Explore every episode of the podcast The Engaging Performer
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 024 | Second Act, First Album | Tara B with Kristen Budde | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:30:55 | |
What happens when someone answers the call to music later in life? In this episode, "Second Act, First Album," we sit down with musician Kristen Budde who didn't follow the traditional path into a music career—but instead discovered that the dream was still waiting in life's second act. After years spent in another career, Kristen decided it was finally time to pursue music seriously. That decision led to writing, recording, and releasing their very first album—proving that passion, persistence, and creativity don't come with an expiration date. How to get ahold of Kristen and hear her music: https://kristenbuddemusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kristenbuddemusic https://substack.com/@kristenbudde https://www.youtube.com/@kristenbuddemusic https://www.facebook.com/kristenbuddemusic https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenbuddemusic Her music is also on all the streaming platforms.
Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 023 | Marketing as a Musician—What You Don't Need to Do | Tara B and Bree Noble | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:33:48 | |
In today's episode, Tara and Bree tackle the do's and don'ts of marketing as a musician—especially on social media. You don't need to do the trends to market well or authentically. They give real life examples of what can work.
Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
Tara's info Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician
Bree's info: Instagram: @profitablemusicianllc | |||
| Ep 014 | The Stressor of Not Getting Paid on Time | Tara B | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:19:26 | |
In today's episode, Tara shares some of the hardships and solutions to the problem when a place won't pay you on time for a gig you've already done. She shares her own experience and gives some practical tips to help if you find yourself in the same situation.
How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| Ep 013 | The Best Reasons for Performing Live | Tara B with Bree Noble | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:33:31 | |
In today's episode, Tara and Bree chat all about the beauty of doing live shows—public performance—and how important they can actually be for your music career. They discuss how you can grow your audience and fan base through these shows and also sell your music and merch much faster than by relying on social media.
How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 012 | Best Practices for Putting Together Tribute Shows | Tara B, Jana Anderson, Lisa Keith Bernard | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:59:54 | |
In today's episode, Tara talks with fellow musicians and tribute show bandmates Lisa Keith Bernard and Jana Anderson. These two ladies both come from a professional career in music—Jana touring as a background singer for world class musicians like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, and Lisa, having a hit record single and singing on the Tonight Show. The three of them are in the trending tribute show "I Honestly Love You" as well as perform other places in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. They give practical tips of what it takes to do a tribute show right now and why they can be so popular with audiences! Tara's handles: Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician www.tarabrueske.com Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
Jana's Handles: Website: https://www.janaandersonmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jana.anderson.73 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@janaanderson103
Lisa's Handles (Reminiscing) Website: https://reminiscingmusic.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/19bCKnuKK3/
The tribute show "I Honestly Love You": Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONJAMHITS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivianewtonjohnannemurray/ | |||
| Ep 011 | Why 10K Months May Not Be For You | Tara B | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:24:27 | |
In today's episode, Tara talks about the concept of 5K and 10K months of income, how they are promoted by so many coaches and yet why they might not be sustainable or even good for your music business. She gives some practical thoughts on what might really make someone's music biz successful and it doesn't have to do with money. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
| |||
| Ep 010 | The Many Mishaps Musicians May Face | Tara B with Bree Noble | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:42:47 | |
In today's episode, Tara and Bree chat about some of the crazy things that have happened to them before or during concerts and what they have done to keep going amid the absurdity. This is an episode that many performing musicians will most likely relate to and enjoy.
How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 009 | Quick and Easy Vocal Warmups for Busy Singers | Tara B | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:15:32 | |
Pressed for time but still want to sound your best? In this episode, Tara shares a set of easy, effective vocal warmups that can be done in 10 minutes or less—no piano required! Whether you're heading into a gig, rehearsal, or just want to keep your voice in shape, these warmups will help you: Gently wake up your voice Improve breath support and tone Smooth out your vocal breaks Get into a confident, focused mindset Perfect for singers on the go, these warmups are designed to be simple, energizing, and totally doable—even in your car. 🎤💨 Tune in and sing along as Tara guides you through each step. Your voice will thank you!
