Phone: 615-589-0455
1227 Lakeview Drive
Franklin, TN
Services: Classes & Workshops
The Singer’s School offers classes and workshops with Alan Dysert and other respected instructors from many professions including film, music, and other entertainment industries. Small class sizes allow the student maximum attention and an intimate learning environment. From vocal training to voice-overs, find a class here that will improve your skills and take you to the next level!
FREE CREATIVITY WORKSHOP WITH JOHN STARNES
Monday, Jan. 9th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Success in the Film, TV, and Music industry (both secular and sacred), most often follows those who produce constant and consistent creative output. However, many of us who started with a seemingly unlimited supply of creativity find it begins to dry up with the added pressures of life.
The harder we try to regain this creativity, the more it seems to elude us. Is creativity an innate gift or is it something that can be learned (or re-learned)? Can anyone learn to be more creative?
There is no doubt that creativity is a skill that can be learned and enhanced. Anyone can nurture, renew, and increase their creative skills by understanding how a few simple laws govern the creative process.
This workshop will focus on three basic areas:
• The Creative Brain – How it is creative and how it is not
• Collaboration – Simple rules to harness the power of synergy
• Commitment – Planning for (not waiting on) creativity
The workshop will give you all the necessary tools needed to tackle any project, script, song, play, musical, etc. that you are faced with.
You will be given the opportunity to see immediate results, hone your creative skills, and take the process home with you.
This class is for everyone. It’s really child’s play. So, relax and have some fun releasing your childlike creativity. Leave with a life-long plan for harnessing the power of your own creativity.
ABOUT JOHN STARNES
For over thirty years, John Starnes has traveled around the world as a featured soloist on many top religious programs. Programs such as Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Friends or Dr. Charles Stanley’s InTouch TV broadcast. He has performed for literally millions of people. India was the most glorious and memorable occasion as officials estimated the crowd in excess of two million.
John is not only a singer but also a gifted songwriter having co-written several Platinum selling gospel songs as well as many “Top 10” gospel songs.
It was during John’s early songwriting days that he became intrigued with the actual creative process. “I would watch seasoned songwriters navigate the creative process using unspoken rules,” he said. This ca used John to launch a decade long quest to uncover these rules and quantify how creativity could be taught and nurtured not only in songwriting but in other endeavors as well.
As the answers became clearer, John often volunteered to teach his simple principles to churches across the U.S. He has taught these principles in music workshops such as Babbie Mason’s School of Music and Nashville’s Christ Church Music conference.
Hungry for more knowledge, John enrolled at Belmont University in 2004 and graduated in May 2008 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies. In December 2008, he was awarded a Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) of Sacred Music from Canada Christian College in Toronto, Ontario because of his extensive work in the fields of music and creativity throughout Canada and the U.S.
John continues to travel, minister, and teach in churches, and conferences around the world. He and his wife Teresa have two grown daughters and reside in Brentwood, TN.
The class fee is FREE!
Monday, Jan. 9th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Please contact The Actor’s School at 615-500-7661 for reservations or send an email to: alan@actorsschoolusa.com
STUDIO SINGING 101 by PRODUCER P.T. HOUSTON
Saturday, January 14th from 10:30 to 2:30
Studio singing is quite different from live performing. Learn the techniques the pros use to achieve excellent vocals. This class will be held in a recording studio where we will cover how to use proper mic placement, headphone position, vocal coaching and more . Each student will be able to record 1 song with top producer P.T. Houston. You can provide your own song or choose from our abundant catalog.
ABOUT P.T. HOUSTON, ENGINEER/PRODUCER
Houston is a seasoned recording engineer/producer who has spent the last 12 years in the trenches recording songs for the hit songwriters in Nashville. Houston is one of the top tracking engineers in town, and his clients trust him to get the sound they need so their songs can be pitched to stars like Tim McGraw, Lady A, Rascal Flats and many others. In music row’s fast paced and demanding recording environment, Houston has honed his skills and is a master at creating demos that sound like records. His recordings have also helped several up and coming artists land their record deals. His background also includes recording in LA and New York, as well as touring the world as lead guitarist with legendary country star, Freddy Fender. He has played guitar for Randy Meisner from the Eagles, as well as Billy Swan, and Phil Everly from the Everly Brothers. He offers extraordinary backing vocals for his clients, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, drums and percussion when needed. He is multi-talented and has a keen ear for getting the best performance out of the artist. Clients credit “Off the Row” and Houston for getting the best tracks in town, definitely Nashville’s best kept secret.
