 The Big Schmooze! and Music Industry Tour is produced by MusicBiz Seminars. Our mandate is to assist and educate the independent artist to gain insight and practical knowledge about the Music Industry.
We provide Learning, Networking and Showcasing events designed especially to provide indie artists with the necessary tools that are crucial to building a successful career. Ellen Drake, President of MusicBiz Seminars is the producer of The Big Schmooze events and Music Industry Tour seminar series. For more than thirty years Ellen Drake has worked in the music industry as a performer, a music educator, an entrepreneur and in public relations.
In her work as a freelance violinist in Toronto the artists Ellen has performed with include: Cher, James Brown, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, George Benson
Natalie Cole, Englebert Humperdink, Shirley Jones, Gene Pitney, Hal Linden
Bob Hope, Susan Anton, Kenny Rogers.
Seeking a change of pace, Ellen moved to Prince Edward Island in 1989 where she continued teaching and performing (PEI Symphony, the bands: Six of One and Blythe Spirits) as well as attending small business training.
In response to the burgeoning Maritime music scene, she and engineer Kate Kechnie joined forces in 1993 to create Windwood Sound, a professional 24 track recording studio. As the manager of Windwood Sound, Ellen developed a keen sense of marketing, promotion and public relations savvy. Windwood was featured in several publications including Professional Sound, Canada’s foremost magazine on recording.
In 1997 Ellen returned to Toronto. Together, she and producer/engineer Karen Kane developed the seminar Making It In The Music Business, which was commissioned through the Learning Annex. (This seminar was later replaced with “How to Make Money Making Music” and “How To Get Your Demo Heard”)
The two-day intensive workshop, (Making It), designed for novice singers, songwriters and musicians, provided a detailed guide and practical approach to the jungle of confusion surrounding the music industry. As a result, participants got a reality-check as well as an opportunity to meet, network with, and support one another. Ellen is often sought out for individual consultation and guidance from former seminar participants.
In response to the growing need for networking, socialization and information within the music industry, Ellen organizes and hosts a monthly event called The Big Schmooze! Launched in 2000,this forum provides an unlimited opportunity for musicians, businesses and organizations to mingle under one roof. Showcasing unsigned label-worthy talent is featured at each Schmooze. Industry reps are invited out to scout these up’n’coming acts.
As a natural extension from the success of both The Big Schmooze! and her Learning Annex seminars, Ellen has launched Music Biz Seminars, a series of talks entitled Music Industry Tour. This is a golden opportunity for those seeking in-depth information and advice from prominent industry professionals.
Currently, Ellen has developed her latest seminar called The Power of Connection – Networking Your Way to Success. Not to be defined or identified only with music business matters, this seminar addresses any realm in the social or business spheres. She has been a featured speaker at Long & McQuade’s L&M University seminar series.
Musically, Ellen has been a featured performer on numerous recordings utilizing her versatility in many genres including rock, folk & contemporary.
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