Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Maggy Büchel, a multifaceted talent who wears the hats of a singer, vocal coach, and currently, a marketer at doozzoo. We dive into her insights on why a firm grasp on technology and the digital landscape has become indispensable.
Antonio Campeglia: Maggy, can you share with us your journey into the world of technology and media?
Maggy Büchel : When I was about 13, my first experience on stage involved being handed a microphone. It was foreign, and quite frankly, intimidating. You try singing into it, but the unfamiliarity can be off-putting. Especially when it gives feedback and you instinctively react, often exacerbating the situation.
I wanted to be in control. To understand the tool that played a vital role in my performances. This curiosity led me to delve into the technicalities behind sound. I began to read up, assist in events, and sometimes even handle the mixing console. Today, I often find myself troubleshooting at gigs, a skill much appreciated by my peers.
Later, I pursued Music and Media at the conservatory. It was an intriguing blend of conventional music curriculum with a media spin. We were trained not only to produce music but also to understand the nuances of creating and effectively utilizing video and audio content.
Antonio Campeglia: So, what's a day in the life of Maggy Büchel like?
Maggy BüchelIt's a confluence of three worlds. As a singer, I communicate stories through melodies. To promote myself, I lean heavily on my marketing prowess. This means using the digital landscape to my advantage. My online presence is maintained through continuous content creation – videos, photographs, websites, you name it. video, Photos, Web sites, and everything you can imagine.
As a vocal coach, I champion the use of digital tools, drawing from my own experiences. Platforms like doozzoo are integral to my teaching methodology.
Antonio Campeglia: And digitalization's impact on these roles?
Maggy BüchelFor vocalists, technical acumen is somewhat of a rarity. Yet, other instrumentalists often have it as second nature. Today's landscape demands a digital footprint. This shift has led many of my singing peers to seek my expertise on equipment and technical nuances.
I believe in preparing my vocal students for this digital age. Encouraging them to harness tools, be it for creative expression or simple tasks like recording. With doozzoo, I showcase the myriad benefits of digitalization to fellow music educators. It's a pivotal time, where the gap between tech-savvy students and analog-bound teachers could widen, something we must avoid.
Antonio Campeglia: Could you elaborate on this 'gap'?
Maggy BüchelYoung learners today are digital natives. They access everything online, including music tutorials. Now, while we, as music educators, recognize the limitations of purely digital learning, we must also understand that this is the medium of preference for our audience.
The flexibility offered by online platforms, the convenience, and the integration of advanced tech like AI means that as educators, we need to evolve and offer blended learning experiences. If we don't, we risk becoming obsolete.
Antonio Campeglia: So, you're suggesting a purely online mode of instruction?
Maggy Büchel: No, not entirely. But introducing online sessions can diversify and strengthen our offerings. In the DACH regions, there's an observable decline in music school enrollments. This poses a threat to potential employment opportunities for upcoming educators. Strategically positioning oneself, with a blend of online and offline lessons, could be the competitive advantage needed.
Antonio Campeglia: How do you stay abreast of the ever-evolving tech landscape?
Maggy BüchelIt's a combination of attending workshops, webinars, and leveraging online resources. Immersion is key. Testing out new tools, often available on trial, provides hands-on experience.
Any challenges you foresee for music education in the foreseeable future?
Maggy Büchel: Striking the right balance between time-tested methods and leveraging new-age tech will be challenging. As AI and similar technologies gain traction, we need to revisit and possibly redefine our roles as educators. Starting this journey sooner will put us in a better position to adapt.
Antonio Campeglia: For those just starting in music pedagogy, any tools or platforms you'd recommend?
Maggy Büchel: doozzoo is my top pick. It's tailored for music educators, packing features that can truly amplify the teaching experience. For those keen on recording and editing, GarageBand and Audacity are great starters. Setting tangible goals, like producing a cover, can be a fun way to learn.
Antonio Campeglia: What are your current musical endeavors?
Maggy Büchel: Earlier this year, I took the helm of my own event band. We debuted with two videos, one of which has amassed over 50,000 views on YouTube, becoming the highlight of numerous events. We've even ventured beyond Germany, showcasing the talents of my band, FASH.
In a different musical shade, I provide backing vocals for a Pink Floyd tribute band. This project resonates deeply with me. We're a tight-knit group, united by our shared passion for Pink Floyd. Our concerts consistently sell out, drawing an audience that's profoundly grateful for our performances. It's a stark contrast from regular events; these are genuine, heartfelt concerts. For a taste, you can listen to "One of these".
On the side, I lend my vocals where needed, such as with Kontrollverlust — a cover band that infuses a rock twist into every tune — and with the band Superversion.
Last but not least, I'm a regular fixture at weddings, serenading guests during ceremonies, champagne toasts, and more. Whether I'm going solo or joined by Dominic at the piano, every performance is special. Speaking of Dominic, he's also affiliated with doozzoo and manages support roles as a project assistant.
Antonio Campeglia: Maggy, it's been enlightening. We'll be closely following the trends and changes you've highlighted. Thank you..
Links to some of Maggy's works
FASH: Cover of “Blinding Lights”
