Our origins as a non-profit organization center on our Musicians Mentorship Program. Empty Vessel began in 2004 committed to encouraging, equipping and enabling musicians who have a desire to grow professionally, personally and spiritually but lack sufficient financial resources and support to realize their full potential. We began to reach out to those who had an interest in really making a difference and serving others.
Since 2004 Empty Vessel Music put over 4,100 man hours into our Musician Mentorship Program, specifically in free professional recordings, pre-production and post production, management and other services. Our investment in these individuals represents over $625,000.00 in "real" market value as we freely invested in their growth. But, beyond the monetary, we have seen such a payoff in the lives that have been changed as personal purpose has been realized in so many.
1. PROGRAM SUMMARY
Our origins as a non-profit organization center on our Musicians Mentorship program. Empty Vessel began in 2004 committed to encouraging, equipping and enabling musicians who have a desire to grow professionally, personally and spiritually but lack sufficient financial resources and support to realize their full potential.
In 2004 alone Empty Vessel Music put over 4,100 man hours into our musician mentorship program, specifically in free professional recordings, pre-production and post production, management and other services. Our investment in these individuals represents over $625,000.00 in "real" market value as we freely invested in their growth. But, beyond the monetary, we have seen such a payoff in the lives that have been changed as personal purpose has been realized in so many.
The Musicians Mentorship program remains the center of our efforts as other programs and spheres of influence continue to grow out of our commitment and service to others.
2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Under normal circumstances it is quite an expensive proposition for budding musicians to fully realize the potential social impact their music and personal lives will have on their communities and the world. To that end our effort in providing assistance goes way beyond the music and challenges participants to realize their greater purpose. This is the primary goal and objective of The Musicians Mentorship program, finding greater purpose through music.
Our objective is not to create superstars, rock stars or a "marketable" artist but rather, produce in them an awareness of the influence they can and will have in their immediate circle of influence, communities, cities and eventually the world. Their success will come naturally once their purpose is realized, defined and refined. We strive to exhibit a spirit of giving that will be reciprocated in participants because it is modeled throughout the program and in the philosophy of benevolence expressed within the organization.
Finally, our philosophy is one of multiplication not addition, meaning as an organization we are not concerned with retaining artist but rather having them grow to a point they can return to others the opportunity they were given.
3. RECRUTING PARTICIPANTS
Recruitment and selection are critical components of the Musicians Mentorship program. It is essential that the program administrators reach, recruit, and select those young men and women who are most in need of the resources offered. The following will be utilized by the program planners and administrators to reach and recruit program appropriate participants:
community newspapers and radio stations
Online music communities such as MySpace, Pure Volume,Sonic Bids,etc.
local religious institutions
Other agencies that work with musicians
individuals who refer themselves or others
All recruitment efforts are conducted without consideration of a participant's race, age, ethnicity, sex, or disability and a statement to this effect will accompany all public service announcements, advertisements, and locally-placed flyers or posters. It is also essential the participants meet basic qualifiers to be eligible. The following qualifications are examined by the program planners and administrators to reach and recruit program participants, They Should:
understand and subscribe to the vision and mission of Empty Vessel Music putting
place service to others and charity above individual ambitions.
serve within the organization 90days prior to receiving program benefits.
posses drive and personal responsibility for individual and professional development.
express an interest in learning about the music industry.
be willing and open to being coached, mentored and steered.
4. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Recruited participants are directly involved in their individual and professional growth utilizing the program and all its resources in a way consistent with the Organizations vision, mission and philosophy. The program activities have been carefully designed to accomplish the goals, objectives and results outlined. To that end, Empty Vessel has created processes and adopted curriculum ensuring success.
Activities will vary depending on the needs of each individual participant. Basic staples in the program however consist of the participant:
" becoming financially self sufficient using appropriate training provided in the program " recording and/or producing their music without charge to participant " distributing said music via live concerts, internet and other means free of charge " using donated proceeds in active community, mission and humanitarian work " directly involving themselves in community and mission based activities either self initiated or through existing organized programs.
5. PLAN FOR MEASURING RESULTS
Empty Vessel measures continued results of the program based on the achievements of prior and existing participants over the last 4 years who have had significant impact in their sphere of influences, communities and the world, and now stand as a model for the programs effectiveness. Three examples illustrate:
Scott Ballaf a.k.a. Scott Free ( www.freestylemissions.com )
Scott came to EV as simply "a rapper", but grew into one of the most powerful hands-on street level influences in the Atlanta area. Scott, originally from Miami, was so timid when he came to EV that he found it difficult to "rap" in front of anyone. Today, he's a public speaker and has performed at venues such as Six Flags and other stages. He's most proud of his development as a key player in the Atlanta Urban scene. Not as a famous ATL rapper but as someone who has a hand on approach to helping people. Scott regularly speaks to the Homeless at the Safe house in Atlanta, GA.
The Less Band ( www.thelessband.com )
Adam Courtney, lead singer of The Less Band (www.thelessband.com), was among EV's stable of musicians. Gerry Van Mansfeld, the EV executive director, was judging a battle of the bands when a group of high school students played. Their raw talent was astounding. When Adam told Gerry they had been together about 6 days as a band it further awed him. Gerry gave Adam his card and mentioned he could help them, no strings. Adam was skeptical but called Gerry a few weeks later and began recording at EV studios free of charge. The band began playing homeless shelters and even got the change to play the Hard Rock in Atlanta, GA with a return invite. The band was mentored for about six months before they were encouraged to grow and they moved on in the same year to get 5 different offers from various major labels.
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar, the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia, is home to EV Asia where our director, originally from Carrolton Georgia, has been serving in Myanmar for 5 years teaching English and establishing music programs to inspire the youth. Currently EV is providing funding for musical instruments and studio equipment to complete a professional studio that will not only record these your free of charge but also offer a few employment. Young people who record her will then model our domestic mission of giving away the music.
5. PROGRAM COST
Empty Vessel measures continued results of the program based on the achievements of prior and existing participants over the last 4 years who have had significant impact in their sphere of influences, communities and the world, and now stand as a model for the programs effectiveness. Three examples illustrate:
