Artistic Integrity
www.ArtisticIntegrity.org

Turning Business
into a Work of Art


Join Ravi's Email List
(addresses kept strictly confidential)

- Home Page -

MAINTAINING ARTISTIC INTEGRITY
WHILE RUNNING YOUR CAREER AS A BUSINESS


Ravi lecturing at the Atlantis Music Business Conference, Atlanta GA

SUMMARY:
use the blue scroll to keep reading

TARGET AUDIENCE: Artists/Musicians

PRESENTATION:

"Artistic Integrity" and creating a "Culture of Integrity"
A spirited analysis of why "integrity" is so important, not only for artistry but also for our society, and the positive changes that artists can inspire. Additionally, I share my own professional evolution in the context of personal achievement, complete with a hindsight perspective that has lead me on the mission of integrity. As one who has lived his childhood dream, it is in this section when the audience recognizes that my reality reflects their own dreams, suspicions, disappointments, and motivation, making the entire seminar an effective and inspiring road map to a fulfilling artistic existence. Finally, I outline my top ten rules for success (personal and professional), combining introspective philosophy and practical business methodology.

Running Your Career as a Business
I address the fundamental components of a business: Creating/Establishing the product, Distributing/Marketing that product, and Financing the entire operation. However, I redefine traditional methods that seemingly lack integrity in the context of "art," allowing the audience to incorporate steadfast business strategies into their own artistic ventures, and maintain artistic integrity throughout.

FORMAT: 1-2 hour lecture with Q&A, PowerPoint presentation depending on equipment

"Thank you for your visit to my class and individual consultations with the students. I've already heard some very positive feedback from them about your visit, I 'm sure I'll hear more. Besides sharing your knowledge from the field with them, you were very effective in communicating your well-developed ideas about the business. I was profoundly impressed and I know the students were too.

Your openness, honesty, sincerity and obvious passion for what you are doing is refreshing to hear in what often seems to be a field populated by slick hustlers and soulless operators trying to make a quick buck. All of us can fall into the mode of cynicism and jadedness from time to time, and the work you are doing through your public speaking is the best kind of antidote.

I'm sure that you are affecting many musicians in a positive way, and the ripple effects from your work spread out to where you can't see all the positive results but they are certainly there. The students you spoke to will likely carry some of your enthusiasm and honesty to others who will improve the lives of many more. We all have plenty of chances to apply the principles you speak about on a daily basis.

I'd also be more than pleased to provide glowing references for you for any prospective clients, and feel free to use any portion of what I've written here in thanks in any way you wish. (As an aside, I think you would make a great addition to the faculty at Berklee.)"

- Professor Tom Stein, Professional Music Dept., Berklee College Of Music, Boston MA


Ravi lecturing to students at Berklee College of Music, Boston MA


A clip of Ravi's acclaimed music business lecture
"Maintaining Artistic Integrity While Running Your Career as a Business"
in a casual setting at a professional music business conference.
Footage courtesy of Adam Reuter (www.adamreuter.com).

 

Maintaining Artistic Integrity While Running Your Career as a Business
is available on CD (includes a sample marketing proposal to secure sponsorship and endorsements). Visit the online store for information.

Already own the CD? The Sample Sponsorship Proposal has been updated (11/2009).
Get the update for free by emailing RaviMusic@aol.com and attach the old sample sponsorship proposal from the CD. You'll get a reply with the updated version attached.


TEACHING SEMINAR

TARGET AUDIENCE: Music Teachers and Lesson Coordinators

SUMMARY:
Teachers not only bring in lesson revenue, but can also provide tremendous support for the retail side of the business. While most teachers frown on "salesman" obligations, getting them to recognize the value of being a team player is essential. Encouraging students to shop "in-house," drawing parents into the store, promoting inventory, and publicizing clinics are just a few components to creating healthy teacher/store and student/store relationships while simultaneously strengthening the all-important teacher/student relationship. Ravi, music teacher coach and columnist for Music Inc. and Electronic Musician magazines brings years of private teaching and music industry experience into this team-building seminar.

PRESENTATION:
In the form of a motivational conversation, I work with teachers to establish and enhance their individual interests in teaching and their overall career as a musician. By connecting these two career components, one feeds the other in the healthiest of ways. This allows teachers to not only be more passionate about their musicianship, but to use that passion to inspire their students to be committed, long-term clients. I also help teachers recognize the value of the relationship that they have with the retailer where they teach, and the need to make sure they do what they can to help the overall business thrive. Teachers learn tips to draw in family support for their students, which invariably grows the family relationship with store while also benefiting the student. Finally, this seminar really connects the value of what teachers offer their students with the overall progression of society and communities.

