So her goes.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Kallie and I'm the owner of Up-Stage Music. I'm a full time vocal coach and producer based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.
How did it all start?
Well, music has always been my passion - since I was a child. I was 11 when I took up singing lessons with a reputable singing school in Cape Town. I competed in various competitions, performed regularly with various artists and started composing and writing my own work from about the age of 17. I started giving part-time vocal tuition at the age of 19.
How long have you had the school?
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Up-Stage. Before my school I was working in the printing industry, but my heart wanted to open up a music school to teach, We've only grown from strength to strength.
How has your experience been so far?
Rocky, to say the least! Owning a business is definitely not for the faint of heart. I've discovered the most difficult part of my job is the admin!(Hinting for a personal assistant). The plus side is that I get to do what I love- teaching. There is nothing more rewarding than to see my students doing well, improving and living their dream.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced?
I would say competition. There are a large amount of singing schools in and around Cape Town each offering their own style of teaching. I firmly believe that in order for a vocalist to become great, they first need to believe in themselves. So many artists fail in our industry due to lack of confidence or people walking over them, not giving them the chance to raise an opinion of what they are doing and why. Also, a big challenge is of course to offer students enough exposure. It is not always apt to have them perform in a pub! Family friendly venues are very difficult to find.
What advice would you give to others, who would like to start their own business?
Do your homework! I hear of so many business owners that just jump into a venture without thinking things through. I also feel that you need a passion for what you do. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it!You can!
How many of your students have gone on to be stars?
I currently have two stars that are touring Belgium as we speak! One of these students, Karla Christine, has also just released her second commercial album. Furthermore. I have had a few students that's gone on to starting bands and gigging around Cape Town, becoming successful session vocalists for reputable SA acts and even a few students that have ventured into acting and has appeared in a few SA films and commercials.
What's next for your school?
To grow, to dream and to keep singing!It's a tough economy. I offer affordable singing lessons as I would never want to deprive anyone of not being able to afford living a dream! I am currently in the process of going a bit more mainstream with recording artists' demo's.I feel that there are a large amount of recording studio's in Cape Town that offers their services to a selected few. What I mean by this is that the recording a song is expensive. I would like to be able to offer high quality recording at a fraction of the cost!I feel that every singer deserves to be able to afford a demo CD!
Kallie will be hosting Up-Stage Summer Concert on the 28th March. For more info lick on the link for all event details Up-Stage Summer Concert.
If you have any questions for Kallie or myself feel free to post in the comments section below.
Peace and Love
~*CoCo*~
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