Most people would say that you can't use Virtual Instruments, particularly strings, in place of real instruments.

I disagree.

The reason most people are turned off by this is because the producer playing the VI isn't very good.

First, you have to understand how the instrument is supposed be played. This may take a little training and education at first.

Then you need to have a really great VI that gives you options to adjust articulations of that instrument.

Next, you'll need to take the time to really make a part shine by finessing with the subtleties and articulations that make that instrument sound real.

And lastly, blending it into the mix with the right reverbs and staging is a must.

In the first couple tutorials I show you using some of the songs I have uploaded on my Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/zionbrock

In the last song, I did the strings for a version of Anita Exira's track here: https://anitaexira.bandcamp.com/track/the-tides-and-kindred-phenomena

Enjoy!

Zion

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Tobias shared some sales going on at Izotope
• Zion talked about how to make money as an affiliate of Triple Threat Artist, so that the class pays for itself
• Mikey shared a video he made about songwriting for guitar, and broke down a song he analyzed 
• Derek shared a link for reference track ideas
• Zion reminded all students that they can sign up for a one-on-one session
• In Office hours, we all checked in and updated each other on what we were working on. Afterward we discussed headphones, speaker placement, and working on grooves.
• Juli shared a video of her commiting to do more grooves
• Rebecca Dale joined us, woohoo!
• Sem shared a Spotify playlist of songs that inspired his music
• Derek shared a list of top 100 songs of 2018
• Chelsey shared news of getting Logic Pro X!
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code ACCESS49. There's no installment plan, and you can quit anytime!

The Access Course  

• Bev asked for advice regarding  her handheld recording device
• Tobias pointed out that Tamara is a featured artist on TAXI
• MaShanda and others posted their December assignment
• Cathy congratulated several class members on sticking with The Artist’s Way
• Kristina asked for a download link for Module 11, and Emily obliged
• Andria asked for opinions on song splits with her producer
• Mikey posted a video on Songwriting for Guitar
• Moana requested opinions about a song she wants to use for a reference track
• Jaynee requested a suggested playlist for January
• Tamara linked the group to panel discussions from the guild of Music Supervisors conference.
• Nick and others posted successes
• CTM posted a replay of Office Hours
• Tobias posted about Music Supervisors and Broadcast Producers at ad agencies
• Joe asked about a playlist Cathy talked about back in October. Michelle linked him to the playlist.
• Kaeli asked a question regarding mashups
• MaShanda asked about direct performance buyouts
• Victoria posted a new Submission Opportunity due 1/12
• CTM posted a list of those graduating in January
• Katie seeks a co-writer/producer for the January assignment
• Lincoln asked about uploading connected songs to SongTradr
• Tobias requested info about discovering the email format used by Format Entertainments. Got a great response from Jake.
• Mar asked a question about research
• CTM posted an update about the November assignment
• Victoria posted a listening session replay from 1/10
• Heather and Andria both requested a collaboration for the submission opportunity
• Bev asked about the schedule of live broadcasts from CTM
• Angelique asked about the meaning of AMXT
• Tony and other graduates posted farewells
• Tim posted his Submission Opportunity submission.
• Cathy requested testimonials from graduating students
• Paul initiated a discussion of the word “hook”

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Pete was inspired by the goal setting and asked to keep the videos for quick viewing
• Mikey jumped in and shared a video about songwriting for guitar
• Kate shared a beautiful song she wrote about the shores of Maui
• In Office hours, I illustrated and reminded students about the google 100 grooves folder, as well as the exercise worksheet. We walked through showing a student example of how it works. Then we talked about habits and I gave some tips that have been very helpful for me.'
• Kenneth shared a humorous post about new years resolutions.
• Chelsey started a discussion about updating here computer and transferring DAW and plugins from her old computer
• Bethany joined our class, woohoo!
• Kate Hardly shared a link to a song she's working on for the Access class
• Zion shared a video meme about looking outside the box for creativity
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Wednesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code ACCESS49. There's no installment plan, and you can quit anytime!

The Access Course  

• Mikey offered guitar lessons
• Dwayne and others posted about successes placing music
• Pete posted his resolutions with regard to collaboration
• Alex posted an invitation to have your mix and production reviewed
• Helen and many others wished us all a Happy New Year
• Laura posted a cover of Auld Lang Syne for our enjoyment.
• CTM posted a summary of successes in 2018
• Zion posted a video about vision and goals for 2019
• Joe and others posted songs for feedback.
• Patrick requested recommendations for open mics
• Tobias requested recommendations on a fig.8 condenser mic
• Dennis announced that his production music library is being represented by 5 Alarm Music
• Mark asked if it was too soon to restart sending out emails
• Tamara joyfully announced that she is featured on TAXI. Congratulations, Tamara!
• Angela seeks an accountability partner
• Michelle posted Cathy’s podcast episode where she interviews Becky Scott
• Kurt announced that he created some of the backing tracks for the new show The Masked Singer.
• Bev requested help identifying a song, was told to download Shazam, which worked.
• Alex posted feedback on several people’s productions.
• Cathy posted video of the venue where the live session will be in March. Gorgeous and huge.
• Kathrin asked about turning in assignments late.
• Rick asked about the best mic to use for acoustic guitars.
• CTM announced the January assignment is in the files. Good luck all!