TOTAL COST: $65
Saturday, January 14th from 10:30 to 2:30
To make a reservation call (615) 500-7661 send an email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
DON’T CHOKE WHEN IT COUNTS!
THE MENTAL GAME with Pro Stuntman and Performance Consultant BRIAN HITE, M.S.
Jan 14th and 16th from 10am to 1pm
This training focuses on the mental aspects of performance and the development of mental toughness skills that are crucial to performing under pressure. Have you ever felt distracted, nervous, fearful, un-confident, or distracted by negative thoughts leading up to or during the audition process? These are all very typical reactions to stressful situations that affect every actor, every time he or she steps in front of a casting director, producer, and/or director. They are the completely expected and natural effects of performing under evaluation with important outcomes and nothing to be ashamed of. What really matters is how the actor has prepared himself or herself to handle those reactions.
To really be prepared, you must:
• Learn to maintain confidence in the face of a business in which rejection is the rule rather than the exception.
• Learn to sustain attention when there are so many distractions pulling your focus in multiple directions, both during an audition and on set.
• Develop and experience a sense of calmness, composure, and flow in the face of challenges and obstacles, knowing that you have the preparation and skills to thrive under any circumstance and in any situation, whether during auditions or on set.
Our training puts deliberate focus on the performance of auditions, where mental and emotional challenges are encountered, but provides a structure by which the same skills can be applied to any performance. We give you an opportunity to build the mental toughness approach that is a requirement in the nerve-racking career that you passionately pursue. We instruct you on how to develop and make mental toughness skills your own and then provide practical application of them to every aspect of your world. We are Avid Performance Consultants, and have taught this area of expertise to many domains of elite performance including athletics, performing arts, test taking, and emergency services. We, specifically, optimize our clients’ performance by effectively enhancing their confidence, perceptions, energy, and motivation before, during, and after an event and through the most difficult challenges of their careers. In addition, and possibly most importantly, we have personally experienced the very real demands of performing under pressure, believe without an ounce of doubt, that our accomplishments are largely due
to the focus and control that mental training techniques have provided us over the course of our careers. We encourage you to come to learn new skills… come to learn from people who have actually applied these tools and skills.
THE PERSONAL BENEFITS TO YOU WILL BE:
• Performance that is consistent under pressure
• More confidence to rise to the occasion
• Development of focus amidst distractions
• Maintaining calm & composure in the face of challenges
THE CLASS IS DESIGNED TO BENEFIT STUDENTS BY:
• Being based on a proven structured approach to mental skill development
• Providing opportunities to personalize the mental skills techniques
• Guiding you through the application of learned skills in real-world situations
AVID PERFORMANCE CONSULTANTS HAVE EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES OF:
• Working with athletes, soldiers, and performing artists
• Personally applying mental skills to elite level swimming, stunts, and every aspect of our lives
• Learning from our vast experience teaching and applying these skills at all levels of performance
ABOUT BRIAN HITE
In addition to being a stunt coordinator, Brian has performed stunts in television shows and films such as Castle, Hawaii Five-O, Numbers, 24, General Hospital, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, The Last Godfather, Twilight, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Fast and the Furious 3, Green Hornet, Children of the Corn: Dweller, The Big Bang, The Island, The Mimic 2, and many, many others.
Date: Jan 16th and 23rd from 10am to 1pm
TOTAL COST: $195 for the 2-day workshop.
To make a reservation call (615) 500-7661 send an email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
MUSICAL THEATRE: VOCAL WORKSHOP with JULIE FORESTER
Two Mondays, Jan 16th and 23rd, 6:30-9:30 pm
These group classes will focus on the basic understanding of Acting Lyric through Song. I will pass on the fundamental technique an aspiring Musical Theatre performer will need as it applies to where they are at in their journey. We will tackle basic Musical Theatre audition technique, but will concentrate mainly on getting to the Heart and Truth of the character each student chooses in regards to their piece. I will spend time on helping bridge the gap that can exist between Monologue or Lyric and Singing, so that each character comes to Life.
