What I can offer

What I can offer you

"Aiko has a deep intuitive ability to see the structural integrity of things or a lack thereof. Like an engineer, she can quickly spot the fundamental flaws within something, as well as its strong points, and can quickly rearrange and sculpt an underdeveloped idea into the strongest version of itself.... While many people become lost close up to the pixels of an image, Aiko can zoom out and see the complete picture, making her the perfect guide." - Singer/Songwriter in Northern California

What I can offer... (keep scrolling down to see details)

More than technical or practical information or teaching, I can share with you the wisdom and knowledge I've gleaned from years of personal experience. I can offer you my advice and ideas so you can be the musician you want to be, whether composing, recording, or performing, so you can share your deeper musical self with the world. I intend to see the big picture and take things in from different angles. Sometimes life gets in the way, and you might struggle moving forward with your music, and in a situation like this, I can be your mentor/life coach to guide you through things. You might sometimes get into your head too much, as we all can, and it can be helpful to talk with someone else about what you are working on.

There are many types of audiences, some of which are hungry to experience music that is original and not just the same old 'cookie-cutter' industry fodder. Eventually, you will find your niche and an audience that is inspired and nourished by your music, if your music is authentic and honest. This is a two-way street: you in turn will be nourished and inspired by this connection.

I would like to be a mentor, guiding you through to this point - finding your true voice/sound and sharing it with the world. Music can be inspiring and healing, whether it's rap, heavy metal, experimental, etc. It doesn’t have to be so-called “healing music” to heal others and yourself. Genre won’t matter as long as it is truthful and deeply honest.

Who would benefit from my support?

Musicians who feel stuck in one way or another, mentally or emotionally.
Musicians who have challenges deciding the direction for the future.
Musicians who are having self-confidence issues.
Aspiring musicians who would love to start playing music and want to be able to perform, but don't have the confidence or the skills.
Musicians who envision a full-length album or EP, and want control over their recording (for example, recording their music by themselves with a recording app) but do not have enough experience in producing a record and need guidance and support.
Musicians who are going into a recording studio to have someone record their album but need help in overseeing the whole project.
Starting musicians who are not ready to record, but need guidance and support in different aspects of being a musician, whether forming a band/group, going solo, practicing, writing music, gigging, trying to set up perfect gear, promoting their music and shows, etc.
A small label needing a producer.
Anyone who would like to make a non-music recording, such as a meditation CD or recording of poetry, etc. but doesn't have the means or know where to begin ( recording studio or using a recording app).
Anyone who would like to post YouTube videos of guided meditation, visualizations, or anything that requires vocalization with backing music.

How to put a recording together (Making an album)

How to get a good recording sound
How to produce a record that sounds rich full, dynamic, and has a good flow
Order of songs (and spacing between songs, etc)
How to create a record that is unique to you and not sound like others’
Arrangement - full, spare, unique, warm, crisp, creating a certain mood??

Live performance

What to focus on during practice
How to create flow within a set
How to connect with bandmates / Listen to each other, etc
How to situate on the stage (both technically and energetically), good feng shui
Practical knowledge and advice on microphone position, speakers, etc
Effective, quality sound check before performance
How to create a powerful setlist
What to say, not to say at live performances
What to do, and what not to do at live performances
How to improve your live performances, step by step
How to commit deeply to each song when performing
How to connect with your deeper gift, with YOUR truth, with YOUR sound

Promoting your music and gigs

How to effectively let people know about your shows and appearances
How to make effective posters, flyers, posts on Facebook and Instagram
How to go about promoting your new releases

Songwriting

How to find the right people to play with
How to find gigs and promote
How to find your voice
How to create balance, structure, tension & release in your music
How to make your music breathe and dance

How to connect with other musicians

Art of connecting with other musicians - supporting each other
Putting yourself out there at open mics, or seeing other musicians at their shows

How to stay creative

I encourage all musicians to read books (not just those relating to music), sit and listen to full albums from beginning to end, go out in nature, connect with friends, connect with yourself, travel, cook, try new things, go to small venues to check out unknown musicians, go to a museum, paint, journal, etc.
How to stay healthy, get enough sleep, give yourself time to rest, get enough sunlight, put your bare feet on the ground/grass, and more.
Get to know yourself more. Learn to listen to your intuition. Learn to do the right thing.
Learn to be kind and loving towards yourself (this one is hard!)
And more!

I'm here to support you in any way that you might need, even if that means just being there and listening.

I offer a 30-minute free consultation to see if we are a good match.

The cost of the service varies depending on the type of service. I do have a sliding scale fee, scholarship options, and bartering if needed.