Would have been better in a comfy chair...

Today started off with Tom talking to us about how to make money as an artist. It's interesting to hear about the information for the artists and execs.

After lunch we went to Blackbird Studios, one of the top notch studios in Nashville. We met with Vance Powell who talked to us about editing and producing songs. He works with Jack White, from The White Stripes and Raconteurs. He had great stories about Jack and all his connections to music. He also talked about The Quantum of Solace song that he created and how cut up it got in the movie version. We listened to the instrumental version (without Alicia Keyes and Jack White's voice); it was amazing! I enjoyed myself but had to sit on the floor which made it uncomfortable. I tried to focus on what he was saying but it was hard. Their bathrooms were nice! Haha.

Next we went to the Grammy's Nashville Office and talked with an alum from CMC from Semester 2. We talked about Grammy U, a program for college students in the music industry, and talked about the Grammy's.

THEN we got caught in snow and traffic. John was driving and he made the hour and a half drive fun. "PLEASE DRIVE FASTER!"

Today was fun. Tomorrow classes kind of start.

This has been such a great experience and I can't wait to get my hands dirty!

ROCK OUT!

I have to text Greg Murray!

Today we had ANOTHER three field trips! AHHH! We first went to Stephen Leiweke's studio. His website is www.stephenleiweke.com. He is an independent producer, session guitarist and artist. He showed us his studio and talked to us about producing music. He used a lot of terms that I didn't know (but our program director told us that by the end of the semester, we WILL know those terms). He was really cool and seemed really serious about his job and work. Before we left he played his guitars and used different pedals for effects.

Next we went to visit Jason Halbert, the music director and producer of Kelly Clarkson. His daughter, Kennedy was there as well. Kennedy has an awesome voice on her; she will be famous one day (she kinda is already- look up Kennedy Noel Halbert). Jason talked about tours, and producing a famous musician. He discussed with us how much time and work goes into everything with Kelly. It was excellent to listen to him talk about it all. He was a down to earth guy and really enjoys his job. His house was full of records of Kelly and DC Talk. It was cool.

Next we went to EMACK, TobyMac's studio in Nashville. We toured the small place that used to be a Mexican restaurant and talked to one of the music engineers (Kyle Lee) and an alum from CMC (Brad Pooler). It was cool to be there. So I texted Greg Murray, who did some work with Toby on his tours. Greg was excited to hear I had the opportunity to be there.

Today was really cool, once again. It is so surreal to be hanging, yes, hanging with these people in the industry who are associated with people like TobyMac, Kelly Clarkson, The Fundamental Element and Michael W. Smith. It's crazy!... and awesome! haha.

Tonight the techs are going over to our professor, Marcus dePaula's, house for a chili dinner and some getting to know each other. It should be good.

Scoot up to the mic please...

Field trip?! You call this a field trip? I call this a DREAM!

Today at CMC, we went on a field trip...more like...three field trips :)

First we met Regie Hamm, the songwriter and artist that wrote "The Time of My Life," which David Cook sang when he won the seventh season of American Idol. If you want more info on him, his website is www.regiehamm.com. Anyways, he talked to all of us in his small studio in his house. He talked about the process of songwriting and trying to be successful. Then he played "The Time of My Life." And his version was so full of awe, much better than David Cook's. It felt so amazing watching a Nashville songwriter and artist perform...in his HOUSE. :) I felt so privileged.

Next we met Nathan Lee, an artist and songwriter here in Nashville. His website is www.nathanleemusic.com. He calls himself a singer who sings songs about desperation for those in despair and a songwriter who writes songs about brokenness for the brokenhearted. He was a really nice guy! We sat and listened to him talk about his music, his life, and his work. His friend, Todd, was there playing his saxophone with him. They both were really cool. His songs really touched my heart. Like he says, they were sad but just the creation of the songs was amazing and inspiring. He even gave us all a copy of his CD!

Next we went to SESAC. SESAC is a U.S. Performing Rights Organization. They collect royalties for affiliated songwriters and music publishers for the public performance of their music. We met with Tim Fink and he discussed what they do at SESAC and who they work with. For instance he told us that Hilary Scott (Lady Antebellum) was one of the songwriters they work with. This meeting was more for the artists and execs but I enjoyed it. :) (www.SESAC.com)

TONIGHT the rest of the artists perform- I'm excited to listen again.

Today was a great field trip. I feel so appreciative of meeting these people. I have always wanted to sit and listen to an artist/songwriter perform with only me and a few others. And today it happened. They talked to us like we were people, not fans and it was awesome. They are amazing people and have such talent. I had so much fun.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome...!

Lakeside Flashbacks!

Today we had an overview of the CMC building as well as tech stuff like sound equipment and light equipment. Warren Pettit, our leader, had us practice wrapping cables.

Guess what that took me back to...LAKESIDE two summers ago working in Hoover Auditorium. It made me miss Ted, the sound guy I worked with.

But as any Schlaegel, I did not remember how to do it CORRECTLY. So I started from step one and had a little help from Jason, one of the execs.

Tonight is the artist's first performance, as well as tomorrow night. It should be really exciting. The girls are fantastic and I am so psyched to hear them behind a mic. I'm excited to hear the boys too and hear everyone play their guitars, pianos and drums!

That is all for now~more updates when I have them.

1! 2! 3! 4!

Really?! That's what we get to do?

We had orientation today and I have to say, wow. This semester is going to be spontaneous, busy and so much fun. I cannot wait to start tomorrow.

I'm too tired to write anymore haha!

And hhheeeerreeeeee weeeee goooooooo...

What a Day!

It is only the first day of the semester at CMC and it was incredible. I unpacked and met some amazing people. I am rooming with Meredith, who is a sweetheart.

All my apartment mates are beautiful and so goofy, which is good. I have a lot to aspire to with these girls! :) I found I am the only girl techie here so that just made my day! Haha.

There was an alum Welcome Kickoff this evening. Jill and Kate performed with special guest KELLY CLARKSON. Yes. She was introduced as their friend Kelly...but they didn't fool me ;) Rick Elias also performed. He is this incredible songwriter that worked with Rich Mullins.

This is going to be an incredible semester and I am SO excited to start it. I miss Milligan, though.

Oh my...wait...there is music coming from the living room. If this is a preview of what this semester will be then let me sit down, close my eyes, and soak it in.

Bring it on Nashville because Candice is here! ;)

Packing

I have to say. I am pretty excited about Nashville now that I have started packing. I am really starting to think about CMC and how I'll fit in. It is such a great opportunity and I can't wait to jump in and make some amazing friends. :) I can't wait to see where the Lord will lead me after this experience!