We will also focus on fundamental vocal performance technique. The foundation of the voice is related to Breath, Control and Support. I will pass on a variety instrumental exercises and practices that will insure a Long and Healthy vocal life.
We will have an accompanist at the classes.
ABOUT JULIE FORESTER
Julie Forester, from Houston, TX currently has a writing deal with Starstruck Entertainment Texoma Ten Music Publishing in Nashville. She has released 2 EPs currently for sale. Her EP “Dance With Me” has received rave reviews in the UK magazine “Maverick” and BOTH albums received high praise in the “Music City News”. Julie has been featured as “Artist Of The Week” on LOCM digital radio a number of times and can currently be heard on International & National radio on Brady Seals (of Little Texas) produced artist, David Bradley’s smash radio single “Soak It Up” and artist Coles Whalen’s album “The Whistle Stop Road”.
Julie just finished a summer tour where she opened for such artists as Phil Vassar, Josh Gracin & Lee Brice and now continues to play as a solo artist locally and on the road with the “The Nashville Songbirds”. Last fall she toured Ireland and Scotland with Irish sensation Colm Kirwan, and Can U Duet’s Joey & Rory. In the UK her single “Feelin The Fall” was released to UK Country Radio and peaked at #16 on the HOTDISC Country Charts. She has also toured Europe playing “Eva Cassidy” in a musical play about her life and on the West End stage in the Olivier Award winning production of “Ragtime” in London, England. She holds a Master of Arts Degree from New York University in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts Education.
Two Mondays, Jan. 16tlh and 23rd, 6:30-9:30 pm
Class Fee: $125
Call Alan Dysert at 615-500-7661 or email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
TWO SESSION VOICE CLASS with CHRISTINE POYTHRESS
Wednesday Jan 25th and Feb. 1 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
Learn how to navigate the mine field of vowels and consonants–Uncover your voice!
This two-week group class will focus on understanding the basic way in which the voice functions. Topic covered include the importance of breathing and posture and the way in which the articulation of the text—words (vowels and consonants) impacts the relative freedom of the vocal production. You will be learning techniques that can be applied to any style of music. A clear understanding of the way in which the production of sound is linked to the articulation of both vowels and consonants enables a singer to trouble shoot their own vocal challenges regardless of the style. Singers need a clear understanding (map) of how the voice works.
In week one, Christine will be demonstrating basic vocal techniques to establish a clearer tone through the understanding of onset and offset. You will be doing exercises to build flexibility and range, and most importantly addressing the idea of staying on the speaking level while singing. As well as doing group exercises, She will work with each student individually. For the second week, students should prepare a song they wish to develop or troubleshoot. Students should bring sheet music in the appropriate key. Sheet music can be downloaded and printed at a minimal cost. There are numerous online sites that provide sheet music downloads at minimal cost– one such source is www.musicnotes.com.
ABOUT CHRISTINE POYTHRESS
Christine Poythress has a broad performance background that includes opera and concert stage, country and pop as well as the music of Broadway. She appeared as Glenda in The Wizard of Oz (such fun to fly!); Bunny in Babes in Arms; the Snake in The Apple Tree; and Agnes in Agnes of God. During a 13 year hiatus from the legit singing, she played “flattop” guitar in a variety of country bands, was the “girl” singer at the Silver Saddle Saloon in Atlanta, GA, and worked the Southeastern hotel circuit playing solo gigs. She has played in nightclubs, at private parties and in honkytonks—thankfully, though she did witness a brawl or two, she at no time performed behind chicken wire. She sang three guest performances of the National Anthem in Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks and the Rangers.
Christine holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Christine has been a part of the faculty of the School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University since the spring of 2001. She currently teaches general music classes as a part of the Distance Learning Program using the text, Music in Your Life, which she developed for use in the online sections as well as other sections of Introduction to Music, the general music course offered by the School of Music. In addition to teaching general music, Christine has also taught applied voice lessons and class voice for MTSU. She currently divides her time between MTSU, The Singer’s School in Franklin, TN and teaching in her private studio in Murfreesboro, TN.
Date: Two Wednesdays, January 25th and February 1st from 7:00 to 9:00pm
Class fee: $45
Call 615-500-7661 or or send an email to: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com to reserve your space.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE & STAGE PERFORMANCE CRASH COURSE WITH JULIE FORESTER
Two Tuesdays, January 31st and February 7th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Make your mark in the music business as an artist & performing songwriter by learning the tricks of the trade with world-class vocalist & Starstruck published songwriter Julie Forester (From Texas to New York to London to Nashville).
This class will focus on fundamental vocal performance technique. The foundation of the voice is related to breath, control and support. Julie will pass on a variety instrumental exercises and practices that will insure a long and healthy vocal life.
The class will also work on performance techniques in detail that center around lyric and song delivery, stage performance, working the stage in a live show environment, basic mic skills, interaction with audience and an overall understanding of artistry and what it takes to survive in the “business of show” as an artist and/or a performing songwriter.
About Julie Forester
Julie Forester, from Houston, TX currently has a writing deal with Starstruck Entertainment Texoma Ten Music Publishing in Nashville. She has released 2 EPs currently for sale. Her EP “Dance With Me” has received rave reviews in the UK magazine “Maverick” and BOTH albums received high praise in the “Music City News”. Julie has been featured as “Artist Of The Week” on LOCM digital radio a number of times and can currently be heard on International & National radio on Brady Seals (of Little Texas) produced artist, David Bradley’s smash radio single “Soak It Up” and artist Coles Whalen’s album “The Whistle Stop Road”.
Julie just finished a summer tour where she opened for such artists as Phil Vassar, Josh Gracin & Lee Brice and now continues to play as a solo artist locally and on the road with the “The Nashville Songbirds”. Last fall she toured Ireland and Scotland with Irish sensation Colm Kirwan, and Can U Duet’s Joey & Rory. In the UK her single “Feelin The Fall” was released to UK Country Radio and peaked at #16 on the HOTDISC Country Charts. She has also toured Europe playing “Eva Cassidy” in a musical play about her life and on the West End stage in the Olivier Award winning production of “Ragtime” in London, England. She holds a Master of Arts Degree from New York University in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts Education.
Two Tuesdays, January 31st and February 7th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Class Fee: $95
Call Alan Dysert at 615-500-7661 or email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF SONGWRITING with WOODY BOMAR
Starts Wed. Date TBA – 7:00 to 9:00 pm – 4 Wednesdays
1. Copyright Basics
What are the creative, legal and licensing rights of the creators of music?
2. Income Sources
Performance (ASCAP, BMI & SESAC), mechanical rights, streaming, synch.
3. Networking Your Way In
How to become integrated into the songwriting community and the industry culture.
Writers’ nights, trade organization, reading materials, industry news sources, co-writing, home demos vs studio demos, etc.
4. Publishing Deals
How to find publishers and get meetings. What to do in that first meeting.
Reasonable expectations of songwriting/publishing deals. Publisher demos.
5. Living The Dream
Discuss the emotional and financial ups and downs of a career in songwriting.
6. Song Critiques and Q&A
Each student will have one song evaluated by the moderator. We will allow time for plenty of Q&A.
ABOUT WOODY BOMAR
Woody Bomar began his music career as a songwriter at Combine Music, penning hits for the likes of Loretta Lynn, Jim Glaser and Conway Twitty. He later became General Manager, but left Combine to start Little Big Town Music Group with partner Kerry O’Neil.
After a 10-year string of hits, including 15 #1s, they sold the company to Sony/ATV Music Publishing where Woody was employed as Sr. VP & GM of Creative Services.
While at Sony/ATV, Woody signed publishing deals with such artist/writers as Dierks Bentley, Marty Stuart and Blake Shelton.
He was also instrumental in signing Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Gretchen Wilson, Eric Church, and Miranda Lambert. He is now President/Owner of Green Hills Music Group where he and his staff market the music of Bonnie Baker, Steve Williams, Georgia Middleman, Bob Regan and Rick Giles.