You can get more vocal helps through these great products that Tara is affiliated with: Vocaleze spray http://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske 15% off The Singing Straw: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use Code: tarab10
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 008 | Creating a Show That Will Boost Your Gig Opportunities and Gain Fans | Tara B with Bree Noble | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:34:08 | |
In today's episode, Tara and Bree meet up once again to talk "shop" about performing and the many different kinds of shows you can focus on offering. From themed shows to different genres, holidays and special seasons of the year, there are many to choose from. Plus creating a show with a fixed subject can boost your chances of booking more gigs! Bree and Tara also cover many practical ways of marketing your show once you have booked it.
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 007 | Why We Can Be So Grateful to Be Musicians | Tara B | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:23:24 | |
In today's episode, Tara talks shop about the MANY things people can be thankful for in being a full-time musician. There are many times musicians can become discouraged making their living on music but she offers here a variety of thoughts to help each musician be reminded of the wonderful assets that music provides. How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| Ep 006 | How to Program Your Concert So You Become an Engaging Performer| Tara B with Bree Noble | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:36:38 | |
In today's episode, Tara shares the microphone with fellow professional musician Bree Noble.They chat about many different aspects of a performance and relating to your audience that will make you a fantastic performer who creates memorable experiences and serves your audience. They offer many practical tips and helps that can enhance what you bring to the stage. ˙How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 005 | Unique Ways to Contact People to Get Gigs | Tara B | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:16:47 | |
In today's episode,Tara gives you many fun and creative ways to contact people. Getting ahold of people to book can be a daunting task but she addresses this straight on with straight up solutions for musicians who are working hard to get gigs. Where you can find Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| Ep 022 | Simple Tools to Get Motivated to Book Gigs | Tara B | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:21:17 | |
In today's episode, Tara gives you 8 different tried and true ideas that will help you kick start your booking. She breaks each step into something that will help you find your motivation to do this task that many musicians dread. Link to grab your Free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 004 | How to Speak Well and Boost Your Gig Opportunities | Tara B | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:28:41 | |
In today's episode,Tara delves into the subject of using your speaking voice in a confident way that helps you network and build relationships with others. She talks of physical aspects of the voice that can help and then gives the listener tips on what to actually say to start and hold conversations!
Where you can find Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| Ep 003 | Turning Rejection Into Resilience | Tara B | 28 May 2025 | 00:37:56 | |
In today's episode,Tara shares the microphone with fellow musician Bree Noble—CEO of Profitable Musician and the Female Entrepreneur Music Academy. They talk about the difficulty of rejection, how they each have personally experienced it many times and some helps to face it head on!
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 002 | Why Singing in a Choir Helps you as a Musician | Tara B | 23 May 2025 | 00:21:11 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks about her new role as a choir conductor and gives you 7 reasons how being a part of choir can make you into a better singer all around!
How to get ahold of Tara: Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician
Helpful tools for singing: 1.The Singing Straw: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use Code: tarab10 when you go to checkout
2.VocalEze: https://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske (Get 15% off at checkout) | |||
| Ep 001 | What to Expect | Tara B | 21 May 2025 | 00:13:19 | |
In today's episode,Tara introduces listeners to what this podcast will cover and why it can be so helpful to musicians in today's world that want to be amazing performers and get gigs! www.tarabrueske.com
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| The Next Chapter! | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:05:42 | |
Tara gives an update of her recent musical journey and her book as well as telling about a brand new podcast show coming soon! Look for THE ENGAGING PERFORMER! Facebook: @tarabrueskemusic Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 105 | Common Questions About Singing and Their Answers | Lisa Gebhard and Tara B | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:52:07 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats once again with her cousin Lisa Gebhard and is put in the hot seat to answer common questions about singing! Enjoy this episode part 2 as a follow up to their first time in February 2021. Here are some of the questions and topics we deal with: Why do some singers sound so different as their voice ages? Why does the pitch change or the tone and timbre of the sound? Why does it sound as if singers slide into notes or are flat?
What makes the uniqueness of a singer's style? What makes for a healthy and natural sound in a voice? What are some basic things that happen in a voice lesson? What things do I focus on when I teach a lesson? How do I start with a student? (The monotone singing episode is Episode 7)
Why can't we sing on an inhale? We sing on exhalation but it seems impossible to sustain pitch when you are taking in air! Please reach out to me for teaching. My remote lessons are available online here: https://tarabrueske.com/music-lessons
My vocal monthly subscription is called The Singer's Feedback Zone: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
This episode is the final episode of this podcast for now but you can binge all 104 other episodes!
