The Engaging Performer

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...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree chat all about the beauty of doing live shows—public performance—and how important they can actually be for your music career. They discuss how you can grow your audience and fan base through these shows and also sell your music and merch much faster than by relying on social media.   How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic  ...

In today's episode, Tara talks with fellow musicians and tribute show bandmates Lisa Keith Bernard and Jana Anderson. These two ladies both come from a professional career in music—Jana touring as a background singer for world class musicians like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, and Lisa, having a hit record single and singing on the Tonight Show. The three of them are in the trending tribute show "...

In today's episode, Tara talks about the concept of 5K and 10K months of income, how they are promoted by so many coaches and yet why they might not be sustainable or even good for your music business. She gives some practical thoughts on what might really make someone's music biz successful and it doesn't have to do with money. Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Tara's n...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree chat about some of the crazy things that have happened to them before or during concerts and what they have done to keep going amid the absurdity. This is an episode that many performing musicians will most likely relate to and enjoy.   How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic     Facebook: @tarabmusician   Tara's new book: 20...

Pressed for time but still want to sound your best? In this episode, Tara shares a set of easy, effective vocal warmups that can be done in 10 minutes or less—no piano required! Whether you're heading into a gig, rehearsal, or just want to keep your voice in shape, these warmups will help you: Gently wake up your voice Improve breath support and tone Smooth out your vocal breaks Get into a confide...

In today's episode, Tara and Bree meet up once again to talk "shop" about performing and the many different kinds of shows you can focus on offering. From themed shows to different genres, holidays and special seasons of the year, there are many to choose from. Plus creating a show with a fixed subject can boost your chances of booking more gigs! Bree and Tara also cover many practical ways of mar...

In today's episode, Tara talks shop about the MANY things people can be thankful for in being a full-time musician. There are many times musicians can become discouraged making their living on music but she offers here a variety of thoughts to help each musician be reminded of the wonderful assets that music provides. How to get ahold of Tara: www.tarabrueske.com   Instagram : @tarabrueskemusic  ...

In today's episode, Tara shares the microphone with fellow professional musician Bree Noble. They chat about many different aspects of a performance and relating to your audience that will make you a fantastic performer who creates memorable experiences and serves your audience. They offer many practical tips and helps that can enhance what you bring to the stage. ˙How to get ahold of Tara: www.ta...