The company has songs recorded by such artists as Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Bomshel, Bucky Covington, Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Jimmy Wayne, Claire Lynch, Eden’s Edge, Hunter Hayes, Mark Chesnutt and others
Woody is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. He is a member of NSAI, CMA, ACM, AMA, Leadership Music, The Songwriters Guild, The Canadian CMA, ASCAP, Copyright Society of The South, Recording Academy (Board), Belmont University’s Entertainment Industry Advisory Board and Musicians Hall Of Fame Advisory Board. He is recipient of The NSAI President’s Award (twice) and is an inductee into the MTSU College of Mass Communications Wall of Fame.
Total cost for the four-session course: $150
Four Wednesdays, Starting Date TBA
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: The Actors School
To sign up for the class please email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
MAKING A MUSIC VIDEO
For Singers, Artists, Songwriters, Performers and Actors
Starting January 17th – Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (4-Week Course)
Learn what to expect when your music video opportunity comes along. Create an actual music video in this class. Gain hands-on experience!
If there was ever an empty slate in the field of video production, it is making a music video.
In the last 25 years, the invigorating art form of making a music video has grown to be one of the most influential and individually stylistic modes of production in the industry. From the first frame to the last, music videos serve as a blank canvas to your mind’s eye, a place to show the world what you can really do when let loose with a camera. But, if you let your creative juices drown your common sense approach to production, your music video masterpiece could wind up a public-access catastrophe.
Topics Will Cover:
· The Treatment – Storyboard
· Shooting the video
· Lighting
· Audio
· Budgets – Small and large
· Licensing – ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SAG, AFTRA
· Locations and Logistics – Permissions
· Synchronization – Lip and instrument syncing
· Working with a studio recorded song
· Willing Participants
· Promotion – Our class music video goes to YouTube
Call Alan Dysert at (615) 500-7661 or email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
CAREERS IN THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY Luke Gambill
Two Monday Classes from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Luke Gambill is the Creative Director and Producer for Brentwood-Benson Music and its worship label, GreatWorshipSongs.com. His daily life is driven with developing new songs and projects while, depending on project needs, operating as A&R director, producer, arranger and orchestrator. Prior to Brentwood-Benson, Luke was Creative Manager/A&R for Integrity Music’s Worship Resources Division while also traveling as a clinician and touring musician for Integrity’s Seminars4Worship events held across the Country. His education includes Southeastern University (B.A. in Music), Liberty University (M.A. in Religion with emphasis in Worship Studies), Integrity Worship Institute (Cert. Worship Studies) and Berklee College of Music (Music Industry). Multiple Dove nominations and awards have been received through his creative input and involvement. Through the years, Luke has worked in several aspects of the Christian Music Industry: copyright, touring, marketing, and creative. Luke and his family are actively involved at Thompson Station Baptist Church.
CAREERS IN THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY
What are they, Who are they, Where are they, Why are they?
Have you ever dreamed of using your talents and gifts in the Christian music industry? Not sure what positions are available? Ever wondered what A&R means and what this guy does? And an engineer conducts a train – but what is a Recording Engineer and a Mix Engineer? Today’s Christian music industry contains many positions – some are experience and education specific, but some can be learned hands on. During this two-hour workshop, Luke will share with us the many various career aspects of the industry.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
· What careers are available?
· Is there certain training required?
· What are the challenges of being a session singer/player?
· I’m not a singer or player, are there careers for me?
· Should I do an internship?
· What’s more valid: what you know vs. who you know?
· Where can I find potential job listings?
DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $70
Call Alan Dysert at (615) 500-7661 or email: Alan@ActorsSchoolUSA.com
DIRECTIONS TO THE ACTOR’S SCHOOL STUDIO:
The Studio is located at 1227 Lakeview Dr Ste 2, Franklin, TN 37067
615.589.0455
FROM NASHVILLE:
Take I-65 South to Franklin. Take exit 65 for Murfreesboro Rd/Hwy 96
Turn right at Murfreesboro Rd/Hwy 96. Turn right at Royal Oaks Blvd.
Turn right at Lakeview Dr. The Actor’s School is Suite 2.