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. | |||
| Ep 104 | 7 Must Have Essentials for Singers | Tara B | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:22:02 | |
In today's episode,Tara shares some of her favorite helpful apps and products that will help you be a healthy and confident singer!
Some of my favorite products, apps, singing helps: The Singing Straw You can use it for warmups or cool downs. Here is a link to get 10% off: https://bit.ly/SingingStrawTara Use code tarab10 Vocal Eze Throat spray that has honey, echinacea, ginger, and more. Manuka Honey drops and sticks that help keep your throat more moist and stop hacking coughing. You can get 15% off here: http://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske Gua Sha A quart stone that is shaped to help massage your face and neck, or use it for acupuncture. Here is a link on Amazon to purchase one:
Voice Memos app Or you can get another non IOS app like Recorder Plus. Look for a voice app in your phone app store.
Practice App—Modacity (It is a paid app) It can keep track of your days when you practice, the actual time or amount of practicing, has a recorder, metronome and more. Look for it in your phone's app store.
Purchasing sheet music/chord charts online Sheet Music Plus https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/ Music Notes https://www.musicnotes.com/ Musescore https://musescore.org/en Hal Leonard Publishing https://www.halleonard.com/ JW Pepper https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welcome.jsp Amazon Going to the library to utilize or find new songs The Reader's Digest Books
Duolingo Great app for learning any language. Free version to paid version. But you can hear native speakers and learn grammar too! Also good for being able to sing and sound closer to the real language. Look for it in your phone's app store.
Please reach out to me for teaching. My remote lessons are available online here: https://tarabrueske.com/music-lessons
My vocal monthly subscription is called The Singer's Feedback Zone: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 103 | Why College May Not Be the Best Choice for Musicians | Tara B | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:29:08 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about an alternate way of educating yourself to become a professional musician that doesn't include the college route of a music degree. Tara herself, having a Music degree and yet being in the music biz for over 30 years, gives the listener her take on why college might not be the best way in today's world of music performing.
What you can do: Partake of free podcasts, free challenges and bootcamps on social media and getting fans to an email list, read books on the different subjects. Seek out mentors in the music biz—coaches who help you in biz, coaches who help you learn your instrument, coaches who teach you how to be a great performer. Purchases online courses for marketing, writing, songwriting, booking gigs, auditioning, podcasting, how to do social media, and how to find other music producing income, and more.
If you want further help, please reach out to me for a Zoom meeting through Premier Performer VIP. Link here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/22 You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 102 | Navigating the Unique Journey of Being an Introverted Singer | Tara B | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:29:02 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about the challenges and strengths of being a singer/performer who is introverted. She chats from her own experience of being an introvert, as well as from working with other introverts. These might be things introverts struggle with:
Being introverted can also include these strengths:
The Introvert Advantage book is a great resource to understand what it means to be introverted.
Check out The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 101 | Crafting a Great Voice Lesson: Easy Steps to Follow | Tara B | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:22:05 | |
In today's episode,Tara gives you steps that can help you teach a voice lesson. Practical tips to help you know what to do in a weekly lesson with a voice student.
You can grab your free template for teaching a voice lesson at the Singing Hub: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 021 | Essential Ways to Increase Your Music's Exposure | Tara B with Bree Noble | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:39:16 | |
In today's episode, Tara and Bree tackle what to do with music that you've recorded. They talk about the steps you should do to see what songs resonate with your audience and how you can start promoting it by building a fan base first.
Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician
How to get ahold of Bree Noble: | |||
| Ep 100 | Utilizing Fitness to Address Injuries Common Among Musicians | Angela McCuiston | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:43:54 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks to music fitness coach Angela McCuiston, the founder of Music Strong LLC, a business that specializes in personal fitness training for musicians! We explore her own personal journey of a music related injury and her healing as well as how she helps musicians get healthy in their body and stay healthy!
Angela developed an injury from playing the flute (which was her instrument of study) She had strain and imbalance of certain muscles and needed to find a way to get her body healthy again without just quitting her instrument.
"You don't throw out a soccer player when they pull a hamstring… or tell them to quit their sport…you just rehab them."
Angela didn't find enough resources to help her heal properly so she looked into becoming a personal trainer.
"Up to 90% of musicians will either experience pain related playing or will have injuries."
During a convention of flutists in Florida, people started asking Angela for help and someone asked if she would do a workshop and she did and started traveling around to universities to give them.
"Rest is NOT rehab."
