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Meetup Location RSVPs
Sep 25 7:00 PM

18 attended (est.) – 4.00 4.004

Hi Everyone,

The New York Composers Meetup begins the fall of 2009 with an exciting tech workshop featuring Apple’s new Logic Studio! The New York Composers Meetup has teamed up with the Apple Store at 14th Street (at 9th Avenue) in Manhattan to offer this excellent event.

Many of you have been asking about Logic in general, and especially the new Logic 9 version. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with this important software package.

In addition, there will be a live demonstration of MainStage 2, the live performance software that is included in Logic Studio! So, if you are into pro studio recording, home studio recording, or live performance, you will have a real opportunity to see this robust application in action.

The workshop will be led by Nicky Stanard, one of Apple’s top experts on Logic. Nicky is a highly experienced musician and recording artist, and he conducts the Logic training seminars at the store. I just completed the 4-day training workshop myself, and I can tell you that it is excellent.

Bring your questions, and get answers! Some of you are looking to buy software, comparing Logic with ProTools, or just interested in getting some recording tips and tricks. It is all fair game, and I am sure you will get something out of it.

This tech meetup will go from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, September 25 (details above). I suggest getting to the Apple Store a little early to get a good seat. (It is on the 3rd floor.)

This is a tech seminar. We won’t be playing your tracks at this event. Next month we will get back to playing your music. Meanwhile, I look forward to seeing you all at the Apple Store to take advantage of the Logic Studio seminar.

All best,

Preston

Cost: $10.00

Apple Store-14th Street & 9th Ave.
New York, NY, 10014

13 Yes
0 Maybe

Aug 28 7:30 PM

8 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.005

Hi Everyone,

Dog Days!

Summer is rapidly coming to a close. But, something very cool has been happening. Many of you have been working, writing, recording and performing your music and are eager to play new works for the group. There is one more Friday left in August, so that is what we will do.

Bring your tracks to play, or your chops to perform. We have had a great variety of recorded music and live performance over the past few months. Considering the fact that so many people are out of town for the summer, it has been really impressive.

We will follow our usual MO and alternate between newcomers, and veterans. We will try to get to as many people as possible. Anyone we can not get to will get first dibs at the next regular meetup.

If you are a newcomer and want to play your music, the easiest way is to bring an iPod, or a CD of some of your tracks, which can be played, through our laptop and/or monitors. Try to keep your selections down to about 5 minutes or so.

If you wish to perform live, that is great! There is a digital piano that is decent. The sound system is my small m-audio monitors with RCA, stereo 1/8th inch mini, or 1/4 inch inputs. So, calculate your amplification needs accordingly. We also have a video monitor to play DVDs. If you have any questions, performance-based, tech, or otherwise, please feel free to drop me an e-mail.

The Tada Theater is in Chelsea at 15 West 28th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue--very easy to get to. You westsiders can take the 1 train to 28th Street and walk a few blocks east. And, the R and W local trains stop just a few hundred feet from the building entrance. Tada is on the uptown side of 28th Street. The building entrance is next to a parking lot in the middle of the block. (I'm not sure what the parking situation is in the evening, but allow extra time if you're driving.)

See you then!
All best,
Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

8 Yes
0 Maybe

Jul 24 7:30 PM

32 attended (est.) – 4.50 4.507

Hi Everyone,

In our next meetup we will get back to basics and focus on the two core things that bring us all together: playing your music and networking with your fellow artists.

We will alternate turns between newcomers, and veterans. Many of you veterans have not had your music played for a while. So, bring in your latest work and we’ll get you into the mix.

Also, we will spend a little time at the beginning to get your feedback on our tech meetups, and what you want from them going forward. (For example, one subject that I see recurring is how to divide what can be done in the recording studio v. what can be done at home on your own work station, etc.)

If you are a newcomer and want to play your music, the easiest way is to bring an iPod, or a CD of some of your tracks, which can be played, through my laptop and/or monitors. Try to keep your selections down to about 5 minutes or so.

If you wish to perform live, that is great! There is a digital piano that is decent. The sound system is my small m-audio monitors with RCA, stereo 1/8th inch mini, or 1/4 inch inputs. So, calculate your amplification needs accordingly. If you have any questions, performance-based, tech, or otherwise, please feel free to drop me an e-mail.

The Tada Theater is in Chelsea at 15 West 28th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue--very easy to get to. You westsiders can take the 1 train to 28th Street and walk a few blocks east. And, the R and W local trains stop just a few hundred feet from the building entrance. Tada is on the uptown side of 28th Street. The building entrance is next to a parking lot in the middle of the block. (I'm not sure what the parking situation is in the evening, but allow extra time if you're driving.)

Looking forward to seeing everyone again.
All best,
Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

24 Yes
0 Maybe

Jun 29 7:30 PM

39 attended (est.) – 4.50 4.506

Hi Everyone,

For all of you interested in writing music for film, video and television, this meetup is for you!

Composer Peter Calandra will be our guest.

Pete is one of the go-to pros in the film/video/television industry and has scored 15 movies including Red Right Wrong (2008 Stock's-Eye Films) Let It Out The Movie (2008 Lookalike Productions, Kleenex, USOC) Night Into Day (2008 Lookalike Productions, Selection 2008 Los Angeles Short FIlm Festival), Trip To The Planetarium (2008 Licorne Films, Selection Cannes FIlm Festival), and many others.
He has written over 1500 compositions for television broadcast including many theme packages for Fox Sports, Comcast Sports Net and The Big Ten Network.
As a performer, he spent 10 years playing the piano chair for the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. He also toured the U.S.A playing Keyboard 1 with Les Miserables and played in the Broadway Production of Phantom Of The Opera, served as Pianist/Conductor and Musical Director for the award winning original NYC production of Little Shop of Horrors, and is currently playing part time on Broadway at The Lion King.
Peter has performed or recorded with the NY Pops Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Susan Anton, Don Cherry, Aretha Franklin, Allen Ginsberg, Annie Golden, Lillianne Montevecchi and spent 16 years as keyboard player in the artist/musician Larry Rivers Climax Band.
You can see and hear some of his work at his website.

We will divide our meetup into two parts:

First, Pete will show some examples of his work, and then we will discuss the television/video/film business. He will also talk about how he works, and we will get into the technical elements, as well. Your Q & An will be a top priority in this seminar. So, bring you questions.

Second, time allowing, we will return to our regular meetup format, playing and discussing your music.
(Because I don't know how long the first part will go, there is no guarantee that we will get to all of you in the second part.)

If you are a newcomer and want to play your music, the easiest way is to bring an iPod, or a CD of some of your tracks, which can be played, through my laptop and/or monitors. Try to keep your selections down to about 5 minutes or so. We will try to keep a fair blend between newcomers, and veterans.

If you wish to perform live, that is great! There is a digital piano that is decent. The sound system is my small m-audio monitors with RCA, stereo 1/8th inch mini, or 1/4 inch inputs. So, calculate your amplification needs accordingly. If you have any questions--performance-based, tech, or otherwise--please feel free to drop me an e-mail.

The Tada Theater is in Chelsea at 15 West 28th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue--very easy to get to. You Westsiders can take the 1 train to 28th Street and walk a few blocks east. And, the R and W local trains stop just a few hundred feet from the building entrance. Tada is on the uptown side of 28th Street. The building entrance is next to a parking lot in the middle of the block. (I'm not sure what the parking situation is in the evening, but allow extra time if you're driving.) Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

All best,
Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

38 Yes
0 Maybe

Jun 4 7:00 PM

82 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.002

Hi everyone,

I want to let you know about a very exciting series I am curating. It is the Tribeca New Music Festival--a four-concert series that starts this Thursday and runs through Sunday at The Flea Theater in NYC.

4 shows: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at the Flea Theater, 41 White Street (Bdwy & Church St.--two blocks below Canal St.) All shows are at 7 PM.

The great thing about this series is that it walks a line between highly trained Juiliard-type players and a hard core pop sensibility. It sweeps through the whole range. You can check out the details at www.nyae.org. I think you will find it worth your while.

As my fellow NY Composer Meetup members, I would love to get your feedback on any of these shows. So...

Special Price for Meetup members:
The admission is $15 to each concert, but I am making tickets available to NY Composer Meetup members for $5.
Go to www.nyae.org for info and a ticket link. Use the code "MEETUP" to get the $5 price. Please limit your tickets to 2 only.
You can "walk up" before each show and ask for the "Meetup Discount of $5" and they will honor it. BUT, it is first come, first served. If the show is booked up, you may be out of luck.
(I know the NY Times will be there to review the opening on Thursday with a photographer.)

There is a reception after each show. So, please join us afterword for a drink and some hang out time.

Should be pretty cool. Hope you guys can make it.
Looking forward to getting your feedback.
All best,

Preston

p.s. (I just got word that we are top pick in NY Magazine for all four nights! That is cool.)

