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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KORG USA AND USC THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC KICK OFF 2011 ARTIST SERIES OF CLINIC EVENTS
MELVILLE, NY, May 19, 2011 — Korg USA and the USC Thornton School of Music opened their 2011 Artist Series with two recent clinics by Peter Michael Escovedo and Michael Bearden. Designed to support the next generation of music makers, these artist events give USC music students “front row” access to today’s influential music makers, who impart both practical and inspirational advice and insight into having a successful music career.
The first event featured EMMY®-award nominated percussionist and Korg Wavedrum endorsee Peter Michael Escovedo. It was attended by over 60 students from the USC Popular Music Performance programs. Escovedo began by discussing his background being raised in a musical family, his original performing experiences and his diversification into television.
He then had the students come up and form bands to simulate what it was like to respond to cues on a television show. The students had to make up vocal and instrumental parts on the spot, then start and stop the songs according to the instructions of the TV director (played by Escovedo). Chris Sampson, Associate Dean for the Thornton School’s Popular Music Performance program, noted, “It was pretty remarkable to see how well the students responded.”
The next event featured Michael Bearden. Currently the band leader for TV’s Lopez Tonight,Bearden is an accomplished musical director / keyboardist / arranger / composer who has worked with a diversity of superstars — from Michael Jackson to Dizzy Gillespie, from Stevie Wonder to President Obama’s inaugural band, and more.
Energized by his exchange with the students, Bearden presented a nearly three-hour class. The first half of the class was an overview of his remarkable career, from his jazz training, to some of his amazing mentors, to becoming an in-demand music director. Throughout the discussion he infused professional insights specifically directed for the benefit of the students. One of the topics he touched upon was what it meant to be a professional musician. “These days, it’s almost a given that you can play well,” said Bearden, “but I’m more interested in who you are as a person and if I will enjoy working with you. Are you on time? Do you have a sense of humor? Are you responsible? These are the qualities I’m looking for in the people I hire.”
For the second half of the class, Bearden organized the students into bands and then called out styles ranging from Mariachi to Classic Rock, illustrating how important it is to have a deep and broad understanding of all styles, as a professional musician has to be prepared for it all. He also stressed knowing your instrument as a professional. While at the Korg M3 and M50 Music Workstations, Bearden commented, “These are good keyboards; you have to know your instrument and be able to pull up the sound you need quickly and be ready to go.”
Past participants of the artist series have included Joe Satriani, Sean Holt, and more.
About the USC Thornton School of Music
The USC Thornton School of Music brings together a stellar faculty chosen from a broad spectrum of the music profession and musically gifted students from around the globe. Founded in 1884, and today the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, the Thornton School consistently ranks among the nation’s top music schools and conservatories. Graduates of the school attain positions with major orchestras, ensembles, recording studios and music industry firms and perform on stages and in studios around the world. Blending the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the benefits of studying at a leading research university, the Thornton School offers students a thorough music education in a real-world context. Located at the center of Los Angeles, the school is the collegiate partner of choice for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the GRAMMY Foundation, to name a few.
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Photo File: Bearden_Sampson.JPG
Photo Caption: Pictured L-R: accomplished musical director / keyboardist / arranger / composer Michael Bearden, and Chris Sampson, Associate Dean for the Thornton School’s Popular Music Performance program, at a recent clinic that was part of Korg USA/USC Thornton School of Music’s 2011 Artist Series.Photo File: Escovedo_Sampson.JPG
Photo Caption: Pictured L-R: EMMY®-award nominated percussionist and Korg Wavedrum endorsee Peter Michael Escovedo, and Chris Sampson, Associate Dean for the Thornton School’s Popular Music Performance program, at a recent clinic that was part of Korg USA/USC Thornton School of Music’s 2011 Artist Series.
—For more information, contact Korg USA, 316 South Service Rd, Melville, NY 11747.
Tel: (631) 390-6500; Fax: (631) 390-6501.
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