>> New Virtual Format! <<
Our programs, including, our popular introductory seminar, “Crafting Your Career: Essential Business Skills for Performing Artists”, are now available as a virtual/online presentations!
Today’s student artists face a challenging road ahead, now more than ever. YourType Arts Partners offers seminars that help musicians and other artists navigate the transition from school to emerging professional and beyond. Presenters Cherry Duke and Risa Renae Harman are accomplished professional opera singers and teachers, with experience and a passion for helping artists navigate the often bewildering performing arts industry. These seminars were created with classical singers in mind, but the information is useful for any artist seeking a freelance career, whether in composition, performance or even as a teacher.
Individual Seminars
Click on a title for a description and more information. All seminars are now available as Zoom presentations!
- Crafting Your Career: Essential Business Skills for Performing Artists
> ideal as an overview for upper level and graduate level college students and young artists
> focuses on sales and promotion, money management, professionalism and more, including strategies for success - A Freelancer’s Life
- Money Management
- The Essence of Self-Promotion
- Web Sites
- Social Media
- Audition Workshop for Singers
Clients:
- St. Olaf College
- National Association of Teachers of Singing, Rio Grande Chapter
- Bay View Music Festival
- University of Iowa
- University of Alabama
- University of Virginia
- New York University
- Lehigh University
- Salisbury University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Winter Opera St. Louis
- Webster University
- Converse College
Click here for booking and/or more information about any of the seminars.
Crafting Your Career: Essential Business Skills for Performing Artists™
Presenter(s): Cherry Duke and/or Risa Renae Harman
“Cherry Duke and Risa Renae Harman presented a most informative and illuminating Zoom Webinar, Crafting Your Career: Essential Business Skills for Performing Artists, to students at St. Olaf College. Their advice and knowledge, based on years of experience in the performing arts world, was invaluable to all students–regardless of their path in music. Everyone left the webinar inspired with tools and new information to move forward in their careers.” —Tammy Hensrud, Professor of Voice, St. Olaf College
This seminar is an essential primer for any performing artist who is beginning to explore career options. Touching on many of the key points represented in our other seminars, “A Freelancer’s Life™,” “The Essence of Self-Promotion™”, “Money Management for Performing Artists™”, and “Social Media for Performing Artists™” this is an interactive and engaging presentation which will introduce your students to the fundamental skills, concepts and strategies inherent in making a living in the arts.
NEW: This seminar is now available as a virtual presentation.
A Freelancer’s Life™
Presenter(s): Cherry Duke and/or Risa Renae Harman
What is a career as a gigging performer really like? How to balance, navigate and succeed as you begin your professional career.
- Personal Branding
- Etiquette & Integrity
- Networking
- Managing the day job
- Starting a separate side business
- Keeping up with your craft
Money Management for Performing Artists™
Presenter: Risa Renae Harman
So, you’re out of school. Living at home? On your own? Got a job? Got bills? Singing expenses? And, more importantly…Singing INCOME? How do you set-up your financial and singing life to make your music “business” run smoothly? What do you need to know to avoid a visit from the IRS? Here are a few tips and suggestions to get you started. Topics discussed:
- Budget
- Income Sources
- Financial Software
- Basic Taxes/Deductions
The Essence of Self-Promotion™
Presenter(s): Cherry Duke and/or Risa Renae Harman
“Without promotion, something terrible happens…nothing!” (P.T. Barnum)
- Face your fears
- Personal Branding
- Publicity materials
- Making connections, building relationships and keeping in touch
- Written communications
Web Sites for Performing Artists™
Presenter: Cherry Duke
- Explaining technical terms (domain names, hosting, etc.)
- What should a site do for you?
- What belongs on your site?
- Do-it-yourself versus hiring a pro
- Your professional image
- Getting your site noticed; search engines
- Things people often miss
Social Media for Performing Artists™
Presenter: Cherry Duke
Today’s student artists are already deluged with opportunities to share their lives and network using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and myriad other social media platforms. Do they use them to their best advantage? This seminar explains the ins-and-outs of the most popular social media environments, explores practical uses for social media, and invites lively discussion. Best practices for privacy and professionalism are emphasized, with attention paid to the special needs of artists within the dense and often confusing environments of social media.
Audition Workshop (for Classical Singers)
Presenter(s): Cherry Duke and/or Risa Renae Harman
Students participate in a realistic audition experience, complete with difficult panelists, accompanist mistakes and other scenarios designed to keep the singer on her toes! All singers watch each others’ auditions. Afterward, all participate in a constructive follow-up discussion on each performer’s presentation, attire, resume, headshot, ability to handle tough situations, and overall audition demeanor.