Hi Bill,

I had actually seen Tom's post. To me as a relatively new
barbershopper (I just got my four year card) one of the cool things is
that the champions are actually part of the discussion.

I did check out Tom's website which is also a blog with a lot of
interesting free stuff about improving performance (that seems to be
what he coaches.) I've even posted a few comments. Unfortunately he
doesn't really say how he does the virtual coaching, at least not in
detail. In fact except for the blurb on the home page the site doesn't
much mention virtual coaching at all. It is more about performing well
in competition, dealing with stage fright, selling the song etc. I was
interested in user virtual coaching experiences and hopefully
software/hardware details. That's why I posted.

You said he has a great setup. Do you know this from personal
experience? Does this mean you have been coached by him this way?
Could you tell us what it was like?

I've used video conferencing software, admittedly a long time ago, and
the experience was shall we say regrettable. I was hoping that modern
software fixed the problems I remember.

Thanks,

Steve Morris

On Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 3:28 PM, Bill Byrd <wlbyrd@...> wrote:
> Tom Metzger, bass of Realtime, has a great setup, Below is the text of his
> message to the harmonet,
>
> Bill Byrd,
> Norfolk VA
> Owning The Stage introduces *Virtual Coaching*
>
> - High level coaching just about anywhere, even if there are no high
> level coaches where you live
> - Save ALL the usual expenses - no travel, no lodging, no meals
> - Get exactly as much coaching as you want
> - Coaching available for groups at all levels, from brand new quartets to
> International Champs
>
> "Virtual Coaching" is a service offered only by Owning The
> Stage<http://www.owningthestage.com/>.
> We deliver effective, high-level coaching to quartets and individual
> performers live and in "real time" over the Internet, using inexpensive
> technology that you may already have. It's made painless and effective by
> our unique remote coaching methodology. All you need to join the revolution
> is a computer with a broadband connection, a web cam and a microphone.
>
> We've coached many groups from all over the world through the Internet, and
> it is proving time and time again to be the best way to deliver high-level
> coaching to the people who need it at a fraction of the cost. Here's what
> one recent client said, after a Virtual Coaching session over a distance of
> more than 2,000 miles from the coaching center:
>
> My biggest concern was the sound quality, and if that would impact the
>> coaching. During the session, I was thinking how pleasant this was, and
>> was
>> processing how we could use this a LOT more and get access to "high level"
>> coaching in the comfort of our own home. I don't think we would have
>> gotten
>> a noticeably higher level of coaching if you had been in the room with us.
>>
>
> Here are some of the things we can do for you:
>
> - High level quartet coaching to get you to your next level
> - Singing lessons
> - Advanced musical interpretation
> - Training for directors and musical and administrative leaders
>
> This is just a sampling of the wide range of classes, coaching and meetings
> we can facilitate through our system. If you have a particular topic or
> type of coaching you would like to see addressed, we are happy to work with
> you to make sure we personalize the session to meet your group's unique
> needs.
>
> As you can see, the dawn of virtual coaching over the Internet changes
> everything. Suddenly geography is a non-issue, and the real cost of the
> great coaching you've always wanted has come way down. Virtual Coaching is
> just as effective as coaching in person, but it's so affordable you could
> have a high level coach at every rehearsal. Now what would that do for your
> quartet?
>
> Getting started is easy. Just contact
> us<http://www.owningthestage.com/contact>and set up a time.
>
> We look forward to helping your group jump to the next level!
>
> Tom and Kari Metzger and the growing Owning The Stage team
>
> *P.S. We're quickly getting more requests than we can handle, so if you are
> a capable and experienced coach and you want to get involved, we want you!
> For more information about how to get on our coaching staff, contact
> us<http://www.owningthestage.com/contact>
> .*
>
> *P.P.S. If you know performers who live outside of the barbershop hot beds
> who might benefit from good coaching that they've been unable to get until
> now, tell them about it - they will freak out.*
>
> --
> Tom Metzger (tom@...)
> Husband of Kari, Father of Ry and Ty
> Bass, Realtime a cappella quartet -> http://www.realtimequartet.com
> Blogging about performance -> http://www.owningthestage.com
>
> "It's often not enough for one to simply be exposed to the truth, because
> the brain will actually fight to defend its attachment to cherished
> falsehoods."
>
>
>



--
Steve Morris
barbershopsteve@...
Bass: Boston Wailers
Bass: Sounds Of Concord
Motto: Old age and treachery will always prevail over youth and skill