Angela sees a lot of shoulder, low back pain as well as weak core muscles. When people come to her, she starts with a movement assessment—upper and lower body— to help personalize what each individual needs.
One thing Angela uses is NeuroKinetic Therapy: This uses manual muscle testing to address the cause of pain It's a corrective movement system that addresses dysfunctional movement patterns stored in the brain.
Musicares—a division of the Grammy's that helps musicians.
You can get ahold of Angela here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicstrongfitness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicstrong/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicStrongFitnessTraining
You can grab more free helps at the Singing Hub: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/4
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 99 | 5 Vocal Exercises That Will Help Breath Support | Tara B | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:17:30 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks gives some very practical exercises for your warmups that will help with engaging and maintaining breath. She focuses on specific exercises to help with breath pressure and the speed of the airflow! Vocal warmups to help you get and maintain great breath:
Use warmups to pay attention to what is going on with many parts of your singing from your breath to your mouth to your tongue to your jaw and more…
You can get The Singing Straw here: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use code for 10 % discount: tarab10
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 98 | Some of the Best Tips for Memorizing Songs | Tara B | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:29:30 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks gives some very solid and practical tips to help you memorize songs for your shows, whether a few songs or many!
You can get the singing straw here: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use code for discount: tarab10
The article on people's capability to memorize:
"Your brain has an almost unlimited capacity for memory. It can actually store about 2.5 petabytes of memory…which is a million gigabytes!" "If your brain was a smartphone on which you downloaded TV shows, it could record 300 years of continuous TV before running out of space." Dr. Emily Mason (University of Louisville)
Some practical tips to memorize songs:
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 97 | Booking Part 3: Followups—How to Actually Book the Gig | Tara B | 17 May 2023 | 00:18:08 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks about the difficulties of doing followups and ways to make them easier to do so that you actually book the gig!
You can get the singing straw here: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use code for discount: tarab10
"When people do a follow up one time and they don't hear back from somebody, they assume they are already being rejected. They assume it's a 'no'." Mistakes often made:
Tips to help the followup process:
"The biggest thing in doing followups is to be consistent and persevering." For more booking helps: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do wherever you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 96 | What It Means to Be a Professional Singer | Jana Anderson and Lisa Keith Bernard | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:57:42 | |
In today's episode, Tara interviews two long time professional singers and gets the low down on the ups and downs of being a professional singer!
Both Lisa and Jana grew up in musical families and had singers they looked up to like Linda Ronstadt, Chaka Khan, Sheena Easton, Donny and Marie Osmond and more!
They met each other through the Rupert's Orchestra in town in Minneapolis. With mutual respect between both of them, they went on to work with other amazing professionals like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, as well as Fleetwood Mac, Don Henley, Prince and more!
(In response to nerves before a show.)
As pro singers, we have all faced at one time or another of someone asking us if we have "real jobs". There is so much we have to do to educate others as professional musicians.
"As musicians, we definitely have to wear many hats!" Lisa Keith Bernard
Lisa Keith Bernard: https://www.facebook.com/LisaKeithMusic https://www.facebook.com/spencerandlisa
Better Than You song: https://youtu.be/gYPwiW4huNc
Jana Anderson: https://www.janaandersonmusic.com/ I Honestly Love You Tribute show: https://www.facebook.com/ONJAMHITS River Tribute show: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057579875823
Crooners: https://croonersloungemn.com/ Chanhassen Dinner Theater: https://chanhassendt.com/concertseries/ Chart House Live: https://www.charthouserestaurant.com/?view=calendar&month=11-2023 The Freight House: https://www.thefreighthouse.com/events
You can get the singing straw here: https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Use code for discount: tarab10
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 95 | Booking Part 2: How to Determine What You Charge for Performances| Tara B | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:22:43 | |
In today's episode, Tara dives again into the biz side of singing. In this part two episode, she gives you criteria that will help you figure out what you should be charging for performances. She also shares about creating pricing tiers for different events and needs.
Criteria to set your price for performances:
"Every really great professional I know is still practicing!"
Create pricing tiers to help your clients. Have a starting price and then add on for all the extra criteria you decide. Want more booking help?
