Music Mentoring

As an independent musician it often feels like there’s a secret manual for how the industry works. Like everyone else knows how to unlock the door you desperately want to open, but no one is willing to give you the key.

I’ve learned many of those industry secrets in the last 20 years and collected all the keys, and now I want you to have them, too.

My mentoring approach offers career and marketing skills wrapped in a loving hug of mindset and mental health work.

Reaching the biggest career goals doesn't mean anything if you don't believe you're worthy, and having a million social media followers won't make you feel good if you suffer from imposter syndrome.

The longer I've been in the music industry, the more I realize that nothing else matters but mindset and happiness.

How it works:

One-hour coaching calls are available to book on your schedule with no minimums.

Includes an hour-long Zoom call, chat via email as often as you need to work through any questions or challenges, and follow-up communication from me, including customized marketing plans, release calendars, and detailed content frameworks.

We can work on anything you need, as often as you want, for as long (or short) as you like.

Coaching Calls - $150

I help beginners and professionals with:

  • Social media

  • Digital marketing strategy

  • Website design

  • Perfectionism and self-doubt

  • Branding

  • Electronic Press Kit / One Sheet

  • Kickstarter campaigns

  • Procrastination and organization

  • Networking

  • Long-term goals

  • Album and tour planning

“Vanessa’s kindness, humor, creativity, and genuine interest in her clients are just as valuable a resource as her practical knowledge”

“Vanessa skillfully explained the rebranding process and witnessing it in action convinced me that this was the right path for my artistic journey.

The interaction and collaboration with Vanessa were enjoyable for me.  I sensed mentorship in our exchange and felt comfortable asking questions openly. 

I’m thrilled with the final outcomes. I now feel more confident and excited to showcase my new website.”

Ang Minton, Songwriter, Los Angeles CA

“Making an album as a solo artist can be a very lonely endeavor. I needed and wanted so badly to have someone I could bounce all of my competing ideas and questions to. Vanessa was incredibly present and patient; she answered and asked me the right questions, and helped me make artistic and business decisions that reflect me and my values as an artist and person. Her staggering experience in all aspects of making, recording, and releasing music are invaluable; she is a font of knowledge. But her kindness, humor, creativity, and genuine interest in her clients are just as valuable a resource as her practical knowledge.”

Marian Runk, Artist and Musician, Chicago, IL.

“Vanessa McGowan took my limited knowledge of Squarespace to the next level. 

The photos she chose and the colors she recommended for my website were all cohesive in building my brand. One of my favorite aspects of working with Vanessa is that she listened to my suggestions which she transformed into a user-friendly website producing organic growth.”

Laura Sawosko, Restaurateur and Musician, Door County, WI

Why focus on female musicians?

For most of my 20-year career, I’ve been the only woman on stage, the only woman in the recording studio, the only woman in industry meetings.

If we want to change that, female musicians must do everything possible to uplift, support, inspire, educate, and encourage each other.

Empowering female musicians through teaching, supporting, and community-building is how I’m striving for this change.