The Flea Theater
New York, NY, 10013

7 Yes
0 Maybe

May 29 7:30 PM

24 attended (est.) – 4.50 4.507

Hi everyone,

How many music mechanics do we have out there?

I have been hearing a range of questions from members for some time now. Questions like:
What do I do when I get stuck? Why does my song seem so muddy? What is it that is missing from my piece?

One answer to these questions is to stop, and take a good look under the hood at the mechanics of your music.
That's what we will do in our next meetup. We will look at a couple of pieces, tear them apart and see what makes them tick. Let's call it "grass roots form and analysis." This is a good way to learn, and a good way to see what your fellow composer/song writers are up to, as well.

We will spend the first part of the meetup on form and analysis, and the rest of the time playing your music and networking with your fellow musicians.

We will try to keep a fair blend between newcomers, and veterans. So, bring in your latest work and we’ll get you into the mix.

If you are a newcomer and want to play your music, the easiest way is to bring an iPod, or a CD of some of your tracks, which can be played, through my laptop and/or monitors. Try to keep your selections down to about 5 minutes or so.

If you wish to perform live, that is great! There is a digital piano that is decent. The sound system is my small m-audio monitors with RCA, stereo 1/8th inch mini, or 1/4 inch inputs. So, calculate your amplification needs accordingly. If you have any questions--performance-based, tech, or otherwise--please feel free to drop me an e-mail.

The Tada Theater is in Chelsea at 15 West 28th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue--very easy to get to. You Westsiders can take the 1 train to 28th Street and walk a few blocks east. And, the R and W local trains stop just a few hundred feet from the building entrance. Tada is on the uptown side of 28th Street. The building entrance is next to a parking lot in the middle of the block. (I'm not sure what the parking situation is in the evening, but allow extra time if you're driving.) Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

All best,
Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

23 Yes
0 Maybe
1 Waiting List

May 19 8:00 PM

12 attended (est.) – 4.00 4.005

Hi Everyone,

Due to popular demand we will offer another round of our New York Composers Tech Meetup which looks at real-world recording technique.

Many of you did not get into the first round of sessions at the Tony Conniff recording studio. So here is another opportunity for you to attend.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP AGAIN IF YOU ARE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF SESSIONS ON MAY 12.
If you are already signed up for the 12th, let others have the opportunity to attend on the 19th.
IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE 12TH, YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR THE 19TH.

Here is what we will be doing:

SESSION #2
Intermediate Recording—May 19 at 8PM
• What makes a dynamic, flowing arrangement work - what instruments are included, and how they're used.
• Applying equalization to achieve a sparkling pop sound, or to clean up a muddy recording.
• Creating a rhythm track, using loops, midi, drums and percussion, bass, etc.
• Use of Plug-In FX (available in DAWs) to clarify and improve your sound.
• Creating a balanced final mix.

We will meet at the studio of Tony Conniff in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 19th at 6:30PM (for beginners), and 8PM (for intermediates). His control room is big enough for a maximum of 10 people. So, sign up immediately if you are interested.

Tony Conniff is one of New York’s foremost songwriting teachers and coaches. He writes and produces music for film and television with clients including PBS, HBO, ESPN, ABC and Air America. He was nominated for the Outmusic Producer & Songwriter of the Year for his work on Alix Olson’s acclaimed debut CD, Built Like That. You can check out his website at: www.tonyconniff.com

Tony works in Logic Pro, but these Sessions are applicable to all recording software.

There will be the usual $10 meetup fee. This money goes into our non-profit meetup “kitty” and helps pay our expenses. You can do PayPal or cash. It’s up to you.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want to attend both Sessions, you must sign up for BOTH. But, you only have to pay once. In other words, if you want to attend both session (6:30PM and 8PM), it’s still only $10 total.

See you at the next New York Composers Tech Meetup!
All best,

Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

10 Yes
0 Maybe
2 Waiting List

May 19 6:30 PM

10 attended (est.) – 4.00 4.002

Hi Everyone,

Due to popular demand we will offer another round of our New York Composers Tech Meetup which looks at real-world recording technique.

Many of you did not get into the first round of sessions at the Tony Conniff recording studio. So here is another opportunity for you to attend.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP AGAIN IF YOU ARE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF SESSIONS ON MAY 12.
If you are already signed up for the 12th, let others have the opportunity to attend on the 19th.
IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE 12TH, YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR THE 19TH.

