Authors, Experts on Arts and Music Educational Panelists 

(Bios Listed in alphabetical order by Last Name)

Bobby Borg - Author of The Musician's Handbook, is an international recording and touring musician with over 25 years experience in the music business. He has worked with a variety of artists including the multi-platinum group Warrant, Beggars & Thieves, and his own band Left For Dead.  Borg is a music business consultant to both artists and independent labels; he is also a prominent guest speaker at music industry events, a regular contributor to music business publications, and an instructor for the UCLA Music Business Extension.

Susan Ann Darley, through her business, Empowering Artists, helps people to honor, use and market their talents through one-on-one coaching, teaching and promotional writing.  She is the author of “The Power of Constructive Love,” which inspires readers to use their talents and share them with the world. Her book, “The Art of Becoming Visible,” is the result of her classes and workshops.  It offers marketing tips for all levels of creative people.

Susan's interest in the power of the human spirit led her to produce and host a series called "Personal Victories" for community television. She has over 20 years of experience as a copywriter and has guest-lectured at USC on marketing.

She is available to businesses and organizations as a speaker or teacher – tailoring her talk or workshop to the specific needs of the group.

Jeannie Deva is an internationally respected vocal coach, originator of The Deva Method®, A Non-Classical Approach for Singers™ and author of “The Contemporary Vocalist.” Over 400 of her vocal articles have been published in a variety of music magazines with current monthly vocal columns featured on 6 music web-zines.  A growing network of Deva Method voice teachers are located on East and West coasts, with her largest school located in Boston, MA (since 1977). Jeannie holds a Bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music where, in 1975, she assisted in launching their vocal department. As a Recording Studio Vocal Specialist, she is flown trans-continent to work with singers during album recording. Ms Deva's many endorsers range from Jazz pianist Chick Corea to producers/engineers for Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Bette Midler, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and others. She delivers voice clinics, workshops and music industry panels around the world. Jeannie teaches an international clientele including label recording artists and Grammy award winners and nominees. Jeannie Deva® Voice Studios: www.JeannieDeva.com

Bryan Farrish is a full time independent record promoter (i.e., music airplay promoter) in Los Angeles. He and his assistants are on the phone full-time with radio stations around the U.S. and Canada, telling them why they should be playing certain songs. It is a function that is unaffected by advent of the web, faxes, or even mergers.  More info on Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion can be found at: www.radio-media.com. Contact him at 818-905-8038.

Martin Isaacson M.Ed. is a renowned senior university lecturer, a performance artist, photographer and creates hybrid media art. He has been quietly doing art, teaching and consulting to well-known artists for 28 years.  He conducts workshops for artists at the Los Angeles Music Center, Los Angeles Arts Commission and Brooks Institute of Photography, The Skirball Cultural Center, The University of Judaism and many other colleges in the area.  More info on Martin, as well as samples of his works, can be seen at www.martinisaacson.com 

Billy Mitchell is author of "The Gigging Musician," which is based on interviews and his articles as a writer for Gig Magazine.  Born in Tarrytown and raised in Buffalo, New York, he tinkered with the piano as a child but did not get serious about music until he entered Morehouse College. In 1970 Mitchell moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career and was soon a mainstay of the LA scene. His solo album repertoire includes smooth jazz, contemporary jazz and swing and straight-ahead, Mitchell returns to the smooth jazz fold with his PRC 2001 release, “Never Give Up On Love.” The Billy Mitchell Group has appeared at many international festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Heineken World Music Festival, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, and countless club appearances around the world. His solo career has included appearances in film, most notably Clint Eastwood's "Bird" and multiple awards. His work as a clinician centers on his book, "The Gigging Musician" based on interviews and his articles as a writer for Gig Magazine.  In 2002 Billy founded The Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy. This program is designed to increase participation of inner-city students in music and arts scholarship. In 1999 America West Airlines awarded Mr. Mitchell the "Jazz For The Next Generation" Award for his continued work with young musicians.

Harriet Schock recorded her first album for 20th Century Records, containing her song, "Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady," which became a hit for Helen Reddy and was later nominated for a Grammy.  Harriet is a gold and platinum songwriter as well as a recording artist with six solo albums.  Drawing on years of experience, Harriet wrote Becoming Remarkable, a book that covers every aspect involved in making your talents shine. She teaches songwriting one-on-one in Los Angeles, a class for the Songwriters Guild of America and around the world with her Correspondence Course.

John Paul Thornton, Artist and President of Human Arts Project, International - Mr. Thornton's paintings have been exhibited in front of The White House and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  He has been honored by CBS television for his work as an artist on behalf of the public and he was one of six artists selected by The Global Culture Center to represent our country last year at the Art Trends International Exhibition in Tokyo.  He is a board member of the Valley Artists' Guild. John Paul is also a member of the California Art Club, Global Culture Center and Oil Painters of America.

Spike Dolomite Ward is the founder and Executive Director of Arts in Education Aid Council, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that is working toward putting the arts back into public education of the San Fernando Valley.  Prior to running this nonprofit organization, Spike owned and operated a private art school for young children in her art studio. She also presented these classes in schools as an art enrichment program. She has written arts education pieces for Creative Child Magazine, Arts and Activities, and the Los Angeles Times.  In addition to being a fine artist and cartoonist (www.spikedolomite.com), Spike continues to be active in the community and was recently elected President of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council. She also serves on the board for the Valley Artists Guild.

(NOTE FOR AUTHORS AND ARTS LEADERS:  If you are an author, arts organization or workshop leader and have a specific workshop that you would like to deliver at this or a future summit please send an email request to Glenn Horton at CalltoArts@cs.com with: a) names of potential workshops on arts, music, marketing or vision you would like to present; b) list of some of the locations and workshops you have delivered in the past, c) a short descriptive bio. All workshops at the summit are FREE to artists and student artists. We are not able to offer stipends to workshop leaders but would promote your workshop and partnership with Aha! in certain promotions and emails. We ask that workshop leaders also promote their summit and their presence at it to their lists.)