Wondering what to do with the kiddies this summer? Sign them up for Kids’ Campfire Songs Camp!

The guitar camp will run June 24-27 from 10 – 11:45 AM.

Ukulele camp is offered the same week from 1-2:45 PM.

All the details are here in the flier – teens and adults, we gotcha covered also, with a 4-week class on Wednesday evenings.

See you there!

2013 Guitar Uke Camps Classes Flier

Kids, Teens, and Adult Summer Campfire Songs Programs for Guitar and Ukulele

This year I had the privilege of working as the head of the Entertainment Committee for Ambridge Nationality Days.

Nationality Days is a local tradition, a celebration of our area’s history and diverse cultures. It’s the biggest festival in Beaver County, attracting between 40,000-50,000 people during the third weekend in May.

The festival means 3 days of sausage sandwiches, shish kabob, lemonade, nut roll, pierogies, baklava – and gyros!

And then there’s the ethnic dancing, martial arts, crafts, children’s games, and music – LOTS of music.  All weekend long.

I want to thank Debbie and Jim Tobin, who served on the committee along with me, as well as Jenifer Watkins, Director of the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce. We had very little time to pull this together, yet we got a great deal of work done in a very short time – and everyone was an absolute pleasure to work with!

I also want to thank the many bands and performance groups who donated their time and talents to help us grow Nationality Days to 2 full stages for the entire 3 days. We got many, many compliments on the level of talent and professionalism displayed by the entertainers. Feedback was fantastic.

I’m especially grateful to Ray Leech of III Software for his donation toward a stipend to offset the performers’ expenses, as well as well as to Gold Level sponsor Haydee Luciano. We raised enough money to give each group approx. $100.

Our goal was to set the stage for amazing celebrations for the 49th and 50th anniversaries of Nationality Days. Thanks to the performers, my fellow committee members, and our sponsors, I’d say we are off to a great start!

Beaver County rocks and so do YOU!

2013 Nationality Days Performance Schedule

Communication Breakdown, Tyrants of Tolerance, Sidewinder Band, Ambridge Steel Drums, Michaels Christopher Band, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Jazz Group, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Steel Drums, Arnie Steinberg, James Tobin, Alvin Zaleweski, Hellenic Dancers, Beaver County’s Got Talent, Billy the Kid & the Regulators, Twelve Inch Tom, Dave Iglar Band, David Shingler, Edenlight, Leanne Regalla and The Lost Marbles, For Those About To Rock Academy, River Valley Tang Soo Do Academy, Doris Singer Dance Studio, Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers, The River Black Water Band, Ambridge Area High School Choir, Blaming Murphy, Greater Dominion Church of the Millenium, Holly Mathias

Posted by Leanne Regalla+ on May 2, 2013 in Blog, Branding & Design, Creativity & Innovation, Media | 8 comments

I’m sure you’ve been there. The handshake, the compliment, then the friendly advice. “You should do…”

Every writer, photographer, designer, dancer, musician and artist gets unsolicited advice almost daily from family and friends who mean well but who are, well, clueless about what it takes to make great art or to make a living from it.

Here’s one piece of advice you can take to the bank: Smile and nod, but don’t take it to heart.

I did an informal survey of about 30 artists and musicians to find out the worst advice they had ever received — to help you identify the red flags and know when to stick to your game plan.

1. “Get a real job/keep your real job”

This was the number one response. There is a common misperception in our society that creating something from nothing isn’t legitimate work. Look — you invest time, money and effort to hone your craft to the point that people connect and are excited about it. You have to learn marketing, management, accounting, finance and probably a dozen other skills. Art is entrepreneurship and it will almost definitely use more of your potential — and be more rewarding — than any desk job ever could.

2. “You should be more like (famous person)/everyone else”

This was the second most common response. The problem is, famous artists have “done” themselves already. They became popular by being unique and memorable, not by being copies of someone who came before. By the same token, following the crowd isn’t a good formula for standing out either. Each of us starts somewhere different and we all have to make our own way, not just blindly follow the mainstream.

3. “You don’t have what it takes”

This one’s harsh and painful. People as successful as Abraham Lincoln, Steven Spielberg, Fred Astaire, Beethoven, Bill Gates, and Stephen King have had ideas rejected and mocked, or been told that they were stupid or lacked talent. Fortunately, we can always improve our skills through hard work and one person’s judgment isn’t shared by everyone on the planet.

