The Engaging Performer

Too often, full-time musicians get trapped in a comparison and client based fee, letting clients dictate their worth based solely on their time on stage or what they think a musician should charge. But a 45-minute set or a 3-minute track actually represents years of invisible labor. In this episode, Tara pulls back the curtain on "The Invisible Inventory"—the thousands of hours of unpaid practice,...

Have you ever spent years commanding the stage alone, carrying the full weight of every performance on your own shoulders? In this episode, Tara dives into the deep, soul-stirring magic that happens when a solo performing artist steps into communal singing. While performing solo offers incredible creative control, opening up your process to sing and harmonize with other musical artists unlocks a p...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree discuss reasons that musicians pivot, some ways of how to pivot and knowing the best times of when to make changes in your music career. Vocal Eze: https://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske (15% off for friends) Foldable Music Stand VEKKIA: https://amzn.to/4cndscb   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician     How to get ahold of Bree Noble : https://...

What transforms an ordinary voice lesson into a breakthrough experience? In this episode, Tara breaks down the vital traits needed on both sides of the music stand to unlock true vocal growth. First, she explores what makes an exceptional voice teacher, focusing on the patience, active listening, and adaptive communication required to guide any singer. Then, she flips the script to look at the ide...

In this episode, Tara shares some of her recent favorite products from Amazon that have made her life easier as a music performer. From makeup to clothes to equipment, she has found these wonderful gadgets and products to be of good practical help. Tara's links for each product on Amazon (where she is an Amazon associate:) 1. Neutrogena oil free eye makeup remover https://amzn.to/450w9yv   2. Port...

In this episode, Tara talks about the subject of getting a raise doing gigs. She gives practical reasons why it's okay to ask for one as well as sharing a bit of her own journey through navigating the world of earning income as a full time musician.   For more help, get Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZG...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk shop about AI, how it's being used in the music industry, how they use it and the pros and cons of using it as a musician. Plus a few practical tips for using it for personal use as well.   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%...

In this episode, Tara breaks down how to process negative feedback without letting it kill your drive, helping you separate constructive criticism from toxic noise. She also dives into the business side of knowing your worth, sharing the exact red flags that signal it is time to walk away from a venue that is not going to book you anymore. It is not about quitting. It is about protecting your ener...

Tara breaks down the nitty gritty of details that you will need for every gig you do—from the initial booking where you get a "yes" to the day of getting to the gig and who you need to connect with so you can feel completely prepared! For more help, get Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+mu...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk real life about being a working musician and how money you earn can fluctuate (based on many factors). They chat about what things musician might face with trying to make a consistent living and how to combat the times when earnings can be slower or non-existent. They give many practical ideas based on years of experiencing variable changes in their incomes....

In today's episode, Tara discusses the many aspects of what it means to be an introvert and perform regularly. She chats about simple ways to help her get through a gig and doing all the aspects you need to do when you are a full time musician but you get your energy boost from alone time! Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vi...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk real life about what is means to be a performing musician post 50. They chat about the things that change through the years, as well as the benefits of being an older musician.   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...

Tara talks in this episode about what musicians actually engage in each week. It can be a complex mix of creative, administrative, and physical tasks essential for survival in a modern industry, often spending more time preparing, creating content, or teaching than actually performing.   Grab Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs https://www.amazon.com/Booking-Every-Musician-...

In this episode, we're talking about something every singer faces—nerves. Whether it's shaky hands, a tight throat, or that rush of adrenaline right before you start, you're not alone. The good news? You don't have to wait until the nerves go away to sing with confidence. Tara shares simple, practical tips to help you manage those feelings, stay grounded, and focus on what really matters—connectin...

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 decisio...

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:...

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...

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: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+book...

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 Sing...

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: www....

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk about the topic of physical limitations and what to do when you've got performances that you've committed to do. They share from their own experiences and others what can be done if you have to modify your gigs or simply need to find others to help. How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Ta...

In today's episode, Tara shares about how she got into the online world of podcasting, courses, membership groups and more! She tells the journey that took a lot of learning, perseverance and doing a lot of firsts as a woman in her late 40's and early 50's! How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Boo...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree discuss the many reasons to engage in follow ups in your music business, how to get motivated to do so and making sure that it's a regular part of your weekly tasks. They talk about the importance of how follow ups can make or break getting a new fan, getting a new sale or getting a new gig! How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskem...

In today's episode, Tara looks back on her singing/performing career and shares pieces of her musical journey starting in early childhood. She shares how it expanded, changed and morphed into the full concert life she has now in her 50's. How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Mus...

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: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Tara's new book: 20 Must Hav...