The Changing Stage

Balanced Breakfast LA's first panel at Musicians Institute co-sponsored by MakeMusic LA, Entertalk Radio and The Alliance for Women Film Composers.

Sound Advice: The Art of Composing a Career in Music

In an ever-changing industry, music creators and professionals have to be creative not only in the way they approach their craft, but in the way they build their careers. How does one end up playing for Miles Davis, arrange for American Idol, become an Emmy-winning composer, write songs with Babyface, produce for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, secure notable trailer spots, start a successful music non-profit, sing with iconic band members? Experienced panelists will share their personal stories in overcoming the challenges of the industry, discuss the debate of art versus commerce, offer practical advice on the skills they had to learn and acquire to maintain financial stability and excel in their passions.


Panelists:
John Beasley (Grammy-nominated artist, pianist for Miles Davis, arranger American Idol, Musical Director UNESCO's International Jazz Day)


Miriam Cutler (Emmy-nominated composer 100+ films/tv credits, Co-Founder of the Alliance for Women Film Composers, advisor Sundance Institute)


Jorge Corante (multi-platinum producer for Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, K-Ci JoJo, Robin Thicke, documentary film composer)


Casey 'Schpilkas' Dunmore (producer, trailer composer 'Guardians of the Galaxy', 'Hercules', and 'Transformers')


Andreea Magdalina (Founder of non-profit SheSaid.So empowering females in the music industry)


Brendan McCreary (songwriter SyFy's DEFIANCE, frontman Oingo Boingo Dance Party with original members of Oingo Boingo)

Producer Tim Dolbear talks about his approach to working in the studio and the launch of his new radio show Sound Experience

Cornelius Grant is an American guitarist, composer, and band leader. He served as the musical director, guitar player, and live show arranger for Motown vocal group The Temptations from 1964 until 1982.

Dr and the Medics were created almost at the dawn of the 80’s, in 1982 by The Rev Dr. Clive Thomas Jackson.
The band has had a very colourful and successful career as both recording artists and performers. Undoubtedly they are been best known for their massive 1986 No 1 “Spirit in the Sky,” which sold over 24 Million copies world wide and was number 1 in 23 countries!! They are also recognized as a great live act, in 1985 the NME referred to them as “THE live band of the year.”

Alphonse Mouzon is an American jazz-fusion drummer and percussionist, and the owner of Tenacious Records, a label that primarily releases Mouzon’s recordings. He also composes, arranges and produces, as well as acts. Alphonse Mouzon’s popularity as a performing artist first became realized in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He has played with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Patrick Moraz, Betty Davis and Chubby Checker. Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, during his acceptance speech for induction into the 1995 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, listed Alphonse Mouzon as one of the band’s influences from American music.

Kurt Maloo is a Swiss singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer. He first achieved international success in 1986, as the singer and front man of the pop-jazz duo Double with the hit single, “The Captain of Her Heart“.

Andrew Ford is a bass player, composer, arranger, producer and educator. He has performed with legendary artists in almost every major genre of music, while also having a Masters degree in Education. He has shared the stage or studio with Al Jarreau, Whitney Houston, David Crosby, Robben Ford, Chaka Khan, George Duke, Gladys Knight, James Ingram, Israel Houghton, Dianne Reeves, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, Lynne Fiddmont, Christopher Cross, Jerry Butler, Michael McDonald, David Pack, The Emotions, Phil Perry, The Stylistics, Brenda Russell, Larry Carlton, Oleta Adams, Jeffrey Osborne, Melissa Manchester, Jeff Lorber, Deniece Williams, Johnny Hammond, Greg Adams, Randy Crawford, Norman Brown, Graham Nash, Boney James, Paul Brown, Kirk Whalum, Michael Paulo and many others. Andrew has completed 5 bass instructional videos for truefire.com, covering everything from blues to r&b, walking bass, reggae, and overall groove. He has taught bass or done seminars at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood(BIT), Citrus Community College, the Los Angeles College of Music, and the University of La Verne. He has also taught Music Business courses at the college level. Andrew has written or co-written many songs, including “Flame” which is on the Best of GRP CD, Tomorrow Today by Al Jarreau, and the 2013 Grammy Nominated Al Jarreau live project. Andrew has also had success writing for tv and film, with a number of songs in regular rotation. He recently co-wrote the theme song for the award-winning HBO short film “Muted”.

Jackie Bertone is a touring and recording percussionist who has worked with artist and/or groups like The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Tower of Power, Joe Walsh and the Eagles.

Marcella Detroit is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter who has worked alongside artists like Bob Seger, Leon Russell and Eric Clapton, was a co-writer on Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally” and sang backups on it, as well as on “Promises” and “Wonderful Tonight”.