Master Artist
Get to Know Local Tampa Artist Curtis M. Corbin
Are you visiting Tampa? You'll want to learn about Curtis M. Corbin, then. Curtis M. Corbin has lived most of his life in the state of Florida. He was born in Panama City and raised there until he pulled a tour of duty for four years in the Navy. It wasn't until 1973 that he made his home in Tampa, Florida after being discharged from the service.
The Healing Power of Art
Art had always been a love of Curtis' but he didn't pursue it with any seriousness until a few years ago. They say art and music have miraculous healing powers and in Curtis Corbin's case this became a fact.
Like many returning veterans, Curtis was plagued by the disease of alcoholism for many years. It was in March 2003 that he went into treatment for alcoholism, depression and hypertension at James A. Haley V.A. medical center located in his adopted city of Tampa. There he began to dabble in arts and crafts as a form of physical therapy. He was in the V.A. medical center for 28 days in the drug and alcohol abuse treatment program.
He was then sent to the Agency for Community Treatment Services also located in Tampa. Here too, arts and crafts were used as a form of therapy. While he was there, a woman came to the wards once a week and she brought supplies for patients to master arts and crafts. The therapy was a true healing experience and it wasn't long before Curtis realized he had a real talent for art.
Healing and Beyond
Health problems still plagued Curtis and later in 2003 he prepared for open heart surgery. There was no physical therapy program waiting for him after his successful heart operation, though he was still residing at the Tampa Agency for Community Treatment Services. Once again he reached for arts and crafts for physical as well as mental therapy and it was during his healing process that his love for art began to take root.
Going to art shows was his next step and he attended many at the Hillsborough Community College as well as other art galleries and venues where art shows were held in the Tampa area. As his interest and passion grew he decided the next step was to enroll in an art program which he found in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Art Instruction Schools is where he began his art education. At present, he is under guidance of Darrell Crow, a master artist.
Success is Within Reach
In February of 2006, Curtis had the honor of winning second place at the V.A. National Arts and Crafts Show that is held in Tampa. The piece was "The Spirit of The American Veteran," a graphite Pencil Drawing upon a Canvas Board. Curtis also produces pieces in acrylics, oils, as well as his pencil pieces. One of his most moving pieces is "Heroes and Friends," which depicts an Old Man and a boy sitting upon a dock fishing, surrounded by faithful dogs.
His works can be seen in the National Homeless Coalition in Washington, D.C. and will be on permanent display. His story is a true inspiration for those who feel that there is no hope as his success and stunning paintings can attest. Tampa takes pride in one of her hometown heroes that made good use of his God given talent.
About the Author
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Master Quality Demos That Sizzle!
As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of ReelMusician.com, I can tell you that reviewing demos can be both a curse and a blessing. Even as demos pile up on the desks in A&R offices and music industry professional's office floors as well, I can almost guarantee that the vast majority of demos 1) won't have a chance, 2) don't get listened to, at least by the major A&R folks and not through a pres-screening process utilizing college interns, and 3) it might not even be the music itself, but the packaging and marketing colors, etc that are used for the artist press kit that result in the artist contract denial. What makes for a master quality demo? What makes for a master quality demo that will get listened to? These are great questions and I can tell you that a host of folks will have all kinds of ideas and suggestions; I will consider some gut level thinking and ideas that I have mentally compiled through the years that I've always felt would be an asset not only musically, but from a marketing perspective as well. Hopefully there will be some nugget of truth that you can capitalize on to further your music career and song demos.
As we begin to look at master quality demos and what makes them up, what are your goals and ambitions? The reason I am asking this is because not only does it help to mentally prepare you and help you set goals for your career, but it also helps set the blueprint for where and what your demo ought to be sounding and looking like. There is a big difference in submitting your demo to A&R folks and to the club owner trying to gain playing gigs. But regardless of where you are submitting your demo, you have to exude a professionalism and character of not only your music, but in the credibility of the act as well. That last statement is critical. If your act is perceived as credible with the ball rolling and with some key elements in place, you are much more likely to be 1) reviewed by the actual A&R director and 2) any enthusiasm might snowball down the halls of the record company ultimately landing you a record deal.
But let's get back to your demo. At ReelMusician.com we compile demos for songwriters and for jingle singers trying to break into the jingle singing market and I can tell you from experience, that it's difficult to create a master quality demo when the song itself is not master quality song demo material. So be honest about any material you are recording. Is this top 10 if given the chance, or is this a filler, b side song? Yes, you can take a fair song and make it "listenable" to with a great production, but it still reasons that a fair or b side song cut is still a fair or b side song. You look back through the years at songs that held your attention and were almost mesmerizing and this is before the onslaught of incredible and affordable recording gear. These songs were just plain great songs even without the slickest of today's recording abilities.
As you record, don't rely on a bunch of "recording tricks" or padding type effects that detract and try to uphold an otherwise fair song. Many individuals with a lot more authority can speak about effects, etc than I, but I will say that less is more, and you ought to be concerned about the quality of the song and production utilizing all effects that are needed and not just effects thrown in there without reason or cause.
Who are using for players on your demos? Obviously if you are a band you are recording your whole group, but if you are a solo act or a writer creating master demos, then consider a couple of options. If money is not an object, then go for the whole rhythm section and keyboard pads, etc. One thing that you need to know and understand is that it is better to use fewer players who are just incredible, than to have the full rhythm section with less experienced players or players that just can't support your song. I remember years back when I was first starting out before all of our TV and radio credits, that for the sake of having a full sound I compromised the overall production for players, while more affordable, not as seasoned and consequently my productions were not as strong until I learned that valuable lesson. And even today, I will choose to use a first string guitar or piano player in lieu of a full rhythm section on projects if that's what the song and production call for. Always get the best musicians - It always pays. These players oftentimes have ideas and broaden your production and bring incredible artistical elements that you wouldn't have thought of – Which leads me to my next point.
Keyboards are incredible and there is a vast array of sounds and pads that can be used to create all kinds of emotional tones in your music, but don't get caught in the, "I have a keyboard, mic and computer syndrome. Your music will suffer. You want the creativity of other players. They bring the musical magic that most of us, quite honestly, aren't creative enough to capture, but with their experience, and talent, they are able to deliver not only incredible rips, but a professionalism your demo might not never otherwise of had. Utilize the best players possible whenever you can. I can tell you that our demos at ReelMusician.com sound incredible because of our effort in obtaining the best players - Get the best!
With a few moments left, let's look at some important final notes and ideas. Don't get discouraged after recording a song you thought would turn out differently. You know, without sounding cliché, productions and songs do getter with time and practice. Always look at money spent on demos as schooling. Where would you go to learn the lessons you just learned? - From a textbook, of course not. Keep at it; be honest about your writing and productions. Continue to learn from great writers and producers. Listen to great classical writers as well and broaden your next pop ballad string arrangement. Don't be afraid to try new ideas. Get the best players in an affordable, yet quality studio, and hopefully you'll start recording the next top ten hit!
About the Author
Mr Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of http://www.ReelMusician.com. You may contact the author at tgauger@reelmusician.com. Free e-books "The Jingle Singer's Guide," and "Secrets To Great Song Demos," may be downloaded at http://www.ReelMusician.com.
iDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 06 - トーク05
