Tipitina’s offers variety of workshops for musicians

In 2003, Tipitina’s Foundation began working diligently to uplift the music community of Louisiana through educational programs and musician support services.

Since then, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has provided workforce development, technology access and job skills training opportunities for musicians, filmmakers and other digital media workers throughout the state.

In their newest effort to educate and elevate musicians’ business to their full potential, Tipitina’s introduced the “Making Business of Your Band” four-part workshop series at their five co-ops in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Shreveport. The workshops began in August with the “Getting into the Business” and “Making it Legal” sessions.

“We had a great response and more people than we expected,” said Ovis Means, manager at Tipitina’s Co-Op in Shreveport. “We were having such a good time that class ran over. We covered so much and stayed an hour longer than we were scheduled. Everyone was really enthusiastic and excited about coming back the next sessions.”

The series continues at 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 with “Managing Revenue Streams” and Sept. 15 “Taking it to Another Level.”

A host of musicians, lawyers and music business professionals lead the lessons, offering years of experience and skills. Workshop students are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussion.

“Managing Revenue Streams” will provide an introduction to small business accounting as it relates to music business. Topics will include: financing opportunities for small businesses, developing a plan for financial growth, crowdfunding, Louisiana tax credits for musicians and more.

“The Sept. 8 session is going to be about how to manage your money,” Means said. He said the class will be led by John Howe, musician from A Train and president of the Shreveport Federation of Musicians.

In the Sept. 15 session, “Taking it to Another Level,” musicians will learn how to take their newly developed business to the next level for increased revenue opportunity. Topics will include: discovering and understanding trends in the industry, understanding the current market, developing and executing a marketing strategy, record production and more.

Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd will host the fourth and final session.

The “Making Business of Your Band” workshop sessions are held at Tipitina’s Co- Op Office at 700 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport. The cost is $10 per session to the public, $5 per session for Recording Academy members and SEBD-certified participants and free to Tipitina’s Co-Op members.

The “workshop series is in support of Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program and the Recording Academy Memphis Chapter. “It’s a part of the LED program initiative to expand the business aspect of the music community as well as all other media as music and photography,” Means said. “It’s making a business of your art instead of just doing your art.”

Although this is the first workshop of its kind offered by Tipitina’s Foundation, Means is confident the series will return in the future. “I can pretty much guarantee it will return because it’s been such a success and people are getting a lot out of it,” Means said. “And if people in the community support it there can be much more in the coming years.”

Tipitina’s Foundation offers many other resources for its artists, including computer workstations, co-op rehearsal and studio space and pro bono law consultation.

Ashlye Keaton, co-founder/supervising attorney for the Entertainment Law Legal Assistance Project, provides pro bono legal services to Tipitina’s Co-op members weekly. Keaton was the speaker of the second workshop session.

“She’s on call on Fridays to meet with our members to help them negotiate contracts and go over LLCs and whatever other legal matters they might have,” Means said.

Tipitina’s Co-op also makes music software and equipment and more available for members. “We offer training and recording, and opportunities to learn the complete Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro,” Means said. “You can educate yourself on all of those things, and we are always ready to assist.”

Membership of Tipitina’s Co-op in Shreveport is $15 a month (cash) or $10 (recurring payment through PayPal). Members may also opt to pay for an extended period of time.

Call 934-0000 or visit www.tipitinasfoundation.org.

–Tiana Kennell