Debra Russell: Success Coaching

3 Lessons from American Idol – Top 10

This was a very juicy week for Lessons from American Idol!

The first 2 lessons were pretty clearly expressed by Usher in his role as mentor. I have to say, I think Usher is my favorite American Idol Mentor so far! He wasn’t just interested in the arrangement, he really gave the Contestants constructive and immediately applicable lessons for their performance as well.

How Productive Has Your Week Been?

Are you accomplishing all you want to? Many people make the mistake of thinking that Time Management is about cramming more stuff into your already full to overwhelming life.

And so you resist creating your time management systems. Because you already feel so burned out and overwhelmed you just want to cry thinking about doing more. Does this sound like you?

Or perhaps you think, “I’ve tried a million things and nothing works for me – I’m hopeless!” Or, “Those time management systems aren’t for me, I’m too artistic.” Or, “If I really get myself systematized I’ll loose all my creativity and spontaneity.”

2 Lessons from American Idol – Top 11

In last week’s episodes, I felt there were 2 themes worth exploring. The first has to do with the choices the Contestants were making – and you’re making as an artist whenever you create.

2 Lessons from American Idol – Top 12

The format of American Idol requires artists to create cover versions of other people’s music. This is only slightly artificial as many independent artists perform songs written by someone else. And so, the ability to take a song written by someone else and make it your own is a critical skill for your success in the music industry.

Time Management Intensive Program

EARLYBIRD discount for the Time Management Intensive Program

7 Lessons from American Idol – Top 16 Results

In the writing of this blog series – I will not be commenting on who stays and who is voted off, no matter how tempted I may be. My purpose in writing this blog is to help you in your serious pursuit of success doing what you love.

2 Lessons From American Idol – Top 8 Male Semifinalists

In Wednesday’s American Idol episode there two lessons that can help you be successful as a performing musician or artist.

3 Lessons from American Idol – Top 24

For Season 9, I will be commenting on AI every week, so I’ll catch up shortly. I’m sure many blogs will be talking about this – but I will be looking at what lessons a music business professional can learn about how to create success promoting your career and your music.

Taylor Swift – Is Her Career Over?

I wrote this to Bob Lefsetz in response to his rallying cry for Taylor Swift and against the almost universal online and mainstream media bashing.

Interview on Music Maven’s BlogTalkRadio

Thanks to Deborah Diak, the Music Maven, from Rising Star Artists, for the opportunity to speak on BlogTalkRadio about the attitude of gratitude and how musicians can deal better with rejection. We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed myself!