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

• Personal goals (losing weight, more exercise, eating better, better relationships, etc.)
• Educational goals (learning a new language, mastering an instrument, learning how to produce you’re own music, understanding music theory better, etc.)
• Money Goals ($5000/m in online cashflow, paying off debt, landing a huge sync placement with your music, selling merch at a gig, etc.)
• Service Goals (Helping your community more, offering services, local charities, fundraising, etc.)

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• We started a discussion about Ableton Live as the primary DAW pros and cons
• Zion announced doing one on one's with every student to get more acquainted and find out how to help everyone.
• Tobias shared a couple free plugins that everyone should check out.
• Sem shared a video and article about Stem mastering\
• Zion shared a video about going into the new year with a clear vision and goals
• Mikey Meiers shared a cool tip on guitar production
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE. There's no installment plan, and you can quit anytime!

The Access Course 

• Eric and others posted holiday songs for our enjoyment.
• Cathy posted about all the changes and exciting new programs.
• Amira and others (including me) posted holiday greetings
• Cathy posted encouragement and love for the holiday and comfort for those who are not having that great a time.
• Mikey posted a video offering skype lessons.
• Marty and others posted December assignment songs for feedback.
• Lori seeks a producer for a Christmas songs.
• CTM reminds us about the December 1-4-19 deadline.
• Robin posted a video of Arnold Schwarzenegger encouraging us to work hard.
• Zion posted a video on setting goals for 2019
• Jacq sent everyone greetings and a song, after her absence
• Rick posted a video about using samples and loops in your music
• Tobias called our attention to free plugins being offered
• Amira asked for guidance on putting songs for sync on streaming services and opinions about Distrokid
• Emily posted an article about the tempo of current pop music

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

"If your ship isn't getting any closer to the harbor, it's unlikely it's the harbor's fault." - My Godfather

Listen, we've got to start talking about your goals for 2019. If you're having trouble putting these together for this next year it's probably because you're not clear on your vision of where you want to be.

Can you take a few mins to think about where you want to be and what your life will represent over the next 5 to 10 years? This is something that's going to organically change over time, but you've got have a direction right now! 

So do yourself a favor, sit down and write out where you want to be in the next 5 years, mentally, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, musically, etc. Get clear on this right now!

When you go to write down your goals for this year, they'll start falling into place!

I personally love to visualize where I'll be on NYE 2019, and how will I want to celebrate. For me, I want to be on a cruise in the middle of nowhere, sipping brandy and smoking a cigar with good friends. 

Paint a picture like this, and ask yourself what you'll be celebrating. And if you'd like, email me back and let me know what that looks like!

Zion

Today I want to share some of the lessons I learned over this last year. My successes and failures. I'm not usually this vulnerable, so I hope you'll forgive me, but I want to put myself out there more.  

Here's a breakdown video

Became an entrepreneur through The Triple Threat Artist

Path of Higher Performance

Ridding myself from Negativity and Complainers

Became More Practical

Burned the boats

Lessons through failures

Importance of Connection and Synergy 

- Makes striving toward my goals more fun
- Sharing my fears and successes

 
Ok, that's enough about me. I would absolutely love to hear what you learned and how you've grown over the last year. Did you kick ass? Did you have trouble meeting your goals? Did you lose focus sometimes like me? Did things come up that you didn't anticipate?

Seriously, send me a note or write the comments below and let me know about your year. I answer all my PM's and DM's and emails. 

Zion

Here is a recap of facebook group information for one or more courses you're a part of. Disclaimer. This recap by no means replaces the information in the Facebook Groups. Always refer to them for the most current and accurate information. We do our best to relay what we think is the most important details, but it's very possible for us to overlook something or make a typo in the process. This is just to be used as a quick reference and outline. Enjoy!

The Triple Threat Artist

• Zion shared the recap of the week
• John Agacki joined our tribe, woot woot!
• Osie shared a success having a song he worked on get on BET
• Josh shared a great link to a quote by Ira Glass
• Tobias asked the group about tools for speeding up an audio vocal track after a song has been sped up
• Juli shared a new mic she just got
• Office hours were so good this week, great chat on Tuesday. We focused a lot on Tobias's track, discussing, tight production vs human elements. We talked a lot about saturators, vocal processing, melodyne, vocalign, and vocal chain setups.
• Zion shared some thoughts on how valuable collaborations are
• Osie shared a track he's looking for topline on
• Zion shared info about cloud lifters
• Mikey Meiers shared information creating hooks with guitar parts
• More steps were taken by students to listen to lectures and apply their new knowledge in exercises and groove making strategies.
• This next week's office hours will be held on Tuesday at 10am, where we will deconstruct famous production of hit songs, as well as get questions resolved for any production projects students are working on.
• If you are in the Access Course and have interest in joining the Triple Threat Artist group, please let Zion know, we've got an amazing discount waiting for you.. Now $49/m, with coupon code 49FORLIFE. There's no installment plan, and you can quit anytime!

The Access Course 

• Josh and others added songs for feedback
• Kathrin asked for reference tracks for the December assignment.
• Victoria posted the replay of Kelsey Mitchell’s session
• Tricia asked for volunteers for a show in Santa Monica.
• Jan posted notes from the Kelsey Mitchell session
• Jim requested contact information
• Bev posted information about a Netflix show called The Ranch
• Tobias posted a pic of himself and Irina at the Berlin SongCon
• Jim asked people to post how they find and use reference tracks
• Amber asked for information about the next live event
• Marty asked about sync licensing companies that are successful, yet have no websites
• Rick asked for producer suggestions
• Kathy posted about big news about the course
• Robin posted a link to Craig Ballantyne’s High-Status Summit: Introvert’s Guide to Networking
• Dwayne asked about writing a song that leaves you feeling vulnerable.
• Moana posted about adventures in pitching her song Queendom
• Danny and others posted successes
• Halley posted a question about licensing approvals. Tamara gave her a really comprehensive answer in the comments.
• Susan in looking for a copy of a work for hire agreement that includes a pseudonym clause.
• Jake announced his new album
• Nichole shared a video about enthusiasm a la Sterling K Brown
• CTM shared a video of Nick Phelps and Jacq Babb’s recent placement for Nordstrom Rack
• Cathy posted a video about changes to the course, and new people coming aboard and the live event.
• CTM posted info about the Live Event in March, including the discount code good till midnight PST on 12/19/18
• Tamara posted a video of a panel she was on in LA
• Emily asked a question about Taxi vs. SongTradr.
• Minko asked about sending emails this close to Christmas.
• Amira asked questions about the December assignment and Metadata
• David shared his Christmas song.
• Tamara shared a search for a HULU trailer
• Ian posted the BBC article about the $5M verdict in Blurred Lines trial
• Serge posted a Broadjam announcement
• Victoria posted the postponement of the Brittany Whyte/Chop Shop session until January
• Victoria posted the replay of the Listening session from 12-13-18
• Zion posted an video about collaborating.
• Jim is seeking a vocalist.
• Lori posted a SNL video
• Meg posted about her new Spotify presence
• Lori posted that she thought it a good idea to reach out to local filmmakers
• Cathy posted about the future direction, and another license.
• Jan sought a reference playlist for the December assignment
• Zion posted about the March Live Event (See you there, Zion!)
   

Huge thanks to Jan Seides for her help in summarizing the Access Course.

Sign up now to a $75 discount (before 12/19). Use the code ACCESS75 at checkout. http://6-figure-songwriting.teachable...

2-DAY LIVE ACCES EVENT!

This video is to give you the push you need to come attend the Live Access Event in LA hosted by Catch the Moon Music, on March 7-8, 2018. Details are below.

PS, if you do decide to attend, come join the Triple Threat social event I'm hosting on Wed (Mar 6th) evening at 6:30. This will be held in the bar area of this hotel here: The Hilton Garden Inn 2005 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90068 The Triple Threat social is open to everyone that's going to the Access Event. Come join us, we have a blast! There will be door prizes, so you don't want to miss it.

Now go make some awesome music, and let me know if you have any questions!

Zion #:-)

_______

From the Catch the Moon Music email:

SO, you’ve probably heard the news… WE ARE HOSTING ANOTHER 2-DAY LIVE ACCES EVENT!

We love this community so much and there is no match for the energy and inspiration that is cultivated when we meet together in person. This event will be 2 days of panels with music supervisors, songwriting assignments + the opportunity to submit to real searches, masterclass sessions with the CTM team, the opportunity to connect with other inspiring artists, and more!

We are beyond excited for our next event: SyncKeepers: 2 Day Live Mastermind Event on March 7-8, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA (venue location: TBA)!

And of course we want to give you priority before we announce to the public AND a discount :) You can use the code ACCESS75 at checkout for a $75 discount on your ticket. This discount EXPIRES next Wednesday 12/19 at midnight PST!!

Click this link for more info & to purchase your ticket

And click this link to join the official SyncKeepers event group for future updates and details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/89932...

Woohoo, see you in March!

xx- The Catch the Moon Music Team

PS - don’t forget - discount expires next Wednesday 12/19 at midnight PST.

Hey Triple Threats!

Now that you've been in the course and community and have seen the value in all of this first hand, I'd like to give you the opportunity to become an affiliate of mine!

Anyone you sign up and bring in (using the specific link I will send you) will pay you back 25% of their monthly subscription fee. In other words, if a new student signs up using your link signs up at the normal $57/month price, I will pay you $14.25/month for as long as they are in the course! 

That's like paying for your Spotify or Apple Music subscription!

And there's no cap on this, with how many people you sign up. So if you want to sign up 10 people, you'd be making $142.50/month. (paid quarterly throughout the year)

Pretty cool, huh!

So if you're interested, the first thing to do is let me (Zion) know in an email. [email protected]. I will send you a link that you can use to send your prospective students.

And then let the money start flowin!

Thanks so much for everything you guys bring to this class, the energy, the talent, and the life!

Zion