Here is a link to the Booking Hub, where you get more FREE booking tips. Sign up today: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
Also, I'm a guest on these podcasts talking about booking: https://tarabrueske.com/guest-on-other-podcasts
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 94 | Booking Part 1: 10 Best Type of Places to Sing | Tara B | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:19:42 | |
In today's episode, Tara dives into the biz side of singing. In this three part series, she covers aspects of booking gigs. Many who are studying voice also want places to share their gift and in this week's part one, Tara shares what are some of the best type of venues to sing and get paid.
There are traditional gigs and non-traditional gigs. The traditional gigs tend to be places like clubs, music festivals in the summer, restaurants, theaters and weddings.
"Insanity: doing the same thing but expecting different results!"
10 great places to book:
BONUS place: Senior centers, senior living places—independent, assisted living, memory care, nursing home
Want more booking help?
Here is a link to the Booking Hub, where you get more FREE booking tips. Sign up today: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10
Also, I'm a guest on these podcasts talking about booking: https://tarabrueske.com/guest-on-other-podcasts
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 93 | What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Professional Singer? | Tara B | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:20:01 | |
Today's episode focuses on what it takes to be a professional singer. Pro singers possess many skillsets and Tara dives into many of these skills to help pro singers recognize and value all they know and have experience in.
Here are some of the skills that many professional singers have:
Want some voice lessons? Please click here for Virtual online 30 minute lessons: Or You can find The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Please reach out to me if you are interested via email: tarabmusic@hotmail.com
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 92 | The Importance of Ear Training and How to Do It | Tara B | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:23:29 | |
Today's episode focuses on ear training—how it's really possible for anyone no matter how they sing. Tara gives some practical tips on how to train your ear, whether you are a singer or a teacher trying to help your voice students! "Being able to match pitch is possible for almost every person".
Ways to help people get good pitch:
Ear training takes time!
Want some voice lessons? You can find The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 91 | How to Deal With Singing at a New Place Where Everything is Unknown | Tara B | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:19:05 | |
In this episode, Tara talks about how singing in a new situation can be stressful. She brings tools to help!
Things that can help you be calm singing at a brand new place:
Want some voice lessons? You can find The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 020 | Voice Lessons: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Match | Tara B | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:25:59 | |
In today's episode, Tara helps singers navigate the process of finding the right vocal coach for them. She gives thought into helping someone discover what they might be looking for. And she covers the benefits and drawbacks of both online and in person lessons.
How to get ahold of Tara for singing lessons: https://tarabrueske.com/music-lessons
Products for singing that will help you: The Singing Straw—https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10
Use Code: tarab10 at checkout for 10% discount
Vocal Eze products—https://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske
15% off by using this link
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician | |||
| Ep 90 | Knowing Which Vowels and Consonants Can Help Your Warmups | Tara B | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:22:33 | |
In this episode, Tara talks about how knowing vowels and consonants and the role they play in our warmups can help us!
VOWELS "All of us probably have certain vowels that are just easier to sing."
When we start with a vowel that works and then start singing from that place on other vowels, it can help train our muscle memory to sing with more freedom!
If we start with easy vowels, it will help you get to the harder vowels in time because you build a foundation with easy ones!
CONSONANTS Consonants can help you commit to a note and engage the breath. G, Y, K, B, F, V are great for attacking the note.
Fricatives: S, Sh, Ch, Z, V, Th, F, Jz Fricatives help us hold out notes—they help us with pacing our breath and phrases.
You can Find The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 89 | Why You Need to Pay Attention to Your Speaking Voice as a Singer | Tara B | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:20:09 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about our speaking voices. As singers, we need to take equal care with how we talk so that it doesn't cause problems for us when we sing.
You can Find The Singer's Feedback Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Let me help get you to that next level of singing!
The Speaking Voice—Paying attention to it:
" So much of singing is about letting go of trying to control, 'cause controlling can create that tension. We want to be tension-free."
"The way that we use our pitches—our brain is also remembering every day—it's remembering how we use our breath… and so we will tend to repeat what we did the day before."
"Your speaking voice IS your singing voice so don't treat it differently!"
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 88 | Why Professional Singers Need Vocal Training | Tara B | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:16:54 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about the reasons that even pro singers should have some checkins with a voice professional. She also tackles reasons why people sometimes don't get coaches.
Why train if you are a pro? Think about the pro sports world. They constantly train and get better!
Reasons that people might not get training:
"What would stop you from being at the best stage of your singing?"
Examples of great students: A couple who started in their 50's who took for 10 years and sounded even better at the end. A lady in her 70's her took for 7 years who ended up recording 2 CDs in her 80's!
