What Does it Take to Become a Yamaha Artist?

Our very own Jeff Rupert has had the honor of becoming a Yamaha Sponsored Performing Artist. This title is only bestowed on the music industries most dedicated, best sounding and highest grade professionals. Below is an excerpt from the Yamaha website detailing the exact details it takes to become a Yamaha Artist.

What does it mean to be a Yamaha artist? -Yamaha artists belong to a worldwide family of elite musicians that possess incredible talent, which we at Yamaha are proud to expose to the world. -Yamaha artists have the privilege of getting discounts on Yamaha products, as well as substantial discounts on thousands of related Yamaha musical products. -They are honored worldwide with our promise of service and support and are granted access to Yamaha custom shops in the U.S. and abroad. -They are offered presence on our Global Artist Website, have their writings published in our publications, and receive professional advice and career guidance. -They are part of a respected worldwide network of Yamaha staff and artists dedicated to quality in all aspects of music. -Select artists assist with product design. -Yamaha performing artists have read and signed an artist agreement and agree to communicate with the Yamaha Artist Relations Department on a regular basis. -Yamaha artists are sometimes asked to participate in publications and stories produced by -Yamaha, which provides priceless public relations and marketing mechanisms for our artists by exposing their music to millions.

What does Yamaha expect of its artists? -Yamaha expects artists to be active performers and/or teachers in the music industry. -Yamaha helps our artists obtain their instruments easily and we ask that our artists reciprocate by using our products consistently in the studio, on tour, and in clinics. Whatever and however a -Yamaha artist performs, they do it with expression and are open to sharing with others the fact that they found their voice on a Yamaha instrument. -They should thank Yamaha for support and mention what model they play if given an opportunity during a clinic/recording/credits etc. -Yamaha expects to receive updates on artist's careers, such as new recordings, tours, teaching appointments, publications, etc. -Most of all, we expect our artists to continue their careers as planned and include Yamaha as often as possible.