Musical Development Program

Through the Musical Development Program, Music Maker documents artists, revitalizes their careers and expands their performance horizons.

Donate to help keep this Program alive!

Revitalizing Careers:
The most frequent and resounding request we receive from recipient artists is for work. Building the performance careers of our artists not only generates income and enhances their repertoires and performance skills but it educates the public about our musical traditions and our organization. This Program is extremely service intensive and is one of the most rewarding things we do for artists and for cultural preservation.

The first step in career revitalization is for our Program staff to spend time with the artists, evaluating their skills and repertoire as well as instrument needs. We often bring them to our headquarters as a Visiting Artist to work with area artists and band members to develop their repertoire and rehearse. We gather the elements to create a promotional package with a photo, demo CD, biography and press clippings. We mount the kits on our website for easy access to potential bookers and media.

Booking Services:
Music Maker serves as a liaison to third party-paid performing opportunities at festivals and venues across North Carolina, the US and throughout the world. We provide booking services and the logistical support that makes it possible for elderly artists who may have never left their rural counties in North Carolina to spread their musical message. All touring operations are self-funded by talent buyers; however, if the shows do not pay well enough but the experience is valuable for the artist and the community, Music Maker provides tour support including:

• PR and Advertising
• Performance Transportation Assistance
• Sideman Assistance – pay for the bass player & drummer
• Performance Subsidy Grants
• Instrument & Equipment Acquisition


Whenever presenting talent, Music Maker does its utmost to insure the artists are presented with the respect and quality of production they deserve. In 2008, Music Maker artists collectively received earned income in excess of $150,000. In addition, the artists performed at prestigious festivals and venues including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Lincoln Center, the Spoleto Festival, the Byron Bay BluesFest and many venues throughout Europe.

CDs for Artists: $2 spent, $20 in the artist’s pocket!
The other critical element in the artist’s career potential is the documentation of their work. Recordings of their music can be used for sales and promotion along with other support materials including still photography and video.

The CDs for Artists initiative gives artists an ongoing stock of CDs to use for promotional opportunities to get gigs, radio play, media exposure and to supplement their income at performances. For every dollar MMRF spends giving an artist a CD to sell, the artist can make up to $15 in income. If an artist sells 20 CDs at $20 each after a performance, a $500 gig becomes a $900 night for the artist.

Making a Difference
While we can quantify the resulting increase in income to the recipient, it can be difficult to chart the transformation when the musical gift of artists that have been isolated and inactive for many years is suddenly rekindled.  Fingers that haven’t touched the fret board in ages become once again limber and articulate.  Songwriters who haven’t composed in ages rediscover their voice and have so much to share.  What is most significant to the individual is the tremendous boost in self-esteem from a new generation showing interest in their music.

This program is so dynamic and has such a profound effect on not only the life and career of the artist but also on our nation’s cultural vibrancy.