My own lesson taking with other teachers has helped me incredibly. "People that have known me for 15-20 years think that I'm singing the best now that I've ever sung." I attribute this to taking lessons with a voice teacher!
You can check out The Singer's Feedback Zone: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Or My private online lessons here: https://tarabrueske.com/music-lessons
Let me help get you to that next level of singing! You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Or share it to social media and tag me. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 87 |What Does a Car and a Singing Voice Have in Common? | Tara B | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:15:04 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about some commonalities that automobiles have with singers and why you shouldn't ignore problems that come up with singing. And how to schedule maintenance of your voice!
You can still join the Singer's Feedback Zone before it goes up. Click here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Do we give our voice the same maintenance that we give to cars?
Do we just ignore what might be going wrong with our voice?
What things could go wrong if we ignore it?
"Taking care of our voices as singers…is going to help us let "them" last a lifetime and …sounding good for a lifetime."
We have tools to help maintain our voices! Here is a huge solution that helps with a maintenance checkup: Go to a professional vocal trainer!
Do you want a voice that remains healthy and beautiful? You can message me if you want to get some training or a checkup with me. Here is my website for traditional private lessons: https://tarabrueske.com/music-lessons
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 86 | Why Getting Some Piano Skills as a Singer Can Be a Great Asset | Brenda Earle Stokes | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:34:02 | |
In today's episode,Tara interviews fellow piano/voice teacher Brenda Earle Stokes. They chat about some of the reasons that piano can be such a helpful tool for singers, whether you are performing or are a voice teacher! Click here to get your Singing Straw 10% off:
Singing straw: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw
Use the code: tarab10
For Brenda, hearing Oscar Peterson play (jazz piano) was a huge inspiration for her in music! An avid pianist, singer , conductor and more, Brenda had a curiosity about so many different interests in music that helped mold her as a well rounded musician. On coming from a wholistic and variety background in music for Brenda: "It gives me a huge toolkit to serve people…and then I pull out stranger, random things (musically) out as a pathway to helping people."
Why piano skills can be so helpful to learn: "I think the piano is really the basis of understanding functional theory, ear training… and more" Brenda says that being able to do everything at the keyboard can help to have a more three dimensional experience—from seeing to hearing to playing it. "What people need is a very simple functional set of skills (on the piano)…and be able to gather it in a very short period of time."
Why do voice teachers need piano skills?:
"How can you nourish your offerings so that every student who comes in, you keep them?" Brenda has a program—a membership group called The Versatile Musician Here is where you can find it at The Versatile Musician.com: https://pianoandvoicewithbrenda.com/membership/ It includes lots of smaller courses like Piano skills for singers, solfège, jazz piano, rhythms and more, along with a once a month live call meeting.
You can also find her here: https://pianoandvoicewithbrenda.com/
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 85 | What Qualities Do You Need to Teach Voice? | Tara B | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:22:37 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks about different qualities and characteristics that you may possess that would help you be a great voice teacher. It isn't a complete list but a comprehensive one to check out if you are thinking about teaching some voice lessons.
You can check out The Singer's Feedback Zone: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Qualities that can be wonderful for teaching voice:
"Teaching is a helping industry. It's making sure that they are able to get to their best self of whatever they are capable of doing."
If you want to check out my vocal course, here's the link: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/12
You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 84 | Why Yoga and Finding a Fitness routine is Good for the Voice | JoAnne Hart | 06 Jul 2022 | 00:37:04 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats with vocal teacher JoAnne Hart who specializes in integrating fitness and mental wellness into her instruction. We discuss how a fitness routine, including yoga can benefit you as a singer!
You can check out The Singing Straw here: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw Just use code: tarab10 At checkout for 10% off
JoAnne started her musical journey around age 3— she always has loved to sing from an early age. And she started taking voice lessons in 7th grade. She got her degree in the music biz and then her grad degree in vocal pedagogy. JoAnne got her personal trainer certification her sophomore year of college because she had such a great interest in fitness as well as singing! "Just like every professional athlete has a coach…I think as you become a more advanced singer…having someone there you can check in with…is really important." JoAnne had been told that weightlifting wasn't very good for your voice. So she started researching that for grad school. And in the process also started falling in love with yoga. There is a huge focus on breath in YOGA. "When I started learning about bandhas I realized…this is breath support." "Through bandhas, we create some stability in the body in a yoga practice to maintain better alignment and make sure we don't get injured."
