The Wilser’s Room
6 PM - 11 PM
PWYC at the door
Good Ingredients is a holistic music education system that builds foundations of pro communication skills, technical proficiencies, and a 4-pillar scope of the industry.
1. Live Sound Reinforcement
This set of modules develops etiquette for stage and studio. Learning how to take care of equipment builds trust towards healthier collaboration. Setting up basic PA systems and running lines builds self-sufficiency and helps save time during a setup/teardown. This works above & beyond most industry professionals, building relationships with the venue managers and even creating work as a live sound engineer.
2. Rhythmic Development & Lyrical Considerations
This set of modules develop a natural sense of physical coordination in rhythm and improves communications about rhythmic-based specifics of the music. Sensibilities of what playing together in a band feels like and how to use non-verbal communication are introduced. Learning academic rhythm improves communication to reduce time wasted in rehearsals to communicate concrete ideas with professional music creatives.
3. Fundamental Music Theory
This set of modules build a foundation in music theory towards discussing functional and non-functional harmony. Participants will know key signatures, intervals, chords, modes, tensions, diatonic chords, and how to use inversions in chord sequencing. Solfege will be explored as another layer of understanding and communication.
4. Contemporary Vocals & Rhythm Section Instrument Proficiencies
This set of modules gives participants a tangible (almost tactile) understanding of healthy vocal technique. Expectations are to coach drastic improvements in others in under 2 minutes. Basic foundational techniques are isolated on drumsticks, keyboards, electric guitar, and electric bass. This part of the curriculum is very much non-standard.
WHY IS THIS MATERIAL IMPORTANT?
The industry has made turns for non-traditional music backgrounds becoming key creators and industry professionals. That being said, those with elite training have proved to be pivotal to the success and growth of musical teams.
Further advanced programming will include advanced harmony, conceptual development of musical language, synthesis, beatmaking, music business, arranging, production, touring, and more.
Donny Milwalkee is a music director with a reputation for shaking the status quo with a focus in hip-hop, neosoul, soca, and trap-jazz. Working with independent and major label artists, Grammy winners, and holding tightly to strong community values, his work has impacted cities as a curator, performer, educator, and cultural leader.
Coaching performing artists, building backing bands, and leading small to large ensembles has built a wide foundational base to lead a team through goal posts of successful performance. This carries from directing through each technical process from the songwriting process, production and mixing, vocal coaching, rehearsals and performance coaching, artistic direction, branding and marketing, PR and sponsorship, and performance. His mentorship as an educator has led numerous alumni to major credits, Grammy and Juno awards, publishing deals, record deals, sponsorships with top brands, highlight performances, and song placement opportunities.
His career has been fulfilling, working with countless heroes in a multitude of contexts. As a drummer moving through tertiary roles including curating for jazz festivals, owning and operating a restaurant and live music venue, managing Grammy-nominated artists, and more, the music industry can be anything we want it to be. For Donny, that all started with Good Ingredients.