My 'Reaching Your Dream' Arts Career/PR Workshop Can Help Artists Of All Kinds

            I am so excited about partnering with Nashville publicist/author/composer Chuck Whiting for several upcoming workshops and artist vision sharing events called "Reaching Your Dream". Chuck and I will be bringing some great ideas and concepts that have helped us “make a living… living the dream.” The music business is not what it used to be.  I know that is the same with every thing.  It is changing with progress and advancement just like every other business. The boom of the Internet has helped grass roots artists like myself by allowing me to be easily found and heard. Another thing that has helped artists like me is that CD production has become much easier and affordable. I read a recent article that some self-produced artists and bands are actually doing better financially because they have not been signed to major labels, avoiding the huge debt that sometimes occurs. You also hear a lot these days about how major artists and labels are losing money because of the Internet and free downloads.

Amy Allen performs in an Arkansas art gallery

            Our workshops are not limited to musicians. We want to reach anyone who needs help getting their specific craft to a new level. If you are a painter, we can provide tools to get your work seen in local galleries. Did you know I am a painter? I love building multi-media on wood and canvas. My art projects have been in several galleries in Arkansas. That brings up another great reason our workshop can help you get to the next level. You might be a musician who loves to dabble in the art world. We can help you with that. You might be a songwriter who has written a novel and needs help publishing. Chuck is a published author and can get you linked with how to get published. I think you will find some way our workshop can help.

Amy Allen with her artwork

          Photo (right): This is a piece of my art that is now in a private collection. I look forward to meeting and seeing you at one of our "Reaching Your Dream" workshops or shows.

          To learn more or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" arts career-building/PR workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net . Upcoming workshops will occur in Nashville (July 26); Independence/Galax, Va. (Sept. 12-14); and Roanoke, Va. (TBA).

Join Amy Allen and Chuck Whiting on July 26 for the 'Reaching Your Dream' Artist Workshop

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2014) -- Artists of all kinds can receive invaluable insights on the professional steps needed to achieve success by attending the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 26 (Saturday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville.

            The career and publicity training workshop will be led by country/blues/pop artist Amy Allen and award-winning publicist/educator/composer/author Chuck Whiting. Attendees will learn how to write and distribute press releases; develop a one-of-a-kind hook; believe in their talents; plan creative events; develop stage presence; form a team of experts; develop, manufacture, market and sell original products; obtain copyrights; and build Internet exposure.

Amy Allen

            Allen and Whiting will lead artists through the career-building and publicity process step by step with hands-on instructions, examples and feedback. Artist Q&A spotlights (case studies) will feature insights from Nashville filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, singer/songwriter/musician Sean O'Shea, and author/speaker/edu-tainer/edu-preneur Debbie Watts.

            Attendees will participate in an artist vision-sharing event called "Arts on the Row" from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. The first 15 professionals to sign up for the workshop will enjoy a complimentary tour and demonstrations at a local media operation on July 25 (Friday). They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques during a brainstorming lunch on July 27 (Sunday).

            Tuition for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop is $95 (registration by July 20) and $120 (registration after July 20). Participation in the "Arts on the Row" artist vision-sharing event, media tour, and critiques/Q&A sessions are included with registration. Meals are not included. Discounts are available for couples, company-sponsored groups, and non-profit organizations. Artist scholarships are available.

            For more information or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 423-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

            "I hear many fellow artists say how overwhelmed they are with the multi-tasking involved in the career-building process," said Allen, who has collaborated with Whiting on product development, performances and publicity for her "Someday Is Today" CD project. "Overcoming self-doubt to believe in yourself can be a huge struggle. And many artists don't realize how important it is to establish a professional self-image. It's very important to develop a one-of-a-kind persona, top-notch marketing tools, and a great team. We also need to protect our intellectual property rights in a fast-changing digital world. Achieving success is a combination of heart and business."

            Allen recently landed two Top-15 country hits from her latest album, “Someday Is Today”. Amy has performed at venues ranging from the White House to the Ryman Auditorium, opening for stars such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn. She has overcome a major health-related challenge to become successful in the arts. Learn more about Amy Allen at www.TheAmyAllen.com.

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in Music City in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Learn more about Chuck Whiting at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

Chuck Whiting

            "Our goal will be for each musician, author, actor or visual artist to have a career-changing hook, game plan, or press release in hand by the end of the weekend," said Whiting, who is completing a new CD of instrumentals and vocal tunes for release in 2014. "We will be available to provide feedback during a follow-up brainstorming lunch on Sunday."

            For more information about the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

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Amy Allen Offers 'Someday Is Today Artist Workshop' for Musicians, Authors, Visual Artists and Others

    How many times have you asked yourself, "What do I do next?" You know you have talent, but you're not sure how to get your songs, voice, paintings and books out there. There are so many things to do with so little time in the day. Still, you don't want to give up on your dream.

Amy Allen

     Singer-songwriter/visual artist/speaker Amy Allen and publicist/manager/composer Chuck Whiting know the frustrations and joys that artists go through on their artistic journeys. Both have worked in the arts for many years, planning, publicizing and playing events from Nashville to Kenya. They are eager to share what they've learned to help other promising artists find success through the "Someday Is Today Artist Workshop".

You will learn how to

            * Develop an in-depth "Artist Success Game Plan".

            * Discover a one-of-a-kind hook.

            * Put together a life-changing event.

            * Hone your chops for outstanding performances and presentations.

            * Use publicity to land news media coverage.

            * Build a base of devoted fans.

            * Overcome discouragement to believe in your talents.

            * Make money with your art.

How to Book the Workshop:

     To book or learn more about the workshop, please write us at Info@TheAmyAllen.com or call (870) 918-4403.

About the Workshop Leaders:

     Amy Allen is a blues-accented country, pop and Americana singer-songwriter who has sung on three continents, appearing at venues ranging from the White House and the Ryman Auditorium to the Garden Hotel in Machakos, Kenya. The artist is re-launching her music career with the "Someday Is Today" CD and national tour. The album, which was recorded in Nashville, features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The title track has hit the Top 15 of the STS Main Country Chart. Amy was only 20 years old when she was first "discovered" in an Arkansas honky-tonk by a music industry executive. Her rendition of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" led her to the footsteps of Shoney's on Music Row and eventually a contract with an independent record label. With stars in her eyes, she recorded her first album with some of Nashville's top musicians. Amy will share how she almost gave up on her dream -- overcame a heartbreaking experience in Music City to rediscover her artistic mission to achieve success.

     Chuck Whiting is an award-winning publicist, artist manager, educator, songwriter/composer, music publisher and author. A former newspaper reporter, he founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions in 1993. His clients include songwriters, musical performers, authors, visual artists, art galleries, hotels, non-profit organizations, and businesses of all kinds. Shine Time Records and Books, the book and music publishing arm of Whiting Publicity, provides promotional and logistical support for authors and performing artists of all kinds. Chuck is the author and co-songwriter of "The Littlest Star: a musical story", a book and CD featuring performances by musical performers Margo Smith, Denny Jiosa and Conni Ellisor. "The Littlest Star" single has received radio airplay in the U.S. and Europe. In 2010, Shine Time Records and Books published the book "Wordabulous!: Celebrating the Positive Power of Words" by professional songwriter/National Vocabulary Championship Coach of the Year Debbie Watts. The firm's Striking Moon Music (ASCAP) recently landed a song written by the late Marcia Jones in the Hallmark movie "Lake Effects" starring Jane Seymour.