Review: “Music/The Arts Is A Profession” Introductory Workshop

July 12, 2015 Cherie, your voice is like ice cream. You don't need any toppings." - M. Metcalf

Alex Chadsey 10 November, 2015

When I graduated with a BFA in Music at age 23, I remember feeling like I was walking the plank blindfolded. I had just spent four years at a prestigious music school that included long lonely hours spent practicing, courses in music theory & history,writing essays, private lessons and so on. Years later I would come to appreciate the privilege of such an education, but nevertheless there was very little in my training that prepared me for the practical, everyday challenges of shaping a career in music. Over the years, I’ve talked to many musicians who shared similar stories and I gradually began to observe a disconnect between the way music is taught and the kinds of skills that are actually needed to succeed in the world as a working artist. It’s been more than a decade now since graduation day, and it’s taken me nearly that long to forge a path for myself that aspires to balance everyday demands such as making rent and paying bills with the harder to quantify (but no less important) need to engage in meaningful work that supports artistic growth.

A few weeks ago I attended a free introductory workshop to Music/The Arts Is A Profession, a program developed by Cherie Seymore to help artists navigate the perils & promises of a career in the arts. For me, this workshop offered an exciting glimpse into what’s missing from most institutionalized arts training. The presentation was clear and concise and went straight to the heart of the matter by boldly taking on many of the big questions that artists must grapple with if they are to succeed. Based on what I saw in the workshop, I believe Ms. Seymore’s curriculum represents an invaluable step in bridging the gap between the kind of training that most arts programs currently offer and the reality working artists must deal with if they are to be successful.

Ms. Seymore’s curriculum functions like a flashlight in a dark room, guiding artists towards key questions that help illuminate their path while not attempting to walk the path for them.

“To live your dream as a profession means working from a place of knowledge…” Seymore explains. But the knowledge referenced here is not the kind of knowledge that most arts programs currently offer. Rather, it is selfknowledge, which comes from engaging in the kind of selfexploration and questioning that Seymore’s program encourages.

As I understand it, Seymore’s work begins with an emphasis on selfempowerment and then proceeds to nittygritty details like formulating a career plan, rehearsing a 30second elevator pitch, and so on. I like this approach for two reasons. First, it can be easy to get bogged down in the details if the bigger questions of purpose and artistic direction haven’t been addressed. Second, Seymore’s method recognizes the importance of both sides of what can be seen as a kind of continuum or polarity; on one side, the meta questions of purpose and meaning, on the other the everyday work of shaping a career that is aligned with artistic values.

In the end, I walked away from Seymore’s workshop feeling inspired and empowered. Although the presentation seemed mostly geared towards young people who are either considering or just starting a career in the arts, I believe artists at any stage in their careers would benefit from Seymore’s potent and practical approach.

Heather M. 2/4/2015

I took a vocal class with Cherie through the Urban Music Farm about 2 years ago, and it was amazing. I'm a guitarist and sing a little bit, but had always wanted to explore whether I could actually make my voice stronger through coaching or whether I was just one of those guitarists who should step away from the microphone.

Well, I am pleased to say that in just the few short weeks of the UMF class, Cherie's lessons on vocal exercises, breathing, and mouth technique changed my voice. I am a stronger singer, have better tone, and am much more confident than I was before taking her class. I will never front a band, but my backup singing is often commented on positively and I can rock the karaoke mic (at least in the right key wheelhouse!) standing up straight and forming my mouth around my breath correctly.

Thanks Cherie!! Keep up the good work. I hope to learn more from you one day soon!

Chas Redmond 2/3/2015

First to Review I've worked with Cherie now for almost a decade and I cannot stress how much she has changed not only my perceptions but the lives and careers of many.  I produced several individual concerts for her, solo acts, and a few outdoor events. Cherie is what one calls a consummate performer, leads the audience, has a deep soul which she shares with the crowd, works silently and intuitively with the stage or sound crew, and transmits energy and the goodness that is both music and the human spirit.

I also provided sound and set-up support for a multimedia all-day event Cherie created and produced.  Video and sync sound as well as a live stage with a back line Cherie had personally worked to get. The funding was also coordinated by Cherie.  The whole concept of an entertainment "event" with food, drink, live multiple act music and live video taping was a demonstration project which Cherie created to show the whole gamut of possibilities in the world of Music/The Arts Is A Profession.

And, by that Cherie means that part of the world of performance and music is attention to cost and income and overall economic growth.  Building a reputation and working the smaller venues and then a few shared larger act events is what Cherie has been teaching by doing for at least a decade now. Building your repertoire and expanding your audience and repeat venues is the foundation which Cherie knows inside-out (having done all of it herself very successfully).

Cherie gives back to the community, too, in a way that matters the most - by handing the keys to self-fulfillment and self-actualization to the youth.  I was a guest participant as sound engineer for a summer program Cherie led at the Meadowbrook Teen Life Center.  She rounded up two percussionists, a scratch DJ, herself as a vocalist and spent part of the summer molding a group of about 1/2 a dozen teens into a self-assured, coherent musical group who produced a copyrighted original piece at the end.  

Cherie knows what she's doing and brings an insight and passion to Music - as a profession and as a gift she has.  Did I say she can sing a mean blues tune or make you get out of your seat with some foot-dancing soul?  Well, she can do that too!

Highly recommended.

2/3/2015 Previous review Reviews from facebook

Jeff Busch Here's what I have to say. "Cherie Seymore is a powerful singer, creative songwriter and best of all she has a great attitude!"

Ricardo Guity Blanco True Story skillet Jeff Busch

Chas Redmond

  I've worked with you on any number of really cool and instructive activities where many other folks were truly enlightened - which, btw, you have done to me early early on - and as a result I've worked my butt off to make sure musicians I get for festivals get compensated. Thanks for everything you do but mostly for your deep, good and totally kick-ass soul.

Barry H Gordon

Congrats Dear Cherie. Using your focus, determination and experience, you will succeed. Don't give up!

"If you're looking to "Find Your Voice", find Cherie! " - Mary Doyle Palermo

Cherie- Thank you for an amazing Finding Your Voice class. You did such an amazing job of working with each individual in the class, going right to where we were struggling and helping us to take the next step forward.

It was AMAZING to see the improvments in everyone's singing, and exciting to experience the increase in our collective vocal range. Thank you for helping me find my voice, and for making it so fun! Best to you in all your teaching endeavors! Lucky, lucky students... :)" - Holly Hochstadt