The pelvic floor lift and the stomach floor lift are just like having breath support for singing.
Some type of physical activity improves phonation.
Physical therapy helps muscles fire effectively—being able to turn off and on.
If you want to help your breathing with your abs to be able to release and help breath support, there needs to be some abdominal training. JoAnne encourages "Finding a physical exercise that works for you…find something you enjoy and can stick to." "In yoga, you are putting your body in so many weird positions while staying connected to your breath." That's why yoga can be so good. It uses your body weight and can help you specifically in musical theater or something similar where you are moving around in different positions. You can find JoAnne here: @joannehartsings on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, PlayerFM Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 83 |What Do You Wish You Had Known When You Started Teaching? | Tara B | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:20:10 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about the question "What advice do you wish you had been given when you first started teaching?" She gives some of her thoughts as well as shares some tips from other music teachers!
You can check out The Singing Straw here: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw Just use code: tarab10 At checkout
Tara's background included "playing teacher" as a child but didn't know that it would be a part of her life as a musician. In some ways, her first students like for many teachers was a total learning experience. Teaching is far more about simply knowing something that others don't and then you can share what you know with them.
Guest teachers who shared: Egita Gielen, Sam Reti, Nate Lee, Kristen Budde You can listen on Amazon Audible music, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeart radio, FMplayer, Stitcher, Spotify and more. If you are willing to rate and review this podcast, please do where you listen. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 82 |How to Give Better Voice Lessons| Tara B | 25 May 2022 | 00:19:52 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about ways that voice teachers can build their confidence as a teacher. She gives you practical ways so that you don't have to wait to get started learning more and finding the courage that you need in teaching!
If you want to check out The Singer's Feedback Zone, please click here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Sometimes in teaching, we can run out of ideas or get stuck and what do we do?
4. Reading and studying books about voice and singing related topics like warmups, vocal diction and sight singing.
5. Performing at a concert or recital. It can help you relate to your students and gain their trust because they know you are doing the same thing. Having their trust builds confidence for you too. "When I have to get ready for my performances…I'm going through some of the same things that they are going through in getting ready for their performances…it can gain their trust a little more because they know that I'm in the trenches with them." "One of the biggest things we can give our students is helping them find their own confidence as well…that giving them confidence helps us build our own!"
Go to Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Chartable and please rate/review this podcast! Thank you! Tag me when you share these episodes on social media. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 81 |The Benefits of Watching Yourself Singing | Tara B | 04 May 2022 | 00:15:28 | |
In today's episode,Tara chats about all the benefits that happen when you watch yourself singing—from connecting with an audience to keeping your voice healthy!
If you want to check out The Singer's Feedback Zone, please click here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
There are great reasons to look at a mirror to watch yourself singing.
With a handheld mirror:
1. It can allow you to see if there is any tension in your face. 2. It allows you to see your face and what expressions you are creating visually. "With video…you often times are seeing very little of the person's body and far more of their face and you want to make sure that it's coming across—the emotion—whatever you are expressing."
With a full length mirror:
With recording yourself singing on video: 1. Watching yourself back lets you see yourself from the side view or the back view. 2. We can see on our performance if we are being consistent with our technique and your emotion—especially with a LIVE performance. "This isn't about being critical in the sense of saying "look at everything I did wrong"—what it is is to say 'let me critique myself and see what things I was doing really well and what are some improvements I can make'. " "A lot of singing healthier is simply that—being able to analyze what's going on when something's wrong, reset, and then make the change." Tag me when you share these episodes on social media. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| Ep 019 | Money Tips for Gigging Musicians | Tara B | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:26:01 | |
In today's episode, Tara gives musicians some food for thought in the things they need for the financial piece of their music business. She provides some practical tips of the trade that will help musicians keep track of their money, help musicians figure out what is needed for budgeting to live as a self employed person and get a system going for their biz expenses. How to get ahold of Tara:
Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic Facebook: @tarabmusician Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: | |||
| E 80 |How to Be Comfortable Doing Live and Virtual Shows| Lynz Crichton | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:36:16 | |
In today's episode,Tara talks with music biz coach Lynz Crichton all about how she got into the world of virtual shows and why they can be a part of any artist's performing journey!
