MANAGEMENT

At AME your manager is your best friend. Always there for you. She or he will guide you every step of the way, giving special attention to ensure your success.

Our managers know the business inside and out. And they specialize in giving you the information you need to succeed.

Whatever level you're at, from amateur to professional, your AME counselor coordinates between all department and formulates a management program that's right for you.

To stress the importance of the member-manager relationship, it is a full time, total access situation. Any time of day or night, your personal manager can be reached via phone or pager. They are never out of touch.

You can put your trust in the Exchange Management Team as they lay the groundwork for a solid career and give members strong leadership.

The fundamental significance of management is realized in the unique organizational structure of the Exchange, based on universal interaction. All levels are explored and discussed with personal and business managers to ascertain goals and formulate artistic direction. Advice and representation are administered on a continual basis for the duration of the membership term, giving clients first hand guidance in all areas of their professional endeavors.

In addition to initial career consultation seminars and conferences, personal consultants are assigned to each individual for direct involvement. Their job is to troubleshoot any problem area and help facilitate arrangements with other departments. They communicate regularly focusing on members' strengths and weaknesses, and offer concrete proposals for growth and security.

Periodic counseling sessions are scheduled to review progress and consistency of image, preparing artists for public presentation. Long-term monitoring and documentation of musicians' development is done subsequent to immediate managerial aid, when members meet to initiate performance and PR strategies.

The executive management staff does not issue clients instant record contracts, rather they line up introductions and interviews with A&R (Artist and Repertoire) people, interpret business idiosyncrasies, alert you to scandals and conspiracies, and caution against certain moves deemed problematical. Members' active participation is encouraged, and artistic expression respected.

When members are ready, they are guaranteed a recording contract. That's why all Musicians' Exchange departments work in unison from day one to make this dream a reality.

INSTRUCTION

Education is the cornerstone of a successful career. At the Musicians' Exchange we teach you the things you need to succeed.

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Members choose a program that fits their schedule and capacity to learn. Each course is taught by Exchange faculty members, and in every department you get the best training available anywhere.

From the intensive crash courses to the full degree programs , students learn special methods and secret techniques that prepare them for whatever demands are placed upon them in the fast paced, high-pressure world of the working pro. The AME educational philosophy is based on one simple principle: Practice Makes Perfect .

Not only how much you practice, but what you practice, is important. So, that's why at the Musicians' Exchange we employ some of the keenest minds in the business, expert musicologists, to teach the mastery that is so crucial in the competitive music marketplace. Also:

• Flexible, pressure-free classes
• Self-paced study regimens
• Unlimited access to teachers
• Mastery guaranteed
• Full degrees provided
• Scholarships available

PRODUCTION

World class producers are at the disposal of all members. Their creative concepts and expertise have made The Exchange what it is today: the foremost authority in musical performance in the world.

The primary goal of this department is to bring forth high grade productions to meet the standards of excellence we are known for. Using our extensive resources, every member is given top notch service. Like state-of-the-art ideas from The World Center for Sound System Research and Development.

Some services include concert and studio production, audio engineering, multi-track recording, video taping, soundtracks, transcribing, arranging, songwriting and composition. We also have a mobile recording unit for remote production

Video production is done by film-makers at The Institute of Cinematography .Together with The Exchange, we have been at the forefront of the avant-garde aesthetics movement and lead the world in art and multimedia creative projects. Our access to top secret classified technology is an exclusive feature that gives us the edge in producing the most awesome work ever known.

For live situations our production staff will set up PA equipment, mix your sound and do your lights. We can also record and/or videotape your show. This full service feature comes complete with make-up and wardrobe. Our post-production editing capacity ensures quality no matter how bad your performance is. Special effects, overdubs and other highlights are added improvements.

The creative minds of our producers will bring your product to life. Their ideas and inspiration fuel work that leads to success. And their knowledge of music and technology will be passed on to you for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Many musicians prefer producing and recording their own projects, which is fine. The Musicians' Exchange can also serve as a back-up for independent minded artists who may turn to us just for occasional technical or managerial support. Members are encouraged to pursue their creative ideas that identify them as an original entity, and our producers know how to bring out individual styles.

Planning on building your own studio? We're here to help with tools, labor and technical advice. Production is what making music is all about and The Exchange leads you every step of the way, from concept to completion. Our close affiliate, The International Association of Theater Arts , supplements our staff for large scale stage shows and opera.