4. “Just do it — you don’t need training or preparation, you don’t need a team — learn by doing”

You will learn by doing. The problem is that this approach takes a long time, there are no guarantees of success, and you will learn bad habits as well as good ones. Experience is definitely a teacher, but it is not your only teacher or necessarily even the best one. You do have to do it, there’s no doubt. But do yourself a favor: lessen your learning curve with good mentors and partners.

To read this article in its entirety, visit 12 Most.

Coraopolis Celebrates!

Student Performance  – December 1, 2012

You never know what wintery surprises an early December day can bring to Western Pennsylvania, but December 1, 2012 was a warm, sunny, and absolutely beautiful day for music at “Coraopolis Celebrates!”

 Several of our students performed and all did a fantastic job. Emma played and sang on “Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” and “Cold As You”. Alyssa rocked out solo on “What’s Goin’ On?” and “Sweet Child O’Mine”. Craig conquered “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” solo as well and Joe and I joined with him in a fun jam on “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”.

Joe and I each performed originals to start and end the 45-minute set. All in all it was a great day of music to kick off the holiday season and support local business. Many thanks to everyone who attended to show your support!

If this looks like fun – call us! We’d love to have you join us in upcoming student performances (which happen several times a year).

Many thanks to Tom Jackson and his team for choosing me as a featured Spotlight artist!

You can check out the article here, and if you like what you see in the free section, message me for a one-month Backstage Pass where you can sample all the great content and discussions to ramp up your live show, music marketing, branding, songwriting and recording skills, and much, much more.

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Spotlight on Leanne Regalla. Leanne has been a Backstage Pass member since we started; plus, she’s a Live Music Method Teacher for our Online Curriculum, and a contributing Music Row blog author. But read this Spotlight article and find out what an inspiring songwriter she is!.. Read More & Watch Video – Free Pass…

(Updated from original posting  from around 2008.)

 I’m a teacher who is totally excited and passionate about what I do. I’ve taught many different subjects over the years in academia and business, but when I started teaching guitar I thought, “This is it! I love this! I have found my life’s work!” 

But I’m No Good…

I’m thrilled to be able to bring the joy of making music to peoples’ lives… So, when a student comes to me and says, “Well, I really want to do this but I can’t. I love the guitar but I’m no good. I’ll never be as talented as John Mayer or Eddie Van Halen or Jewel (place your musical idol’s name here)” it’s a bit deflating to me as a teacher, I admit. Maybe it’s true that you won’t reach that level — or maybe not.

The first thing I try to get across to students is that they can do WAY MORE than they ever expect when they first walk into my studio. This is because with the right support and instruction students can FLY – regardless of age or prior experience. And if you’re NOT flying, skill wise or mentally and emotionally with your music, you should look for a teacher who fits you better and gets you excited. We can’t practice for you, but we can and should inspire you and have the skills to help you work through your roadblocks!

But they’re up there and I’m way down here!

Understand that mastery is within reach of everyone. Really! Stop comparing yourself to others. Even if you only master strumming the chords to “Brown Eyed Girl” – when someone asks you to play for them and you do that one simple thing really rock solid GREAT, people will say, “Hey, she’s a really good guitar player! He’s a great singer!” Of course, if you stick with it, you will be able to play much more than that in not a whole lot of time. And you will master more difficult skills.

The keys are patience,  accepting where you are now in your journey, and fully expressing your individuality. We are not meant to be clones of great stars. But that doesn’t mean we can’t excel. And if we have a desire and a drive to create music, we are meant to be musicians! (More on this topic later…)

In the mean time, let’s get back to the issue. Having a sense of accomplishment. Measuring progress. Calling and thinking of yourself as a guitar player or musician. The reality is that you CAN play the guitar (or sing, or play drums) – you are already doing it.

When your brain tells you that you can’t be a musician, your brain is WRONG! Stop listening to it.

Instead, try some of these ideas:

1. Create a repertoire section in your notebook. When you learn a song or a small classical piece – anything that you know completely and well start to finish – put it in the repertoire section of your notebook. Review these pieces regularly so you don’t forget them. Involve your teacher if it’s not part of your current routine. And if you are not learning to play anything start to finish even on a simple level, have your teacher work on this with you. You are investing in lessons and should have something to show for your time and effort. I have seen too many students who have studied a year or more and can only play riffs or parts of songs, sometimes less than that.

