Making It! with Terry Wollman

Michael R. Morris has blended his tax law expertise with his passion for music and entertainment, resulting in a practice that is unique. As a former trial lawyer for the IRS and a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, Michael provides insightful resolutions to his clients’ complicated tax, estate and business transaction issues. In the entertainment industry, Michael has developed a strong reputation of providing valuable and effective business solutions in areas such as copyright and contractual matters. Although Michael’s core competency is within the tax arena and entertainment, he has developed significant expertise covering a wide range of businesses. His diverse client base includes major studio executives, recording artists (including Grammy winners), production companies, film and TV composers, talent agencies, payroll companies, skin healthcare companies, post production houses, software companies, and an award-winning winery.http://theccc.org/https://www.aimp.org/http://www.aes.orghttps://www.grammy.com/

Kiki Ebsen is a dynamic singer, songwriter, musician and artist whose vast musical range combines elements of jazz, pop, classical and rock. Whether singing standards from the Great American Songbook, classic rock covers or her own original compositions, Kiki has a style that is uniquely her own. For over 20 years, Ebsen was heralded as a talented vocalist and gifted keyboard player, supporting Grammy-winning and platinum-selling artists, including Christopher Cross, Al Jarreau, Tracy Chapman, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs.Best known today as a popular solo singer and ensemble vocalist, Kiki performs regularly in three productions she created. There’s "To Dad with Love: A Tribute to Buddy Ebsen", a multimedia jazz/cabaret homage to her father; "An Evening with Kiki Ebsen", focusing on her original songs and uniquely styled covers and standards; and, "Kiki Ebsen’s Joni Mitchell Project", a collection of top Los Angeles musicians including Grant Geissman, Terry Wollman, Matt Starr, and Steven Lawrence, performing a wide variety of songs penned by the iconic Joni Mitchell.

Artie Butler was discovered by the legendary team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. He has been involved in every phase of the music industry. Awarded over fifty gold and platinum records, multi-Emmy and Grammy nominations, his credits are literallytoo numerous to mention. A small sampling of his associations includes:Records"Solitary Man" & "Cherry Cherry" & “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon” - Neil Diamond"Copacabana" & "Even Now" & "Can't Smile Without You" - Barry Manilow"Feelin' Al-Right" - Joe Cocker"I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again" - Dionne Warwick"Laughter In The Rain" - Neil Sedaka"Neither One Of Us Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye" - Gladys Knight & The Pips “Sally Go ‘Round The Roses” - The Jaynets"The Boy From New York City" - The Ad-Libs“The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” – Vicki Lawrence“You And Me Against The World” – Helen ReddyMovies- "What's Up Doc?" - Barbra Streisand - Warner Bros. "For Petes Sake" - Barbra Streisand - Columbia "The Rescuers" - Animated Feature - Walt DisneyTheater- “The People In The Picturee” - Roundabout Theater - Original Broadway Premier Co-composed score with Mike Stoller Book & Lyrics – Iris Rainer DartArtie has worked with the best of the best - Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Neil Sedaka, B.B. King, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Dionne Warwick, Bernadette Peters, Helen Reddy, Mac Davis, Bobby Darin, Dinah Washington, Andy Williams, Liza Minelli, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, The Coasters, The Drifters, Ben E King etc.His song "Here's To Life" recorded by Shirley Horn and Barbra Streisand was nominated for two Grammy awards in 1992, is rapidly becoming a part of the new American Songbook. He is a three time Emmy nominee, including a nomination for his outstanding work on the CBS mini-series "SINATRA" based on the life of Frank Sinatra. His arrangement and featured piano work on Joe Cocker’s hit record "Feelin' Alright" remains a true classic in American pop music and rock & roll. His songs have been sung by Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Peggy Lee and others.He’s also known for his wonderful sense of humor. Artie Butler started in the famous Brill Building and made some of the most significant contributions to that fabled and historic era.http://artiebutler.com/

