A Few Things About Me…

1. I gave birth for the first and only time at age 42. My precious son, Jude, is now 8. The good news and the bad news? I have infinitely more patience, wisdom, humor, confidence, and tolerance than I would have if I’d birthed at 22. Unfortunately, I am also always tired. I’m sorry, did I say always tired? I meant ALWAYS TIRED!
2. I’m an only child, born to middle-aged parents.  I think that this has prepared me for raising my own only child while in my own middle-age. Both of my parents have passed away, and I plan to do everything I can to stick around for Jude longer than my parents did. I realize this means I should stop drinking margaritas and eating bacon and ice cream…and do more pilates.
3. I’ve been married to my New York/Italian-American/Actor husband, Jimmy, for 15 years. No wait…is that right? Is it 15 or 16? 1995…2012…math (uhhh…). Damn. Almost 17! How’d that happen? Anyway, I’m blessed to have him and my crazy Italian-American in-laws, Mommy and Pop, who have taken me in, and provided a loving (albeit crazy) family for me.
4. I am a Texan. And although I’ve lived in Los Angeles for (gasp!) 20 years now, I will always define myself as such. I’ve mostly lost my accent, though it sneaks in occasionally, usually when I’m tired and/or liquored up. That's right, y'all.
5. I’m an actress. I used to have an actual “career”. Now I’m mostly that woman in  the paper towel commercial giving her clueless husband that wry, wise, wacky look.
6. I sing in my (Catholic) church choir, and it brings me great joy. Singing some rocking Handel or sublime Faure literally strikes a chord deep in your soul.
7. Target makes a really pretty decent pinot grigio in a box.
8. I’ve been told I have an obsessive/big dork personality. A sampling of my obsessions/addictions (in no particular order):  Kisses from Jude, bacon, Pogo Games, NPR, Battlestar Galactica, lists, Facebook, punctuation (my favorites are !, …, – and /), Venti Nonfat Caramel Macchiatos, face/body creams, bleach, e-mail, liberal causes, spelling, do-gooding, elaborate cocktails, NyQuil, using legalese words like whereby, aforementioned and heretofore (certainly influenced by my attorney father) and my little glass of wine after Jude goes to bed. Did I say kisses from Jude?

Comments

[Carla Carter]

Hi Gretchen,

My name is Carla Carter. I am a Grammy Winning Songwriter and the creator and founder of Songwriters Institute, a music education program in Los Angeles, CA.

Songwriters Institute is a program dedicated to young artists interested in entertainment and performing arts. This program exists to empower and develop young students who are young entertainers, musicians, creative storytellers and entrepreneurs... or aspire to be. I am contacting you because I am certain you have a community of talented young creatives who may benefit greatly from my services.

I not only teach basic music theory and songwriting, I leverage my network to help develop artists and cultivate music careers. In 2015, I directed a regional music program for the Microsoft Store in Century City, California and also teamed up with Los Angeles Unified School District to teach music production to students in the district. I am in my second year of instruction at a popular music college and I also teach virtual private lessons to young artists all over the country.

Lessons are offered in-person or online and focus on teaching the process of creating original melodies, chords and lyrics. The student-teacher ratio is 5:1 assuring students get quality attention and the support they need to reach their highest creative potential. I offer 1-on-1 sessions (Diamond Mentorship Program) as well. Each week, students perform practical exercises and write lyrics that help to strengthen their vocal, compositional and songwriting skills. Students create original works, and learn to record and vocally produce their own sound. All exercises are designed to broaden skills and add individuality and color to composition. No prior experience is necessary for Level 1, as I teach basic technique and music theory.

I would love to work with young entertainers you feel may benefit or have interest in this program. I am happy to extend a Free Introductory Class to all young entertainers referred by your blog

You can learn more about Songwriters Institute by visiting the website songwritersinstitute.com and contact me by email carla@songwritersinstitute.com
or by phone 323-834-8680

I look forward to hearing from you

Thank you,
~Carla Carter
Songwriters Institute