2. Record yourself. Simple mp3s or a cassette tape are fine for this. Play whatever is in your repertoire. The number, length, and complexity of the songs or pieces doesn’t matter. File these where you can find them and note the date you recorded them. Listen to these recordings 6 to 12 months later with your teacher or on your own. You will be amazed at how much you’ve progressed. Your teacher can help you with recording as well, it’s fun to do this exercise during your lessons.

3. Play with and for other people. Practice performing at home and in lessons. It is wrong to think that just because you have learned the song you know how to perform it. The first obvious step is to play for your teacher. Some teachers have happy fingers – make sure they don’t jump in at this point. It’s all about YOU!  Later, or in lessons, you can work on ensemble playing. Next, play for your family and friends. If you truly don’t have anyone else to play for or are still really uncomfortable, try finding other students or teachers where you take lessons. Join a class. This is a GREAT way to meet other people who are at the same level as you and who have the same concerns. Next, find a group you can play with. Again, a class is perfect. Practice groups with other students are also great. I used to like the idea of jam sessions and open stages for beginners but discovered  those really aren’t a good intermediate step. They are too infrequent and intimidating for many beginning performers. Set yourself up for success with whatever steps you are comfortable taking. Then build.

4. Teach! Yes, I said teach! The best way to learn a skill is to teach it. This forces you to think about all the little nuances and explain them to others. You can teach a neighbor, a friend, a child, anyone who will sit still long enough for you to show them something. You don’t have to charge in the beginning and you don’t have to want to teach as a career. But you will learn LOADS and get a real sense of accomplishment. You will realize how far you have come as a player.

5. Use a metronome and keep track of the tempo at which you can play songs, pieces, scales, or certain exercises cleanly and accurately. Many teachers put this at the top of their list for measuring progress. I have it a little lower on my list because I find that it’s not a prime motivator especially for beginning and intermediate students and for hobbyists. It can actually contribute to frustration, but your teacher is there to help you work through it.

6. Tell yourself every day – and tell everyone you know – YOU ARE A MUSICIAN!

You’re Invited! Please come and help me celebrate!

Just $7 gets you a GREAT afternoon of music and fun for the whole family! (Kids under 12 free)

or …Pay What You May –If dollars are tight, COME ANYWAY and pay what you can! I’d rather see YOU!

 7 great musical performances

 $7 CD special (event only -regular $10)

 Snacks and munchies or order off the menu

 Crazy Rockin’ Sock Monkey Giveaways!

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Featuring Music by –

Frank Piscopo – Entertaining and engaging storytelling songs

Kevin McCarthy - Fun and funky acoustic

Corned Beef and Curry Band - Classic Rock, Trop Rock & Irish to knock your socks off!

The Up-and-Comers - Leanne’s students Emma and Heather-Awesomeness!

Leanne Regalla - Upbeat, humorous and clever acoustic rock storytelling

Dallas Marks Band - Closing out the show with high energy Southern Rock, Country, & Rock-n-Roll

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RSVP – Email leanne@livinoutloudmusic.com or call 412-269-0846

LISTEN TO A CD PREVIEW – www.leanneregalla.bandcamp.com

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT – watch on Livestream the day of the show or at your leisure! www.Livestream.com/ReluctantRockstar

Thanks to each of you for your support and friendship over the years! Looking forward to many more!

A few months back, I was talking to a fellow songwriter. She was describing a networking/educational group she was part of and said it was cool, there were lots of great people involved, it was a supportive atmosphere, she enjoyed it – and it was weird that she enjoyed it, she said, because “these people are my competition!”

And I thought, “Competition for what?” Gigs? Media attention? Fans? Merchandise or music sales? What could they possibly take from her? Especially if she’s rockin’ her own biz?

She simply couldn’t wrap her head around a cooperative musical situation. That surprised me. Maybe it shouldn’t have, but it did.

What IS competition really?

Obviously, if you are actually entered in a formal contest with prizes, etc., that’s a different story. But in our everyday, build-our-indie-career lives, are we really in nearly constant competition with each other – to write the best songs, to snag the best exposure opps – only coming together occasionally to cooperate on certain projects? I don’t think so.

Here’s the thing. Competition implies a scarcity mindset. There’s only so much to go around and we all have to fight each other for it.  There are only so many fans with limited budgets for music, so many paying gigs, only so many big exposure opportunities and if we miss one, our careers can potentially be ruined or stalled. If a blogger or columnist is covering someone else, they’re not covering me. If a club books Janet for a night, they’re not booking me.

