Tuesday, November 8, 2011

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Jeannine Rivers

"The year was 2005 and I was 42 years old. My 18 year career in the Banking industry had come to an end. My daughter was 18 years old and leaving for college and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Music has always been a pertinent part of my life. I come from a family of musicians that made sure that music stayed alive in my soul and I can’t remember a time when I did not sing! I decided to complete a path in my life that I had put on hold 24 years prior. I enrolled into the music program at MATC in August of 2005. I would soon learn the true meaning of what being a musician really meant. I was born a singer. The texture, sound and range of my voice are something that comes naturally to me. I had very little formal music training growing up as a child; but performing in front of audiences was nothing new to me.
The music program at MATC taught me a brighter side to music! I learned the importance of music theory, composition, piano, and ear training. I went into the music program not fully understanding how important these aspects were to music. Now I see the light! The theory and harmony classes taught by Hal Miller proved to be a complicated learning experience for me. He was able to take the most complex aspects of harmony and theory down to a level of understanding that allowed me to grasp his teachings. As a voice student I came to MATC with years of vocal training. Taking the performance technique classes with Robbi Heighway gave me the opportunity to build my confidence, stage presence, and vocal techniques. I have been able to take the knowledge learned through this class and become a better performer.

The Music Business class taught by Ben Hans proved to be my favorite class and a very valuable experience. I learned the importance of copyright laws, and how to promote my own music business successfully. My favorite part of the class was learning how to make a creative business plan and press kit.  I have also learned the importance of networking, social media, and music contracts and how to conduct business with other musicians. Through Ben’s guidance I have become very successful at booking my own gigs as well as booking gigs for other performers.
Since graduating from the music program at MATC I continue to perform at various festivals and music venues in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. I have had the pleasure of having articles written about my musicianship in the Shepherd Express and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 2010 I was honored by Who’s Who of Black Milwaukee for my music excellence.  I am currently working on my Bachelor of Arts in voice at Cardinal Stritch University and I currently work as a voice teacher teaching K4- 12th graders throughout various schools in the city of Milwaukee God has blessed me with a magnificent gift. I continuously look forward to the musical journey he has prepared for me."