You can choose from many possibilities, but my most frequent audiences are elementary schools, hospitals and elderly care centers. Other choices may include preschools, youth shelters, Ronald McDonald houses, Best Buddies programs, Big Brother/ Big Sister chapters and the YMCA/YWCA. Use your local United Way as a pointer.

People to meet

The head administrator is often the best place to begin. The principal or the activities director are good bets. I will be happy to call them personally and discuss any questions or concerns they may have.

Number of events

As a general guide: For one day residencies, 3 off campus events and 1 on campus concert. Each additional day may include up to 4 more off campus events comfortably.

Length of programs

My programs vary in length with respect to the context. As a general guide: 25 minutes for preschool, 35 minutes for primary and secondary ages, 45 minutes for other groups. A campus concert can go from 60 to 95 minutes, depending on what you prefer.

Scheduling preferences

Besides leaving time for the program, please build in an extra 15 minutes for arrival and set up, and 15 minutes to talk afterwards. If possible, please schedule our stops "tightly". Besides the above time allotments, only travel time need be considered between sites. In other words, we can cover a lot of ground.

Technical requirements

As a general guide: when under 100 people I prefer to go "unplugged" for voice and guitar; when over 100 I may need a microphone or two (with large school assemblies, definitely).

School representation

I prefer to be accompanied by staff and/or students. If you are comfortable introducing yourself before the program, even better. If no one can come with me, I'm happy to handle the program on my own. Since it was you who initiated the contact, you've already in essence introduced yourself and your school.

Lodging

I ask for hotel accommodations for each day of events. If we are beginning before 10:00 a.m., please make them for the night before our residency.

Promotion

Begin with my bio or press release and photo and notify your local newspaper, school newspaper, radio and television stations. Bring along a camera. Also, you may want to invite outreach audiences to our on campus event. The community events serve as great previews for an evening concert.