifah radiates confidence in her appearance. She seems very comfortable with how she looks. Kirstie Alley gives the impression of always being anxious about her weight issues. She has been very public about her size and at times criticized by the media. Continue reading “The Queen Latifah Guide to Delivering a Supersized Performance” »
Diva is a FOUR Letter Word
November 25th, 2010
Today’s Quote:
“Women are the real architects of society”. Harriet Beecher Stowe
Have you ever been called a diva? Do you know a female musician who is considered a diva? When we think diva, we usually imagine a narcissistic woman who believes the world revolves around her – expecting everybody to act as her own personal genie, instantly satisfying her every desire.
Flipping the Diva Coin
In my opinion, you can actually be a good diva. You can be what I call a “fabulous diva”.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have met many women musicians who fall into the diva category. I have also met other women who were labeled divas and really weren’t divas at all, but were simply self-enlightened. These women, who tend to be a little older, don’t seem to be threatened by labels. They know how to wield their power and rise above criticism. They understand that in order to be a powerful person you will at times be misunderstood by individuals who cling to outdated beliefs. These so called divas have developed an inner strength that either demands respect or brings out insecurities in others.
In my opinion, you can actually be a good diva. You can be what I call a “fabulous diva”. Below is an acronym that I feel best describes this amazing woman. Continue reading “Diva is a FOUR Letter Word” »
The Art of War for Women in Music
November 15th, 2010
Quote of the Day:
“…and having acquired enough power and success, you may be able to call the shots and shape the future direction of your corporation so that it capitalizes on your own strengths.”
– Pat Heim – Hardball for Women
Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” was written over 2,000 years ago. His philosophies and strategies for conquering enemies have been used by generals, businessmen, and politicians around the world. It hasn’t been until recently that the concepts from his writings have been rewritten for women.
In her book “The Art of War for Women –It’s about the Art not the War”, author Chin-ning Chu examines these ancient philosophies as they apply to women in today’s world.
I thought it would be interesting to view some of Chin-ning Chu’s interpretations of this masterpiece and how it applies to female musicians today. Continue reading “The Art of War for Women in Music” »