Brian Lucey makes recorded music connect with immediate impact and a timeless result… and this makes people money and fans. With 50 clients a month from all over the world, in every style and success level, Brian Lucey masters records for artists like the Black Keys, Depeche Mode, Dr. John, Chet Faker, The Pretenders. The Kills, Arctic Monkeys, Cage The Elephant, The Last Shadow Puppets, David Lynch with Ringo Starr, Ani DiFranco and Michelle Branch. Royal Blood’s album “How Did We Get So Dark” is currently the UK number one selling album. Shania Twain and Liam Gallagher come out soon as well as Lucinda Williams and Marilyn Manson's new albums.Brian transitioned from musician to engineer only 17 years ago and he's been responsible for the mastering on six Grammy winners since The Black Keys “Brothers” 2010 album, as well as multiple gold and platinum sellers… yet most of his clients are aspiring artists who get a fair price and the best work possible to help their careers.

Michael Thompson was born on February 11, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York & raised on Long Island. He started playing guitar at age 9, and after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, was inspired to be a musician. At age 19, he left New York for Boston to attend The Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, M.T. met many of the musicians that he would later work with in the Los Angeles music scene. After going to Berklee for two years, Michael got a gig with local R&B artist “Ellis Hall”.  He toured and recorded with this group for four years.In 1977, Michael met his wife Gloria, and in 1979 they moved to Los Angeles to begin his studio career. Upon arrival Michael got a gig touring with Joe Cocker. During that first year money was tight and Michael had to drive a cab to survive financially. After his cab gig, he landed a year-long world tour with Cher.When he returned home Michael began honing his craft playing on songwriter publishing demos and any sessions that were offered. Those sessions lead to working on the popular T.V. show Fame, which he played on for four years, which lead to playing on Miami Vice for its last season.In 1989, Michael got his first opportunity to work with mega producer David Foster which led to him playing on multiple hit productions over the next fifteen years.Michael has recorded with artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, ‘N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Joe Sample, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke, and Ricky Martin.

Adam Berry is a GRAMMY® and Emmy award-winning composer, songwriter and producer who has scored over 500 episodes of television and 15 feature films. Adam's career began in 1997 when he was asked to write a demo for a new Comedy Central series, "South Park." His demo secured him the job, and his guitar and mandolin music became the signature sound of the show. Adam scored the first 4 seasons of South Park and played bass guitar in Matt Stone's and Trey Parker's punk band, DVDA. In 1998 Adam began working for Disney, composing scores for five series and three movies, including one of Disney's most popular and longest-running shows, "Kim Possible." In 2005 Adam received his first Emmy nomination for his underscore music on "Kim Possible." Adam returned to Comedy Central in 2007 to write music for "The Sarah Silverman Program." In addition to writing the underscore, Adam worked with Sarah and the cast, recording and producing the songs for the third season. When Dreamworks/Nickelodeon's, "Penguins of Madagascar" went into production, Adam was hired as composer. He wrote the main title theme, the underscore and co-wrote the songs. Between 2010-2014, Adam was nominated for eight Emmy awards and two Annie awards for his work on the show, winning an Emmy in 2011 for "Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction and Composition" and again in 2012 for "Outstanding Original Song." In 2016 Adam co-wrote, produced and arranged the album "White Sun II" with the band, "White Sun." The album won a GRAMMY® for Best New Age album, hit #1 on the Billboard New Age Music chart, and #2 on the Billboard World Music chart. Adam is currently working on the new Amazon series, "Lost in Oz," and the upcoming Disney series "Big Hero 6." http://www.adamberrycomposer.comhttp://www.whitesun.com

Michael Thompson has recorded with artists including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Joe Sample, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke, and Ricky Martin.Michael was born on February 11, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York & raised on Long Island. He started playing guitar at age 9, and after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, was inspired to be a musician. At age 19, he left New York for Boston to attend The Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, M.T. met many of the musicians that he would later work with in the Los Angeles music scene. After going to Berklee for two years, Michael got a gig with local R&B artist “Ellis Hall”.  He toured and recorded with this group for four years. In 1977, Michael met his wife Gloria, and in 1979 they moved to Los Angeles to begin his studio career. Upon arrival Michael got a gig touring with Joe Cocker. During that first year money was tight and Michael had to drive a cab to survive financially. After his cab gig, he landed a year-long world tour with Cher. When he returned home Michael began honing his craft playing on songwriter publishing demos and any sessions that were offered. Those sessions lead to working on the popular T.V. show Fame, which he played on for four years, which lead to playing on Miami Vice for its last season. In 1989, Michael got his first opportunity to work with mega producer David Foster which led to him playing on multiple hit productions over the next fifteen years.   

