“People rarely SUCCEED unless they have FUN in what they are doing.”

― Dale Carnegie

Success to me is having the ability to do what I love. As a singer-songwriter and music producer, I have the chance to do that.

Growing up in CHURCH taught me a lot.

I grew up in church as a pastor’s kid. I started singing and playing organ at a young age.

I started WRITING.

Church is where I developed my love and passion for music. I started writing songs at 14 years old. I started a girl group called “Unity” performed my original songs during worship services.

I was introduced to CLASSICAL in high school.

I went to school in White Fish Bay, a suburb of Milwaukee, WI. I was introduced to classical music and sight reading, which were foreign to me. However, I appreciate what I’ve learned. I was chosen for the accelerated choir and several solos throughout my high school years. I even had the opportunity to sing a solo at my high school graduation.

I went on to COLLEGE.

I went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, majoring in Voice. After completing two years, my parents could no longer pay for school. So, I had to discontinue my education. I was devastated.

I went on with LIFE.

After leaving school, I went on with life, not knowing what my future held. I continued serving at my dad’s church as a singer and musician. I also worked different jobs, while living at home with my parents.

I still loved MUSIC.

During this time, all I did was find ways to sing. I headlined in my own two concerts and I sang with various gospel groups.

LIFE still went on.

Still unsure of what my future held, I ended up meeting my husband and getting married in 2009. Kids followed soon after, but my dream was still in my heart.

I wanted to accomplish MORE.

After my first child, I felt strongly about continuing my education in music. However, I knew I wanted to do more than just sing. I wanted to be able to compose my own music that complemented those lyrics and melodies.

I further pursued EDUCATION.

I decided to enroll in Full Sail University. I’m a current student, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Production. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

If I don’t know, I FIND out.

I’m continuing to learn each day. When I don’t know something, it’s not hard for me to research or ask for help. As I continue to work, the more equip I am for the music industry.

I accept the CHALLENGE.

Even though I started learning about production very late in life (I felt), I believe it’s never too late. I have run into many challenges while attending Full Sail because when I began, I was inexperienced. However, the fact is, I’m not giving up.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT is key.

I realize that one of the best ways to learn is to do it yourself. I’ve taken opportunities to produce tracks for my own live performances.

LEARNING and GROWING is essential to success.

I take every opportunity I can to observe and watch professionals in the music industry, even if it takes attending special events. I do it mainly for the purpose of learning how things should be done.

I enhance my SONGWRITING skills.

I continue to write songs to strengthen my skills during my journey at Full Sail. I have become a much stronger songwriter.

I WRITE from my heart.

Ever since I started writing, I’ve learned to take my feelings and create music. Now, I understand how to take those frustrations and feelings and put them in a singable song that even non-singers can relate to. People want something unique and I believe I offer this in my music.

DAWS are vital.

I’ve learned how to use DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Logic and Pro Tools efficiently. I understand how important these skills are in the music industry today.

I enjoy DIVERSITY.

Even though I grew up listening to gospel music, I gravitated toward Christian once I’ve gotten older. Then, I’ve learned to appreciate all different styles of music. Listening to diverse music styles helps me train my ear as a producer.

I want to be HANDS-ON.

I’m planning for my success now. I’m looking to do an internship at a studio to gain more hands-on experience. I want to watch how a professional studio should be run. I want to learn the art of mixing and mastering as well.

I want to be MENTORED.

I’m also planning to seek one to two mentors that are professionals in the music industry. This will allow me to learn from those who know best.

PRODUCTION is much more than people think.

I learned that as a music producer, it’s my job to make the song the best that it can be before getting the song mixed. The rough track should still have a quality sound. The better the production, the better the mix and final result.

I will WRITE for OTHERS.

My plan is to not only write for myself, but I also want to write and produce for other major artists as well. I also plan to have songs placed in film, TV, radio, and other media.

I’m a STUDENT and a PROFESSIONAL.

At Full Sail, I’ve learned how to be a professional and successful in my field. As an online student, I am definitely learning to be disciplined. I have the tools I need to thrive in any musical environment.

I CONQUER my FEARS.

I grew up with insecurities and fears as most people do. However, as a music professional, I understand that the only one standing between you and your success is YOU. The most important thing I’ve learned so far is the importance of conquering fear.

PASSION & PERSEVERANCE never fail.

My love, passion, and perseverance are what keep me going each day. I will never give up.

Please take a LISTEN.

I have samples of work on iTunes, Youtube (dreandleahLIVE), Sound Cloud (Leah Bracey), and my website (www.dreandleah.com).

SLIDES 1-4 PHOTO CREDIT: SOURCE BY LEAH BRACEY

SLIDE 13 PHOTO CREDIT: (Permission to use) Photo by Rachelle Lewis

SLIDE 5 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/67xvgW

SLIDES 6-7 PHOTO CREDIT: SOURCE BY LEAH BRACEY

SLIDES 8 PHOTO CREDIT: (left to right) Photo by Lauren Matthews (permission to use), photo by Timothy Fair (permission to use), source of LEAH BRACEY

SLIDES 9 PHOTO CREDIT: SOURCE BY LEAH BRACEY

SLIDES 10 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/67xvgW

SLIDES 11 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/6jzTKc

SLIDES 12 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/2sE6MF

SLIDES 14 PHOTO CREDIT: SOURCE BY LEAH BRACEY

SLIDES 15 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/aaFzdh

SLIDES 16 PHOTO CREDIT: https://pixabay.com/en/headphones-audio-black-songs-mp3-424163/SLIDES 17 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/5Pp2hz (top), https://flic.kr/p/ggenz (bottom left), https://flic.kr/p/

aWruDZ (bottom right) SLIDES 18 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/qdyQ1o

SLIDES 19 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/7HJZra

SLIDES 20 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/6bD9dj

SLIDES 21 PHOTO CREDIT: https://flic.kr/p/6Emu4q

SLIDES 22 PHOTO CREDIT: (left to right) https://flic.kr/p/6zz2KX. https://flic.kr/p/7JvrQM, https://flic.kr/p/ca17f

SLIDES 24 PHOTO CREDIT: SOURCE BY LEAH BRACEY

SLIDES 25-26 PHOTO CREDIT: (permission to use) Photo by Emilee Liveraance

SLIDES 23 PHOTO CREDIT: (permission to use) Photos by Emilee Liverance