I don’t think that way. I just come from a completely different mindset. I see the world as being full of opportunities. And not just any old opportunities, but ones that are absolutely perfect for me.

Just because I do well – at booking gigs, at meeting people, at creating opportunities for myself, heck, even at winning contests (if I were in to that) – that doesn’t mean that you can’t also do the same. At the same time, if YOU do well in your career, that in no way stops ME from being the best I can possibly be.

Actually, any of us living life to the fullest helps everyone around us do the same!

Let’s try something completely new!

I’m going to propose a radical idea here. I think a competitive mindset is – for the most part – a remnant of the old-school music biz model. It’s outdated thinking and won’t get you far in today’s environment. I know there are many people out there who agree with me, but it’s a very new and foreign idea to others.

Do you realize that we can eliminate competition from the picture completely by creating a true, authentic, unique personal brand? (More on that later!)

You might be a competitive person by nature. Comparing yourself to others and trying to beat them may spur you to greater achievements. If that’s your deal and it works for you then great! I would never try to change you. But for me, it never has. My only measuring stick has always been to look at myself and do better.

So if you are out there, thinking like me that you’d like a different lens to look at the world, try cooperation on for size, for real. Try cheering a friend on truly, without jealousy, without comparison, and then turn your focus back onto what you gotta do to get where you wanna go.

I find this mindset to be incredibly freeing – it lets me be creative without ever worrying what everyone else is doing. My wish is that it does the same for you!

Well – ok – so I didn’t really take a vacation for a whole year, but it did feel like it sometimes…

I cut my teaching schedule so that I could have more creative time and finally get out and perform all the songs I’d been writing. I stumbled on some really cool places to play and met some great supportive people. My students even came out with me! I found a home-away-from-home at Harmony Ridge, a local venue with fabulous musicians and a great stage and sound system, that is hugely supportive of original artists of all ages. I played at the Zanafest weekend-long music festival that they hosted, what a blast that was! Three days of great music & fun! To top it off, I got to cheer my students on as they performed in the festival’s Youth Talent Competition.

I traveled to Nashville three times with the different organizations I’m working with now. If you don’t know already, you will know soon – I’m a huge fan of Live Music Producer Tom Jackson and his whole team at www.onstagesuccess.com. The first time I saw Tom speak, I thought “This guy has the cure for cancer for musicians!” – if the “cancer” in this case is not being able to sustain a long-lasting, lucrative career as a performer. (You don’t have to take my word for it. Check out his page. Some real heavy hitters in the music industry agree with me.) The changes he makes with artists onstage are just magical – they transform an average performance into something amazing right before your eyes.

I wanted to learn for myself – and because I’m naturally an excitable, sharing kind of person – I wanted to shout from the rooftops and get this great stuff out to everyone I could. So 2 Bootcamps, 2 Intensive Workshops and a private rehearsal later, I’m now licensed to teach the “All Roads Lead to the Stage” live music method curriculum. I’m also really thrilled with the direction my solo material is taking and can’t wait to get it out there even more.

At the same time, I hooked up with a great organization called Indie Connect (www.indieconnect.com) and became the Pittsburgh/Western PA Chapter President. Their mission (are you seeing a common theme here?) is to help independent musicians build solid, sustainable careers. It fits in very well with my goal of providing good strong skills, career and business guidance for musicians. I’d been a member for over a year, so I knew they had really top-notch training resources and instruction.

But the most powerful thing about Indie Connect is the networking. It’s organized and structured in a way so that whatever help you need with your career for whatever level you’re at – everyone in the room takes time to help you, make suggestions, and make contacts. It’s a far cry from the hit-or-miss networking that musicians often do in noisy bars, where you may or may not meet the right person at the right time. Indie Connect’s been growing by leaps and bounds all over the country and producing great successes for their members, I’m really proud to be part of such a dynamic group!

2010 was a busy, busy year for me but some very amazing and cool things came out of it. I think I annoyed people sometimes shouting about it all…. matter of fact, I’m sure I did. But I can’t worry about that, I’m too excited.

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of me and my new directions this past year – are you ready to rock-n-roll with me???

Thanks for reading – subscribe if ya like what you read and share it, please! There’s LOTS more good stuff where this came from.

Hi friends! Happy 2011! 

We’re currently updating our site with info on upcoming classes and performance workshops, free instructional articles, and tons of fun to keep you inspired and motivated.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see and hear from you soon.

Leanne