Danny Gold Director, Producer, Writer A seasoned director, producer, and writer with expertise in developing, producing and directing original material across multiple platforms including television, new media, feature films and theater. Danny has produced and directed projects for the History Channel, MTV, ABC Family (now Freeform), and HBO as well as Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Sony, Dreamworks, The Weinstein Company and Disney. He also has extensive background in feature films including developing and Executive Producing the Agent Cody Banks franchise for MGM. Danny co-directed the award winning feature documentary “100 Voices: A Journey Home”. Danny’s most recent directorial effort, “If You’re Not In The Obit, Eat Breakfast”, starring Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, Norman Lear, Kirk Douglas, Betty White, Tony Bennett and Jerry Seinfeld premiers on HBO this summer.

Emmy nominated composer, Miriam Cutler, has an extensive background scoring for independent film & TV projects. She is a TV Academy Executive Branch member, and Motion Picture Academy Documentary Branch member.Her passion for documentary film has led to an inspired career as a film composer: Oscar nominated KINGSPOINT (HBO) and POSTER GIRL (HBO), Emmy winners GHOSTS OF ABU GRAHIB (HBO) and ONE LAST HUG (HBO), VITO (HBO), Emmy nominated THE HUNTING GROUND (CNN), ETHEL(HBO), THIN (HBO), DESERT OF FORBIDDEN ART (PBS), , BAFTA-nominated LOST IN LA MANCHA (IFC), Sundance winners AMERICAN PROMISE (PBS), SCOUTS HONOR (PBS) and LICENSE TO KILL (PBS), and Peabody Award-winning THE CASTRO.  Her enthusiasm for documentaries has led her to becoming part of the production team. Miriam Co-Produced and scored ONE LUCKY ELEPHANT (OWN) and now is embarking on her second project as a Co-Producer of DARK MONEY. Other recent award winning films include A PLASTIC OCEAN and FINDING KUKAN.Miriam has served numerous times as a Lab Advisor for the Sundance Institute Documentary Composers Lab, and on film festival and awards juries including Sundance, Ashland, Bend, AFI, Independent Spirit Awards and IDA Awards. She is also a long time board member of The Society of Composers and Lyricists.She has co-produced two Grammy-nominated live jazz albums on PolyGram/Verve for Joe Williams, and albums for Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, and Marlena Shaw as well as independently released albums of her own songs and soundtracks. In 2014, Miriam traveled as a film expert to Malaysia and in 2017 to Tbilisi, Georgia for the American Film Showcase, a cultural exchange program sponsored by the US State Department and USC. She recently completed a Composer in Residence at Columbia College of the Arts, Chicago.
 http://www.miriamcutler.com/http://theawfc.com/https://www.thescl.com/Miriam-Cutler  

John Shaw was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1944 and lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico for the first year of his life. His family moved to Miami in 1946 where his father taught at the University of Miami for 19 years, before becoming Vice President for Development at Miami Dade College. John’s mother was a first grade teacher, and John followed suit along with 2 of his 3 siblings who also became lifelong teachers.After high school John attended the University of Miami completing his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, prior to attending Harvard University for an MAT Degree in Mathematics. After graduating from Harvard he began his career by spending his first 4 years teaching at Melbourne High School near Cape Kennedy Florida, followed by a 4 year tenure at North Miami Beach Senior High School where we first met. The next 7 plus years were dedicated to teaching other teachers in his school district. It was at that point of his career that John was invited to join the faculty of the newly opened “New World School of the Arts”, which was patterned after the "Fame" High School of Performing Arts in New York.John currently lives in Miami with his wife Diane. Their daughter Katy lives in Portland Oregon, and their son Matthew lives with his wife Kaitlyn in Austin, Texas.John has been "retired" for over 9 years, but that's kind of a misnomer as he is still teaching privately and continues to live an inspired and very creative life. NWSA.mdc.edu (New World School of the Arts)NAAPD.org (North American Academy of Piping and Drumming)Christjourney.churchonline.org