Here is what we will be doing:

SESSION #1
Beginner Recording—Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30PM
Subject: Basic production and audio concepts: Tools that make up a digital audio workstation (DAW), how MIDI and audio tracks differ, when and how to use drum loops, assembling and mixing a track.

We will meet at the studio of Tony Conniff in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30PM (for beginners), and 8PM (for intermediates). His control room is big enough for a maximum of 10 people. So, sign up immediately if you are interested.

Tony Conniff is one of New York’s foremost songwriting teachers and coaches. He writes and produces music for film and television with clients including PBS, HBO, ESPN, ABC and Air America. He was nominated for the Outmusic Producer & Songwriter of the Year for his work on Alix Olson’s acclaimed debut CD, Built Like That. You can check out his website at: www.tonyconniff.com

Tony works in Logic Pro, but these Sessions are applicable to all recording software.

There will be the usual $10 meetup fee. This money goes into our non-profit meetup “kitty” and helps pay our expenses. You can do PayPal or cash. It’s up to you.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want to attend both Sessions 1 & 2, you must sign up for BOTH. But, you only have to pay once. In other words, if you want to attend both session (6:30PM and 8PM), it’s still only $10 total.

See you at the next New York Composers Tech Meetup!
All best,

Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

10 Yes
0 Maybe
3 Waiting List

May 12 8:00 PM

12 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.003

Hi Everyone,

Our next New York Composers Tech Meetup will focus on real-world recording technique.
Many of you have asked for more info on the basics, and hands-on actual real-world recording demonstrations. So, here you go.

Session #2
Intermediate Recording—May 12 at 8PM
• What makes a dynamic, flowing arrangement work - what instruments are included, and how they're used.
• Applying equalization to achieve a sparkling pop sound, or to clean up a muddy recording.
• Creating a rhythm track, using loops, midi, drums and percussion, bass, etc.
• Use of Plug-In FX (available in DAWs) to clarify and improve your sound.
• Creating a balanced final mix.

We will meet at the studio of Tony Conniff in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30PM (for beginners), and 8PM (for intermediates). His control room is big enough for a maximum of 10 people. So, sign up immediately if you are interested.

Tony Conniff is one of New York’s foremost songwriting teachers and coaches. He writes and produces music for film and television with clients including PBS, HBO, ESPN, ABC and Air America. He was nominated for the Outmusic Producer & Songwriter of the Year for his work on Alix Olson’s acclaimed debut CD, Built Like That. You can check out his website at: www.tonyconniff.com

Tony works in Logic Pro, but these Sessions are applicable to all recording software.

There will be the usual $10 meetup fee. This money goes into our non-profit meetup “kitty” and helps pay our expenses. You can do PayPal or cash. It’s up to you.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want to attend both Sessions, you must sign up for BOTH. But, you only have to pay once. In other words, if you want to attend both session (6:30PM and 8PM), it’s still only $10 total.

See you at the next New York Composers Tech Meetup!
All best,

Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

10 Yes
0 Maybe
11 Waiting List

May 12 6:30 PM

12 attended (est.) – 5.00 5.005

Hi Everyone,

Our next New York Composers Tech Meetup will focus on real-world recording technique.
Many of you have asked for more info on the basics, and hands-on actual real-world recording demonstrations. So, here you go.

Session #1
Beginner Recording—May 12 at 6:30PM
Subject: Basic production and audio concepts: Tools that make up a digital audio workstation (DAW), how MIDI and audio tracks differ, when and how to use drum loops, assembling and mixing a track.

We will meet at the studio of Tony Conniff in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30PM (for beginners), and 8PM (for intermediates). His control room is big enough for a maximum of 10 people. So, sign up immediately if you are interested.

Tony Conniff is one of New York’s foremost songwriting teachers and coaches. He writes and produces music for film and television with clients including PBS, HBO, ESPN, ABC and Air America. He was nominated for the Outmusic Producer & Songwriter of the Year for his work on Alix Olson’s acclaimed debut CD, Built Like That. You can check out his website at: www.tonyconniff.com

Tony works in Logic Pro, but these Sessions are applicable to all recording software.

There will be the usual $10 meetup fee. This money goes into our non-profit meetup “kitty” and helps pay our expenses. You can do PayPal or cash. It’s up to you.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you want to attend both Sessions, you must sign up for BOTH. But, you only have to pay once. In other words, if you want to attend both session (6:30PM and 8PM), it’s still only $10 total.

See you at the next New York Composers Tech Meetup!
All best,

Preston

Cost: $10.00

Only members of this Group can view the location for this Meetup

10 Yes
0 Maybe