Developing a career in modern music.

1. “Making It: Modern Music”
Sept. 9th 1:30 & 2:40
1. Introduction to Modern Music & Structure
2. Modern Music Production: “Fingertip Symphony”
3. Marketing Your Sound: “Recordings to Rockstar”

2. Mr. Bersick (Burrrr…SICK)
(BURRR, I was cold, so I got SICK) = Bersick
…that is my name in the classroom
Chris Sick is the moniker I use in the EDM
scene as a musician & DJ

3. Use your
handout
to takes
notes &
follow
along.
Define
terms on
back.
“Making It: Modern Music” – NOVA HS - September 9th
, 2015 – 1st
Day
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Bersick (Chris Sick) – soundcloud.com/chris-sick
Making IT as a music professional:
Production Notes:
Distribution Notes:
Artist Notes:

4. Youth like you have been leaving their mark on history ever
since the beginning…in fact, you make history every single day!
Let’s learn how to leave YOUR mark on history with music!
PART 1:
History of Modern Music

5. I have owned
3 music/record/clothing stores
2 nightclubs
1 coffee shop
1 record label
I HAVE ALSO…
Djed professionally for 29 years,
playing to crowds in excess of
12,000 in 39 States and 3
countries.
I have also…
produced electronic music
on vinyl & mp3s which
have sold on 6 continents
Anyone care to guess which
continent I haven’t
conquered - yet?

6. One of my stores:
“Sick”
DJ 12” Records
T-Shirt Styles
(Mostly Music)
Girls Clothing
SIGN

7. A Brief History of Music…

8. In the beginning…

9. Music Structure…1,2,3,4
Music is arranged in a repetitive musical count called its TIME
SIGNATURE or MEASURE commonly. Many exist (such as 3/4, 4/4,
9/8, 12/8, 5/8, 3/8) Today we will focus on the most common one 
A song is further organized into PHRASES. Phrases are a series of
measures (4/4) that combine to create a “thought”. Think of it like
the parts to a long sentence…they are separated by commas and
each part expresses a thought that combined have a “full thought”.

10. PART 2: Music Production Tools
As synthesizers & drum machines have been replaced by computer
programs it has become more affordable to have a “home studio”.
Due to greater access and easier use, it is now possible for one
person to create songs that would have needed an entire orchestra
of musicians before. However, more people with greater access
creates a more competitive market, so… Digital/Electronic tools are
useful & used constantly in Reggae, Rock,
House music and “EDM”, Pop, Hip Hop, & also Country. Music
nowadays is mostly produced with the help of computers and
synthesizers.

11. ABLETON Live 8.

12. PART 3: Making Money at It
• Making a living in our society as a professional
musician is generally one of the worst paying
jobs a person can have…BUT not always!!! 
• To succeed in this industry it requires
persistence, focused hard-work, flexibility,
practice, & a marketable sound.
• It is important to carefully craft your
professional self: artist name, logo, look,
polished sound, good promotion & distribution

13. PROMOTION
http://www.amonly.com/ or http://www.circletalentagency.com/
The best way to promote your project is through your own efforts…
Attend events supporting style of your music
FREE CDs given away
FREE Performances
Promo Packet for Promoters
Social Media – particularly groups supporting style of your music
Webpage
+ANYTHING you can think of to increase & build a fanbase

14. DISTRIBUTION
DIGITAL – mp3 and wav sales usually give the label 50% and then label gives
artist 50% of that…of $2 per download.
• iTunes.com – you must have UPC bar codes for each song
• beatport.com – Requires a URL web address; Mastering on songs; Email &
Application
• juno.com – Relatively open access if approached professionally. Email &
Application.
• chemicalrecords.uk - Relatively open access if approached professionally.
Email & Application.
• addictech.com – Mastering on songs. Email & Application.
• http://www.addictech.com/?keywords=Sick%20Sounds&type=distinct&page=2
VINYL – Cost is roughly $1200 for 200, then MUCH cheaper, but creative
options are HUGE!
• http://www.discmakers.com/products/vinyl.asp

15. Me @ “Legends” – NYE, Salt Lake City
Crowd was in excess of 10,000

16. Outdoor Event on an island in the Great Salt Lake