Paula Salvatore has been an anchor of excellence in the L.A. recording world for many years. As Senior Director and Manager of Capitol Studios for 24 years, and currently as the Vice President/Studios, Paula has been an integral part of recordings for top line artists such as James Taylor and Tony Bennett and has worked alongside Grammy legend Al Schmitt with artists including Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Sinatra and others.When Studio A was renovated and re-opened in 1990, Paula helped establish Capitol Studios as a leading facility for Film & TV Scoring projects, hosting renowned composers such as Dave Grusin, James Newton Howard, Michael Giacchino, and Tom Newman. Studio A & B’s adjoining rooms (separated by a retractable wall) are amongst the most unique and popular rooms for orchestra sessions, live shows, events and film shoots. Hosting the pre-records and, for several years, the live broadcast of the annual Academy Awards have helped set the standard for excellence.Paula established her management career working at Kendun Studios with Quincy Jones and George Benson, and numerous R & B legends. Moving to Sound City in the 80's, she worked with artists such as Tom Petty, Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield and Fleetwood Mac, as well as heavy metal and “hair” bands like Guns & Roses, Warrant and Poison.Musician, producer and now director, Dave Grohl of the FooFighters, featured Paula in his critically acclaimed 2013 documentary, Sound City. She also co-wrote and performed the end title theme, entitled “Sound City”. The studio business has been Paula’s life journey and she is held in high regard amongst her colleagues and industry peers. Many successful engineers have come up through the ranks under her guidance and Paula’s commitment and loyalty has earned her the respect of her renowned clientele.

Paula Salvatore has been an anchor of excellence in the L.A. recording world for many years. As Senior Director and Manager of Capitol Studios for 24 years, and currently as the Vice President/Studios, Paula has been an integral part of recordings for top line artists such as James Taylor and Tony Bennett and has worked alongside Grammy legend Al Schmitt with artists including Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Sinatra and others.When Studio A was renovated and re-opened in 1990, Paula helped establish Capitol Studios as a leading facility for Film & TV Scoring projects, hosting renowned composers such as Dave Grusin, James Newton Howard, Michael Giacchino, and Tom Newman. Studio A & B’s adjoining rooms (separated by a retractable wall) are amongst the most unique and popular rooms for orchestra sessions, live shows, events and film shoots. Hosting the pre-records and, for several years, the live broadcast of the annual Academy Awards have helped set the standard for excellence.Paula established her management career working at Kendun Studios with Quincy Jones and George Benson, and numerous R & B legends. Moving to Sound City in the 80's, she worked with artists such as Tom Petty, Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield and Fleetwood Mac, as well as heavy metal and “hair” bands like Guns & Roses, Warrant and Poison.Musician, producer and now director, Dave Grohl of the FooFighters, featured Paula in his critically acclaimed 2013 documentary, Sound City. She also co-wrote and performed the end title theme, entitled “Sound City”. The studio business has been Paula’s life journey and she is held in high regard amongst her colleagues and industry peers. Many successful engineers have come up through the ranks under her guidance and Paula’s commitment and loyalty has earned her the respect of her renowned clientele.

Tariqh Akoni has managed to pack an impressive array of experiences in his 25 years in the music industry. A perpetual student of the art, Tariqh has been a composer, songwriter, studio musician, educator, musical director, multi-instrumentalist and clinician.A native of Santa Barbara, Tariqh studied contemporary classical composition at the University of California at San Diego before deciding to pursue performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. A highlight of his experience at Berklee was his private studies with Jazz luminaries Jerry Bergonzi and Rick Peckham.While Berklee occupied Tariqh’s days, he spent his nights accumulating his “10,000 hours” playing in the jazz clubs of Boston. Typically four sets a night, five days a week. It was during this period that Tariqh first toured internationally, living in Thailand, Indonesia and Korea before being introduced to legendary saxophonist Walter Beasley who mentored Tariqh and encouraged him to move out West to pursue his career.Since moving to Los Angeles in 1997, Tariqh has amassed an extensive and eclectic resume. He has worked with such distinguished artists as: country singers LeAnn Rimes and Lee Ann Womack; jazz icons George Duke, Tom Scott, and Bobby Watson; pop artists Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and the Backstreet Boys; and classical artist Josh Groban. He has also appeared with a host of greats including Babyface, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole, Huey Lewis and the News, Nick Lachey, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire and many others. Most recently, Tariqh has worked as Musical Director for Rock Superstars Weezer and Josh Groban and completed highly successful tours with Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder (including a performance at the Silver Jubilee concert for the Queen of England) and super producer David Foster (appearing in his DVD “Hit Man Returns”).As an educator and clinician, Tariqh served as Chairman of the Guitar Department at the LA College of Music for 5 years where he wrote 10 books including their pedagogical series ‘String Theory. In addition, he has conducted master classes and clinics internationally at the Guildhall Academy in London, Fermatta in Mexico, USC and the Berklee College of Music.After living in Pasadena for 15 years, Tariqh returned to Santa Barbara in 2011 and while still a sought after Musical Director, studio musician and accompanist Tariqh has added producer, composer and songwriter to his list of accomplishments.

Jamie has recorded and or toured with some of the biggest legends in the music , from Jean Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer , Lenny White in jazz to rock stars like Bryan Adams, and Eric Burden from the classic rock band the "animals". In funk with Chaka Khan and others. Gloria Trevi was the no 1 latino pop artist for a decadeand Jamie was her guitarist both on record and in touring when available. Seinfeld, Married With Children, Who's the Boss , are among some of the top TV shows where Jamie's guitar can be heard, along with major motion picture for Disney, as well as movies like JFK, SPY Hard ( leslie neilson) and Thomas Crowne affair. For the last decade Jamie has made his mark as a TV composer with more than 80 compositions on network tv, from Superbowl to documentaries. His music is heard dailyon ESPN,. Animal planet, food network, discovery and history channels as well. Hear The Silence is Jamie's book , which is a book written to help others through depression, and PTSD. Its a celebration of life after Jamie lost everything in the 1994Northridge California earthquake.Jamies released 5 solo albums and in 2017 two of his most popular . Happy Road is a music CD that is centered around serenity , peace and meditationand Cat Nap just released is a melodic journey with prog and world music elements. In may of this year Jamie re joins Jean Luc Ponty for a reunion tour in the US with the Atlantic Years Band. This band sold more than 4 million albums and wasthe most successful of all of Jean Luc's years.

Peter Gordon is the Director of Berklee College of Music’s Los Angeles office and has been the college’s senior west coast representative for more than 23 years.  The Berklee Center in LA was the college’s first satellite office and it has helped create one of the most effective alumni networks in the music industry.  Peter’s role includes building strategic relationships for the college within the music and entertainment industry, all geared towards creating internship opportunities for undergrads and career opportunities for the alumni.    Originally from Australia, Peter began studying flute at the age of eight and was soon active in regional youth orchestras in both Perth and Sydney.  He discovered the world of improvisation in the late ‘60s when both Jethro Tull and Traffic burst onto the scene, and he eventually decided to attend Berklee.  After graduating with a Performance degree, he joined Berklee’s woodwind department and was on the faculty from 1978-1984.  After moving to L.A. in 1985, his freelance performance career began with 3 years touring as part of the Tom Jones horn section, and has subsequently included 3 CDs as a solo artist and recording sessions for numerous film, TV and video game scores and soundtracks. Peter currently also serves as Program Committee Chair for the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, is a member of the Society of Composers & Lyricists, BMI, and the Musicians Union.  His extended education includes an MBA from Pepperdine University.