Simpedia

Mark M., New York

I performed on Good Morning America a few times, and the biggest tip I can give is simply to be prepared with what you know you’re being asked to do, and it sounds like you’ve got that covered in feeling comfortable about your talking points.

It’s like with a recital, with traditional methods, students would have to put in concerted work to make sure they were ready, but Simply Music students, ideally, having their repertoire alive and in good shape, would always be ready without any additional preparation. Not with their current / more recent projects, because those haven’t yet become familiar enough to be second nature, but yes with the second nature stuff that’s really ready and so isn’t a concern. Same with me on GMA, and same with you and the interview.

Especially if the reporters know how to do their job well, they’re going to make everything very easy for you, asking you questions in ways that will just lead you to know what to say, and how to answer.

Roberta B., Michigan

Congratulations on your upcoming TV spot! You will find that you will get students out of this promo.

When our local news medical reporting team came to my studio (in my home) to do a segment shoot about teaching Simply Music to people on the autism spectrum, I made sure ahead of time that I had my studio staged. By that I mean I took anything and everything (and I do mean everything) out of the room that had nothing to do with teaching Simply Music. Declutter, remove anything that will be a visual distraction. You want the focus on you, the reporter, and the piano. Turn off any phones that could ring, any clocks that make ticking/chiming noises, etc.

The single thing I did that made all the difference is that I emailed the reporter information about Simply Music and a list of talking points for her to ask during the interview – I made sure I controlled the events. The result was she followed my outline to the letter, and the segment that resulted turned out great.

I wore an outfit I felt comfortable in – a purple top and a long skirt (small purple flowers on a black background). Again, nothing busy to distract. Wear an outfit that looks professional and that you feel comfortable in.

Enjoy yourself during the interview, and let us know how it turns out!

Shanta H., Minnesota

Basically, the questions you’ll answer are the same ones you get in an Intro Session, and the reporter is there to help you.

Here is some more good advice I got from a former coworker who was in PR:

1. You just need to make sure your answers are newsworthy and soundbiteable. Whenever you make a statement, say the most important thing first, and then give your support for it after. When they edit, it’s easiest to take the beginning of a statement. Pithiest stuff first!

2. If you can, record yourself answering questions and then rework the wording of your answer if you hear something that sounds bad or silly or lame when spoken. That’s what I did. Practice in front of the mirror.

3. Wear solid colors, preferably dark. Strong lines are good, like a solid shirt and a black suit jacket. Blue is a color associated with authority. Wear makeup, but not too much.

Also, my own advice would be, worry about the shot and ask questions about lighting. Keep junk out of the shot. Make sure you come out looking good. The reporter will probably let you teach them a song. Be sure they are recording it! Dreams or Night Storm or OTJ would work.

Good luck! I probably got 15 calls when I had a two-minute news spot, and I got several students out of it.

Sheri R., California

I may be making a video teacher training and Neil told me to wear a solid color, a shade of blue or green, long-sleeved. Also no nail polish.

Diane C., California

Well, it was fun, despite the chaos. It turned out better then it appeared while taping. Remember this is all live!

First, I had tried to set up a question/ order list prior but she said we would have time before and would go over everything then. However, they arrived late and came rushing in stating “Our hit is in minutes, lets go ….”

So no prep, piano did not have a separate mic until later and I really didn’t even get a chance to say anything. But it was fun and free and I would do it again in a sec….

So far I received 1 walk-in, approx. 7 voice mails, and my website had more hits than I thought possible.

Enjoy and thanks for all the help.