We specialize in new and innovative approaches to the art of production, using special techniques developed in high tech labs at Carnegie-Mellon University. AME producers are experts in the fields of sound reproduction and performance art. Their skills are applied to making members' projects shine.

Call The Musicians' Switchboard 24 Hour Hotline anytime to discuss a production plan that will fulfill your creative potential.

PUBLICITY

Public relations, marketing and advertising specialists create a custom-coordinated campaign geared to maximum exposure. A promo plan is immediately implemented with support from the management department. A broad spectrum of communications and media services are available and members are given complete press kits, including photos, graphic art and promotional literature (ad copy). A constant supply of new promo material is readily available upon request.

A web site is put on-line for each new member, if they so desire. Our web developers create awesome sites that get attention on the net. This service guarantees you get international exposure and instant e-mail. The potential for sales and publicity is virtually limitless. High quality websites designed by the Exchange feature graphic illustration, photos, rollover buttons, Flash animation, e-commerce solutions, streaming audio & video, and much more.

Multimedia professionals, photographers and computer graphic artists design your best image and make high quality visuals on demand. Members are given masters which they may reproduce to their hearts content. There is no end to the amount of layouts, designs and concepts we can produce for members' portfolios.

Multi-level PR initiatives are undertaken in proportion to the scope of each situation involved. Manager-Client cooperation is crucial in facilitating a viable campaign. Our media blitzes and community saturation require constant attention. Name recognition and notoriety is important to any unknown musician seeking celebrity status. Being in the spotlight is what being a star is all about. We put you there. We make you.

Publicity stunts are also part of the full range of services in this program. Their value cannot be overemphasized, and sometimes it makes the difference between success and failure. Our tried and true Madison Avenue techniques never fail. Not cheap gimmicks or schmaltzy schticks, just clever and sophisticated psychological marketing methods.

There are literally thousands of ways to promote musicians, so we are never at a loss for different approaches. As many as possible. If a talent is good enough to withstand the heat of the spotlight, then no expense will be spared to put them there. Performers who try to fake it are exposed upon serious scrutiny. But even developing artists need early promotion. So, The Musicians' Exchange team of experts from every department, especially Management and Instruction, immediately help new members get up to standards.

Sometimes it takes years for the identity of a mediocre musician to finally find a place in the publics' mind. That's why we do everything we can from the start to get the publicity machine going, while grooming and training those who need it along the way. So musical competence and an in-depth PR plan compliment each other.

Members return year after year for effective, result oriented leadership in global community public relations. They come back for large and small promotional operations which increase their popularity, because they know and trust The Exchange for reliable representation in the big-time advertising arena. Our staff works around the clock pounding the pavements, knocking on doors and spreading the word.

No stone is left unturned in artist promotion because your reputation is your commercial identity. Without it you don't exist, marketability speaking. Yes, it's a sad but true fact that talent alone will not guarantee fans will beat a path to your door. PR is a vital ingredient to any successful music career. The Exchange backs up this position in the spotlight with artists and material of substance and quality.

REFERRAL

Because we live in the Information Age it's no longer enough to just have money. You need the power of intelligence. This department is the nerve center of The Exchange. It is the main clearinghouse for names, numbers, mailing lists and general information.

Our vast database is a matrix of musical related people and businesses, from every type of directory including the Internet, located here. Complete listings, cross-referenced for your convenience. This exclusive nexus of inside connections is necessary at times when it's not what you know, but who you know.

This is the who's who of the industry. From the major label executive to the street level musician. Chances are you are probably in our database and don't even know it. We have the most detailed dossiers on more musicians and industry personnel. And the list grows daily.

From this office, communications branch out inter-departmentally to individual members and to an unlimited network in the public domain. This is the world's largest musicians' database. From local grassroots units, extending into the World Wide Web. Ever expanding, ever improving. Making life easier for musicians and others.

The AME database is the most extensive and comprehensive listings available. From the inner sanctum of Central Control, Exchange Information Systems process data, organize resources and direct operations.

Just call the 24 Hour Hotline and like magic everything will be at your fingertips. Unending lists of musicians and every other conceivable person or business related to music. General information on any subject is also available to members as part of this excellent service. Just ask.