Want your copy of the free PDF "5 Food Types to Avoid before a Performance"? Click here for your freebie: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/621aba240753e8bf098b382d
Lindsay wasn't from a musical family but was still influenced by the music she heard played in her home. She was given a guitar from her dad, which started her down the path of loving music. Combined with going to concerts of Brit Pop and other music, she was hooked on the performing world!
She studied languages (German) and politics instead of music. But around the time she had children, she was brought back into the world of music again and loved it!
At the time, she saw other women online who were encouraging being an indie artist. She started down that path and invested her time and money into that journey! "You can have a music career at any age—it's all about finding your tribe online." "There has never been a better time to be an independent musician." Lynz started live streaming before the pandemic and she started learning fully how to do the audio well so it would sound professional. "This is the girl that did not take "no" for an answer and chipped away at things." "There are always going to be barriers—there are always going to be things that you've got to jump over and you just have to figure it out." (On being your own CEO) Lynz decided to go LIVE every week on Tuesdays through multi-streaming because it fit her lifestyle better than touring or doing in person shows. She found a way to connect with others online and encourage people. "It showed me that music lifts people up. We know this…right then, right there, they needed it." Lynz addressed some of the biggest barriers of people performing and singing live: Fear—fear of failure, that people won't show up, that you aren't good enough and more Overwhelm—with the tech, doing the rest of your music biz jobs
Her favorite things to do in performing: Picking up a guitar—it lets her get into the moment of the music The connection with LIVE audiences—getting feedback is a buzz for her! Getting people to "feel something"! "Focus on how you make people feel…they are feeling low—they put that track on that makes them feel amazing…they put that track on that makes them feel like they've got a hug through their headphones." Lynz helps others with overwhelm, shiny object syndrome and doing the step by step processes needed for the music biz. You can find Lynz's program online at:
Tag me when you share these episodes on social media. Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 79 |How to Pick Songs for Performances that Engage the Listener and Help them Become Fans | Tara B | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:18:19 | |
In today's episode, Tara gives you tips and tools for picking and figuring out the best songs that will help you connect with your audience whether you are doing virtual or in person concerts.
Want your copy of the free PDF "5 Food Types to Avoid before a Performance"? Click here for your freebie: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/621aba240753e8bf098b382d
What is so important about song choice? Listen to what Tony Bennett said: "So I make it a point to seek out quality songs that provide that kind of powerful emotion."
Here are some things to consider:
Putting some real thought into your performance and songs will help you keep and grow fans! "You actually respect people by taking care to choose the songs that are going to speak to them." Please feel free to share this podcast with others on social media. Tag me when you do: Facebook: @TaraBmusician Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic TikTok:@tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 78 |Are Vocal Warmups Necessary? | Tara B | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:18:57 | |
Ever thought that vocal warmups were a time waster? There are actually different schools of thought in whether warmups should be used in a singer's life or not. In today's episode, Tara addresses some of the opinions of warmups and why and when they can be useful and necessary.
Want 1-on-1 voice lessons at a group price? Grab your spot in The Singer's FeedBack Zone here: https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/21
Why are warmups important?
"As we age, warmups are becoming more crucial…and the type of warmups you do and the time of day—those things can all affect how we do and what kind of warmups we do."
There are exercises that build and help the vocal folds be ready to sing.
"Warmups can really help your voice get ready to tackle the gig…in a way that sets everything free so there's not going to be tension happening."
Doing warmups intentionally with an order that builds on the previous ones will help you warmup more gracefully.
Don't forget cool downs too! Warmups have a definite purpose to keep you singing at your healthiest and best! Check out episodes 10, 19, 26, 35 and 77 to sing along with warmups here at The Engaging Voice. Please feel free to share this podcast with others on social media. Tag me when you do: Facebook: @TaraBmusician Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||
| E 77 | 4 Fresh New Warmups for the Voice | Tara B | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:08:57 | |
Tara uses today's show to give you some fun warmups that you can sing along with anywhere—at home, in the car or wherever you have your phone. These catchy original warmups will get you singing and put an ear worm in your head for the day!
IF you want to get your own SINGING STRAW with Tara's 10% discount, go here right now: http://bit.ly/Tarabsingingstraw And at the checkout put in code: TaraB10 Exercises:
You can also sing harmonies with these if you find them too high!
Please feel free to share this podcast with others on social media. Tag me when you do: Facebook: @TaraBmusician Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic | |||