Neighbors Magazine Features RMG

Neighbors Arts and Entertainment
[Dallas Morning News' Neighbors Magazine, Frisco Edition, 7/1/2006]


Local musician mentor launches Gigster Clinic

STAFF REPORT

Collin County management consultant and veteran performing songwriter Ryan Michael Galloway has set out to help the youth of North Texas capitalize on their musical talent.

Galloway, who hails from North Texas where he plays regularly as part of the local live music scene, has launched a new seminar program aimed at 14- to 19-yearoldmusicians who want to take their talents to the next level. The program is appropriate for performers within most musical genres, including rock, hip hop, pop, country, R&B, techno, punk and most of the contemporary Christian permutations. Dubbed The Gigster Clinic, the seminar teaches young musicians how to develop an image, select a band, enlist technical and marketing support teams, promote and manage shows, select equipment, and keep fame, drugs, alcohol and money from ruining their life.

This clinic is not about the attitude of rock and roll, playing loud and acting obnoxious. Galloway says he believes that a performer's talent and onstage attitude are only two components of successful shows.

"I'm trying to give people a five year jump on their performing careers," Galloway said. "When you're doing this as a teenager, or even as a supportive parent, you simply don't know what you don't know."

Galloway got the idea from teenagers as he's played to support his recent CD Also Known As Ryan Michael Galloway. He says that when he performed publicly, he was besieged by young would-be performers who peppered him with questions about the equipment, songwriting, and performing. It dawned on him that no one is providing this training and mentoring, and the Gigster Clinic was born.

The multi-faceted Galloway has performed for more than 35 years, including stints as a jazz guitarist in Washington, D.C., a singer and rock guitarist touring with various bands on the east coast, and two bands based in Texas. In addition electric and acoustic guitar, Galloway plays blues harmonica, bass, mandolin, violin, viola and trumpet. His music style is just as varied with classical, rock, jazz, pop, disco and blues to his credit. He has arranged music for orchestra, including a 15-memberensemble of New York Philharmonic string players. He has produced recordings, provided project management for live events, promoted musical acts and concerts, and managed other musicians. Several major music companies, including RCA's Sunbury/Dunbar Music and Columbia Screen Gems Music have published his original songs.

Currently, Galloway provides formative management and mentors a number of performers, including Faith, a young Contemporary Christian artist from North Texas, and recently helped found the Collin County Songwriters Association and serves as its acting director.

Galloway says he is excited about this first clinic and has cut his rate by nearly 95 percent. Full participants will pay just $12 and will work hands-on and interactively with the presenter. This is just a small fraction of the usual $235 price tag," he said. "If individuals would like to audit the clinic and not participate in the hands-on stuff, the price is $5. The workbook for the clinic is $25 for everyone."

The text is a comprehensive reference document with checklists and information to support their efforts for years to come. Attendees can also contact Galloway for advice and mentoring on appropriate equipment purchases and career decisions.

The inaugural Gigster Clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, 6843 Main St. in Frisco. This session will be limited to 15 participants. To register for the clinic, call 972-841-0226 or email mailto:Ryan@RyanRocks.com.