FORMAT: 1-2 hour seminar with interactive discussion

QUOTES from teachers:

"This has improved me as a teacher through exposure to other's experiences and perspectives. Hearing about other's "trouble" students helped me look at my own in a different light."

"I will definitely encourage my students more to purchase from the store."

"I'm going to use these new ideas and inspirations to fuel me in my lessons, and to spawn new ideas when I am not in lessons about teaching and teacher/student/parent interaction."

"A great chance to interact with other teachers. We don't get to do that very often."

"The session made me more serious about my role as a motivator."


MANUFACTURING AND SELLING DREAMS

"Ravi was an inspiration to all that attended his lecture at the Winter NAMM Show. He
made it clear that keeping a retail customer for life is in recognizing the passion
for music and the need to keep the dream alive. Ravi's dedication and
enthusiasm for the subject really shined through in his delivery."
- NAMM, the International Music Products Association


TARGET AUDIENCE: Music Instrument Manufacturers and Retailers, Music Business Students

SUMMARY:
Those of us in the music instrument industry must remember that we really aren't in the business of selling guitars, pianos, and drums; what we actually sell are "dreams." Products gracing magazine ads and showroom floors are the tools that help turn these dreams into reality. This is the secret to long term relationships with artists, and one must structure marketing strategies accordingly. Simply put: if you sell the dream, the tools will sell themselves.

PRESENTATION:
With a highly charged and motivational delivery, I analyze the current industry highlighting the current downfalls and needed changes. We discuss connecting with the artist/customer - creating inspirational advertising campaigns and instrument auditioning environments, implementing lesson programs, and maintaining a level of quality that fosters musical growth. By investing in the artist's passion and nurturing his or her evolving desires, the "customer" will continuously return to fulfill the dream.

FORMAT: 30 minute to 1 hour lecture with Q&A, PowerPoint presentation depending on equipment

MAKING THE MOST OF IN-STORE CLINICS

SUMMARY:
Music retailers must provide product education even if and when Pro Tools is displayed next to modeling amps and in-ear monitors at Wal-mart. The average Joe is becoming a “Jack of all trades,” and these “masters of none” need expert guidance before diving into the arts. Professional clinics inspire local talent, create loyal and informed customers, educate the sales force on effectively selling products to customers, and demonstrate the value of independent retailers to a society gravitating toward Internet and "Big Box" shopping. Ultimately manufacturers, retailers, clinicians, and artists all share the same objective–to deliver quality music to the masses. Clinics are a golden opportunity to bring the team together, beat the competition, and cultivate the music of the future.

PRESENTATION:
A motivational delivery about how to make the most of clinics, from booking to marketing to presenting to sustaining the impact.

FORMAT: 30 minute to 1 hour lecture with Q&A, PowerPoint presentation depending on equipment

SECURING SPONSORSHIPS AND ENDORSEMENTS

"Really great and informative, and one of the better presentations I've seen at Berklee!"
- Student (Berklee College of Music, Boston MA)

SUMMARY:
Sponsorships and endorsements can be the primary form of support to keep anyone in the public eye working. The days of record labels providing tour support are long gone. However, plenty of opportunities are available to artists trying to make it on their own. The key is to align oneself with the right products and companies, and truly understand each party's expectations and contributions to the relationship. Like in any marriage, only honest and loyal partners survive.

PRESENTATION:
A motivational, introspective, and interactive seminar that teaches the art of securing funds and product support. Attendees learn everything they need to get started, including how to:

- Identify what manufacturers look for in endorsing artists and how you can ensure mutual benefit for both you and them without compromising your integrity
- Create added value for sponsors so that they will provide you with the necessary funds to take your band on the road, record your next CD, or expand your merchandising
- Write the all important one page marketing proposal to convince prospective sponsors/endorsees that you are "the real deal" and they will get a return on their investment (ROI)

FORMAT: 45-90 minute lecture with Q&A, PowerPoint presentation depending on equipment

"Many thanks again for another well-delivered workshop at Berklee College of Music. My staff said it was the best they've seen yet." - Peter Spellman, Director of Career Development Center, Berklee College of Music, Boston MA