Advertise on podcast: The Engaging Performer

Have you ever spent years commanding the stage alone, carrying the full weight of every performance on your own shoulders? In this episode, Tara dives into the deep, soul-stirring magic that happens when a solo performing artist steps into communal singing. While performing solo offers incredible creative control, opening up your process to sing and harmonize with other musical artists unlocks a profound level of connection, creative renewal, and community that we are hardwired to crave. Plus it can create a sound that is more beautiful and full than you may have experienced before.    Tara's links for each product on Amazon (where she is an Amazon associate:) 1. Vocalzone throat drops https://amzn.to/3UbnBSY 2. iPad stand https://amzn.to/4hQgPvR   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In today's episode, Tara and Bree discuss reasons that musicians pivot, some ways of how to pivot and knowing the best times of when to make changes in your music career. Vocal Eze: https://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske (15% off for friends) Foldable Music Stand VEKKIA: https://amzn.to/4cndscb   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician     How to get ahold of Bree Noble: https://www.femusician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitablemusicianllc/

What transforms an ordinary voice lesson into a breakthrough experience? In this episode, Tara breaks down the vital traits needed on both sides of the music stand to unlock true vocal growth. First, she explores what makes an exceptional voice teacher, focusing on the patience, active listening, and adaptive communication required to guide any singer. Then, she flips the script to look at the ideal student, highlighting how vulnerability, a growth mindset, and the grit to apply feedback accelerate progress. Tara shares from being on both sides of the equation—both as a teacher and as a student herself. Tara's links for each product on Amazon (where she is an Amazon associate:) 1. Vocalzone throat drops https://amzn.to/3UbnBSY 2. Gua Sha https://amzn.to/4wklA4B   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In this episode, Tara shares some of her recent favorite products from Amazon that have made her life easier as a music performer. From makeup to clothes to equipment, she has found these wonderful gadgets and products to be of good practical help. Tara's links for each product on Amazon (where she is an Amazon associate:) 1. Neutrogena oil free eye makeup remover https://amzn.to/450w9yv   2. Portable tiny fan for outdoor gigs https://amzn.to/3S95Bbq Neck fan https://amzn.to/4hh0Nee    3. Gorgeous shiny dress for stage gigs https://amzn.to/3TUpuDw   4. Vocalzone throat drops https://amzn.to/3UbnBSY   5. Music stand that folds up https://amzn.to/4cndscb   6. Stand for an iPad—even the 12/13 inch size https://amzn.to/4hQgPvR   Website: https://tarabrueske.com/products-i-recommend Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In this episode, Tara talks about the subject of getting a raise doing gigs. She gives practical reasons why it's okay to ask for one as well as sharing a bit of her own journey through navigating the world of earning income as a full time musician.   For more help, get Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2     Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk shop about AI, how it's being used in the music industry, how they use it and the pros and cons of using it as a musician. Plus a few practical tips for using it for personal use as well.   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician     How to get ahold of Bree Noble: https://www.femusician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitablemusicianllc/

In this episode, Tara breaks down how to process negative feedback without letting it kill your drive, helping you separate constructive criticism from toxic noise. She also dives into the business side of knowing your worth, sharing the exact red flags that signal it is time to walk away from a venue that is not going to book you anymore. It is not about quitting. It is about protecting your energy, your wallet, and your art so you can focus on the opportunities that actually move your music career forward.   For more help, get Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

Tara breaks down the nitty gritty of details that you will need for every gig you do—from the initial booking where you get a "yes" to the day of getting to the gig and who you need to connect with so you can feel completely prepared! For more help, get Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk real life about being a working musician and how money you earn can fluctuate (based on many factors). They chat about what things musician might face with trying to make a consistent living and how to combat the times when earnings can be slower or non-existent. They give many practical ideas based on years of experiencing variable changes in their incomes.   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2     Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician     How to get ahold of Bree Noble: https://www.femusician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitablemusicianllc/

In today's episode, Tara discusses the many aspects of what it means to be an introvert and perform regularly. She chats about simple ways to help her get through a gig and doing all the aspects you need to do when you are a full time musician but you get your energy boost from alone time! Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In today's episode, Tara and Bree talk real life about what is means to be a performing musician post 50. They chat about the things that change through the years, as well as the benefits of being an older musician.   Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician   How to get ahold of Bree Noble: https://www.femusician.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitablemusicianllc/

Tara talks in this episode about what musicians actually engage in each week. It can be a complex mix of creative, administrative, and physical tasks essential for survival in a modern industry, often spending more time preparing, creating content, or teaching than actually performing.  Grab Tara's book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs https://www.amazon.com/Booking-Every-Musician-Needs-Step/dp/B0D461DLZ2   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In this episode, we're talking about something every singer faces—nerves. Whether it's shaky hands, a tight throat, or that rush of adrenaline right before you start, you're not alone. The good news? You don't have to wait until the nerves go away to sing with confidence. Tara shares simple, practical tips to help you manage those feelings, stay grounded, and focus on what really matters—connecting through your voice. If you've ever felt held back by nerves, this episode will give you the tools to sing anyway… and sing with confidence.   Grab helps for your voice here: Vocal Eze Products:  https://vocaleze.refr.cc/tarabrueske 15% off for friends   Singing straw: https://bit.ly/SingingStrawTara https://singingstraw.com/discount/tarab10?ref=tarab10 Code: tarab10   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

What happens when someone answers the call to music later in life? In this episode, "Second Act, First Album," we sit down with musician Kristen Budde who didn't follow the traditional path into a music career—but instead discovered that the dream was still waiting in life's second act. After years spent in another career, Kristen decided it was finally time to pursue music seriously. That decision led to writing, recording, and releasing their very first album—proving that passion, persistence, and creativity don't come with an expiration date. How to get ahold of Kristen and hear her music: https://kristenbuddemusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kristenbuddemusic https://substack.com/@kristenbudde https://www.youtube.com/@kristenbuddemusic https://www.facebook.com/kristenbuddemusic https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenbuddemusic Her music is also on all the streaming platforms.     Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10   Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician

In today's episode, Tara and Bree tackle the do's and don'ts of marketing as a musician—especially on social media. You don't need to do the trends to market well or authentically. They give real life examples of what can work.   Link to grab your free PDF sheet of Simple Tools to Stay Motivated (And Actually Book Gigs): https://tarab.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/10   Tara's new book: 20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=20+must+have+booking+tips&crid=27VFUJNXZGYCY&sprefix=20+must+have+booking+tips%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   Tara's info Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic    Facebook: @tarabmusician     Bree's info: Instagram: @profitablemusicianllc