Most members use this department to contact other musicians in order to form or join bands, and bands looking for musicians to replace a departing member or adding a new player. Musicians can also get lists of clubs and other contacts through the Referral Office. And working closely with Exchange Booking, club owners get lists of bands available.

This well managed interrelation between departments is the reason for the phenomenal success of The Musicians' Exchange. No other company in the world has the resources and the where-with-all to deliver such a vast array of services, from information to manpower. And through the Musicians' Switchboard, you can access data for any musical need. A world of knowledge awaits. Knowledge about who and what you need to know and do. It's all here. So join the club and call now.

24 Hour Hotline
Musicians' Switchboard

ROAD CREW

This full service department offers all the things you need to get you and your gear to and from the gig safely. And while at the gig, we set it up, during the show we troubleshoot tech problems, and then afterwards load up the truck and take you to your home or studio.

Strong and able roadies lift and carry, ever so carefully, your instruments, amps, accessories and miscellaneous sound system components. As they lock and load in the packing process, extra care is taken to safeguard against any damage.

As your main management company we are responsible for your ultimate success in every way, because your success is our success. Failure is not an option. We do all that is possible to get everything on stage and working perfectly. During sound checks engineers and techies from the Production Office mix the music and fix glitches.

Members meet with us beforehand to review and register equipment and study manuals if necessary. The show must go on, so it is crucial that there are no technical difficulties on stage. At the gig we are constantly monitoring every single component. If something malfunctions we also have a full compliment of electronic repair tools and testing devices.

Some bands opt to transport their own gear. However, if their car breaks down or runs out of gas, 24 hr. Emergency Roadside Assistance is also available. Knowledgeable mechanics are dispatched to the scene to save the day. And in addition, Emergency Medical First Aid is administered by qualified Road Office staff to help in cases of accidents, electrocutions, overdoses, etc.

We get you to the gig one way or another. Not wind, rain, ice nor snow shall keep us from our appointed rounds. You can depend on AME all the way. We are always there for you and won't let you down. Thousands of musicians rely on us for guidance and support. Our successful track record in serving the arts community says it all. The Exchange does more to help musicians than any other organization ever has. And this is just on the local level! In the near future more and more services will be offered statewide, nationally and internationally, including global tour management.

As the quality of services improves, so does our reputation as the leader in this field. The more members that join, the overall volume allows for lower membership costs and an increasing variety of services to be offered. Eventually the Road Crew department will have a fleet of vans, trucks and tractor trailers, and special deals will be contracted with air and cruise lines for overseas tours.

You will have the backing of the finest most experienced group of road and stage production professionals working for you. So why risk injuries, damage or theft when you can trust The Exchange Road Management department to handle everything. You'll never have to worry about moving your equipment again.

SECURITY

Tired of getting ripped off? Tired of hecklers in the audience and inadequate protection against stalkers and groupies? Have you ever been mugged after a gig? Did you ever wish you had a personal aid to watch your safety at all times? Wish no more because now The Musicians' Exchange provides an elite task force focused on these and other problems.

This department evolved over the years to fulfill the needs of members in this much neglected area. you'll feel confident knowing you're backed by a team of well trained experts patrolling venues, thwarting attackers and safeguarding equipment against theft. And in the studio, we'll beef up security systems and install whatever alarms & surveillance gear is necessary.

In addition to bodyguards and Party Police for your band or club, we offer an exclusive Theft Retrieval Service. Register your gear and other property with The Exchange and if it gets lost or stolen, we'll implement tactical operations to find and return it, with the help of the police, of course.

As part of a continuing effort to ensure your well-being, AME investigators are at your command, ready to serve. There's no end to our commitment to helping you. And it's easy because we care. We know how important it is to eliminate unwanted circumstances in ones life, and we do all that is possible to protect you in every way.

Sometimes you need a private eye to secure your privacy because there are dangerous and manipulative elements operating in the music business and media in general, including the predatory paparazzi lurking in the shadows waiting to catch you in a compromising situation. And you don't want to be left at their mercy. Members or not, if anyone knows of any person involved in the extortion or exploitation of an artist or musician, please let us know.

With the Musicians' Exchange you can become a major star. but what good is fame and fortune when you can lose it all in an instant? That's why security is so important. We are dedicated in every way to your personal safety as well as your long-term financial stability. Don't leave home without us. Because it's a jungle out there. And you need the protection that only The Exchange can provide.