R&B Singing, Competitions, and TV Shows
There has been an abundance of singing competitions on TV ever since the advent of "American Idol" over a decade ago. And I think it's just great! Singing is a source of joy - even non-singers love to sing in the shower, sing in church and with family. No wonder those TV shows are so popular. And who doesn't love to hear a great singer sing a heart-felt song?
I guess that takes us to the question of "What is a great singer?" I suppose this is a question similar to "What is beautiful"? There of course are very many differences of opinion. Consider this: In the Middle Ages, a great singer certainly wouldn't be what you or I consider to be great today. Times change and opinions change. And some people never change - our parents think great singers are the singers from their generation, and might just think that your favorite singers can't sing worth a hoot! Right?
Well, just as "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," great singing can be in the ear of the listener - ha!
But I have to say it's more than just an opinion. There are some qualities that can be defined as "great" especially as we define it today (not like the monks would define it in the Middle Ages, or your parents for that matter). Here are a few things that we can put on the list:
- Technique - that is, studying with a teacher, learning the in's and out's of the voice and how it works, learning to use your instrument (and yes, the voice is an instrument) to the best of its capabilities, practicing to strengthen your voice, striving to reach new heights (and lows) vocally, stretching your abilities. If you can't study with a professional vocal coach, learn from books and CDs - there are plenty of books and CDs on vocal instruction (such as mine), and although it may not be quite as beneficial as one-on-one private instruction, there is much you can learn from reading and listening and applying technique offered in books and CDs.
- Emotional Expression - putting your heart and soul into your singing. No one wants to hear a bland, emotionless singer - boring!! I've sometimes wondered why certain singers have made it big, when they weren't great singers to begin with. Take Janice Joplin for instance - she's not a technically great singer, but she just oozed emotional expression. She put her heart into her singing 100% - in every single note! She held nothing back, which really is like exposing one's inner self. To be emotional in your singing, you must truly be connected to the song and FEEL it. If you can't feel it, then pick a different song! If you're bored, then the audience will be too...
- Listening - yes, your ears are just as important as your voice (there I said it!) If a singer gets on stage and over-sings (or as I like to call her - a "melismaniac"), then it seems that she is just singing for her own benefit, to hear herself sing, which is really very selfish! Remember, it is your job as the singer to help people to connect to the music, to feel what you're feeling, to get drawn in to the power of the song. It's really not about YOU...Keeping that in mind, if you use your ears, you learn to listen, to learn to give-and-take, to work with the band, to let others shine, to allow SILENCE in a song. Do you realize that silence can be the greatest emotional expression in a song? Listen to Aretha Franklin sing "Dr. Feelgood." She allows a TON of space, which creates emotional tension and release. It's not all just in your face. We all like the suspense of "what is she going to do now?" Singers who over-sing and use too many riffs and fill every hole in the music get boring, there's no suspense because we as listeners know exactly what's coming: more notes! Learn to be a giver to the song, nurture the song - it wants to be coddled and treated with love and affection - not trampled on by a thousand notes!
These are just a few of the basics of what makes a singer "great." But of course, tomorrow there could be a whole new set of things - it constantly changes!
I guess the most important thing is to sing from your heart, love it, and put your passion into it.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Turning criticism into positive
This business of music is a tough one - you've just got to have thick skin if you want to succeed. And you've got to know everything about everything - why limit yourself?
Yesterday was weird in that another voice teacher, someone who I had never heard of or met, and who had not read my book or listened to my CDs, posted some critical remarks about the fact that I was offering CDs with my book as a teaching tool. I do believe that there is a positive in every "negative." Sometimes it takes a while to make itself known, sometimes it happens immediately, especially is you are looking for it. I realized that this person's negative critique was a positive for me, because it gave me the opportunity to really express my philosophy regarding teaching, and to take pride in what I do, and to stand firm in my beliefs in what I know works. And now I am grateful for his negativity, because I've made it a positive!
So this is my opinion on instructional books and CDs:
- Some students can't or won't take private lessons. Yes, one-on-one instruction is always best (if the teacher knows what they're doing - if they don't, the teacher can CREATE problems). When I say a student "won't" take lessons, that doesn't mean because of financial considerations, that could mean a variety of reasons, money being one of them. But other reasons could include: the discipline that lessons require, practice, the time involved. Lessons do create a certain amount of anxiety (when knowing they have to face their teacher week-to-week), which can be a good thing because it can inspire a student to practice, and some students don't want that pressure. They prefer to learn at their own pace, or from a variety of sources, which is OK too. They may take a little bit of my style and combine it with something someone else suggested. I'm not saying my way is the only way. And each student and each teacher are unique individuals with their own personal style. There is not one way that will work for every single person. Thank goodness!
- Some students are using an instructional book/CD rather than a formal voice lesson because they want to learn about singing for their own enjoyment and personal satisfaction. Not everybody wants to go through the rigorous experience of professional singing - it's not for everyone. I would like to improve my violin skills, not to go out and perform onstage, but for my own pleasure. A book/CD is perfect for that because I'm not looking at violin playing as a serious endeavor, just something for fun. And that's OK too.
- Books/CDs such as mine are usually geared towards a particular "specialization." Mine is focused on R&B Singing. Here's an analogy: all doctors are under the "Doctor" umbrella, but some specialize in pediatrics, some in the study of bones, some in allergies, etc. You wouldn't go to a ear/nose/throat doctor for a pain in your foot, now would you? And you wouldn't want to study with a Broadway teacher if you wanted to sing R&B would you? They may be a great singer, but not teaching the style you want to learn.
Research each teacher and see what they specialize in. Also, The advantage of an instructional book/CD is that there may not be an R&B voice teacher such as myself in your city. So the book/CD is the next best thing!
So here's some advice when searching out a teacher or an instructional book/CD:
Research any potential teacher - check out their training and background. Do they have education? Have they studied the voice in a formal educational setting (i.e. a university with trained professionals)? Does the teacher have videos showing him/her singing? If they don't have videos showing that they can "practice what they preach," why would you want to study with them? Here's another comparison: I have a friend who wanted to learn to speak Italian, so she took Italian lessons from a native speaker. One-on-one lessons from a pro, right? Well, it so happened that the teacher didn't know how to be an effective teacher. It was not organized efficiently or expressed in a way that was clear for my friend to understand. So my friend dropped out of class. Me, on the other hand, learned basic Italian from a CD! It was easy - the speaker spoke the phrase and I repeated it slowly. That worked for me - and it came with a book so I could see it written out as well. So, the teacher is extremely important and HOW they teach. And in this case, the book/CD proved to be more valuable than than the teacher!
Another thing to consider is the teacher's teaching abilities. My voice teacher in college was a world-renowned voice teacher, yet she was older than me and probably couldn't do the things I could do vocally because of age. But she knew how to teach it, she knew how it worked. Sometimes the greatest teachers aren't the greatest performers. Take Chaka Khan for instance - one of the greatest living singers in the world. Would she be a great voice teacher? I don't know - maybe...Sometimes teachers who might not have the chops of a singer like Chaka Khan will invest years of practice, study, research, time, effort, and money, to learn everything they can. I believe that's one thing that makes a great teacher, not necessarily perfect "chops" but a knowledge of every tool available to help a student. My husband tells me that the coaches in professional football can't play as well as the players, but they still know how to coach them to make them better players..
And it was interesting that this morning I got up and there was an email from a former student, who stated that her new teacher had damaged her voice with some of the exercises she gave her. My student told me she was going to continue using my exercises because they worked for her, rather than her new teacher's exercises!
So learn everything you can from every source you can get your hands on. If you can study with a professional vocal coach - great! But research that teacher first, not only their education, but their singing ability and their ability to be an effective teacher. Remember, you have to find someone or a book/CD that fits in with YOUR interests. Now GO FOR IT!!
Click here to purchase the book Vocal and Stage Essentials for the Aspiring Female R&B Singer:
Amazon
Yesterday was weird in that another voice teacher, someone who I had never heard of or met, and who had not read my book or listened to my CDs, posted some critical remarks about the fact that I was offering CDs with my book as a teaching tool. I do believe that there is a positive in every "negative." Sometimes it takes a while to make itself known, sometimes it happens immediately, especially is you are looking for it. I realized that this person's negative critique was a positive for me, because it gave me the opportunity to really express my philosophy regarding teaching, and to take pride in what I do, and to stand firm in my beliefs in what I know works. And now I am grateful for his negativity, because I've made it a positive!
So this is my opinion on instructional books and CDs:
- Some students can't or won't take private lessons. Yes, one-on-one instruction is always best (if the teacher knows what they're doing - if they don't, the teacher can CREATE problems). When I say a student "won't" take lessons, that doesn't mean because of financial considerations, that could mean a variety of reasons, money being one of them. But other reasons could include: the discipline that lessons require, practice, the time involved. Lessons do create a certain amount of anxiety (when knowing they have to face their teacher week-to-week), which can be a good thing because it can inspire a student to practice, and some students don't want that pressure. They prefer to learn at their own pace, or from a variety of sources, which is OK too. They may take a little bit of my style and combine it with something someone else suggested. I'm not saying my way is the only way. And each student and each teacher are unique individuals with their own personal style. There is not one way that will work for every single person. Thank goodness!
- Some students are using an instructional book/CD rather than a formal voice lesson because they want to learn about singing for their own enjoyment and personal satisfaction. Not everybody wants to go through the rigorous experience of professional singing - it's not for everyone. I would like to improve my violin skills, not to go out and perform onstage, but for my own pleasure. A book/CD is perfect for that because I'm not looking at violin playing as a serious endeavor, just something for fun. And that's OK too.
- Books/CDs such as mine are usually geared towards a particular "specialization." Mine is focused on R&B Singing. Here's an analogy: all doctors are under the "Doctor" umbrella, but some specialize in pediatrics, some in the study of bones, some in allergies, etc. You wouldn't go to a ear/nose/throat doctor for a pain in your foot, now would you? And you wouldn't want to study with a Broadway teacher if you wanted to sing R&B would you? They may be a great singer, but not teaching the style you want to learn.
So here's some advice when searching out a teacher or an instructional book/CD:
Research any potential teacher - check out their training and background. Do they have education? Have they studied the voice in a formal educational setting (i.e. a university with trained professionals)? Does the teacher have videos showing him/her singing? If they don't have videos showing that they can "practice what they preach," why would you want to study with them? Here's another comparison: I have a friend who wanted to learn to speak Italian, so she took Italian lessons from a native speaker. One-on-one lessons from a pro, right? Well, it so happened that the teacher didn't know how to be an effective teacher. It was not organized efficiently or expressed in a way that was clear for my friend to understand. So my friend dropped out of class. Me, on the other hand, learned basic Italian from a CD! It was easy - the speaker spoke the phrase and I repeated it slowly. That worked for me - and it came with a book so I could see it written out as well. So, the teacher is extremely important and HOW they teach. And in this case, the book/CD proved to be more valuable than than the teacher!
Another thing to consider is the teacher's teaching abilities. My voice teacher in college was a world-renowned voice teacher, yet she was older than me and probably couldn't do the things I could do vocally because of age. But she knew how to teach it, she knew how it worked. Sometimes the greatest teachers aren't the greatest performers. Take Chaka Khan for instance - one of the greatest living singers in the world. Would she be a great voice teacher? I don't know - maybe...Sometimes teachers who might not have the chops of a singer like Chaka Khan will invest years of practice, study, research, time, effort, and money, to learn everything they can. I believe that's one thing that makes a great teacher, not necessarily perfect "chops" but a knowledge of every tool available to help a student. My husband tells me that the coaches in professional football can't play as well as the players, but they still know how to coach them to make them better players..
And it was interesting that this morning I got up and there was an email from a former student, who stated that her new teacher had damaged her voice with some of the exercises she gave her. My student told me she was going to continue using my exercises because they worked for her, rather than her new teacher's exercises!
So learn everything you can from every source you can get your hands on. If you can study with a professional vocal coach - great! But research that teacher first, not only their education, but their singing ability and their ability to be an effective teacher. Remember, you have to find someone or a book/CD that fits in with YOUR interests. Now GO FOR IT!!
Click here to purchase the book Vocal and Stage Essentials for the Aspiring Female R&B Singer:
Amazon
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
our gifts to share
I saw a post today of a fellow musician who was complaining about his lack of success - no money, no gigs, no appreciation for his art, etc. The same things I've complained about a million times. But today I felt differently about it - maybe it was because I saw the truth in this person. It's always easier to see things in someone else's soul rather than in our own.
But I've learned a few things recently and wanted to share them, maybe they will help someone out there. And it's this: I feel that we've already "received" the gift. My friend I mentioned above was stating that he was upset, based on the feeling that he had not received the things he believes will make him happy: success, recognition, money, etc. He is essentially pounding his fists on the ground like a little child and saying "I want that" when what he has is "this". I've also heard people saying that they could do more, give more, once they receive this thing that they want.
But my idea is that you've already received it, so share it! If you are a musician, then you've already received this very precious gift, something that is uniquely yours. God created you and gave you this special talent - now it is your time to share it with the world. Quit making excuses and blaming the world or God or whatever for what you DON'T have - you've already got it! There is a concept which states if you are needy or desperate for something, your need will keep it from you. You have to practice "Non-attachment" in order to receive it - basically, you can't want it SO much. Life needs to be balanced and fulfilled with many things, not just one specific thing. It's called Letting Go and Letting God. If I am desperate for a particular outcome, I'm letting my own ego get in the way. There could be a million wonderful things waiting for me, but I'm so dead-set on it looking a particular way that I often miss out on these things. I try to have a well-rounded life, with many different avenues for joy, so that I am not attached to any particular one.
I've also seen many of my over-40 female friends, who are desperate for a relationship, crying that they never receive what they want, i.e. a man to share love with. But they already have the love in their hearts. They really just want the outlet in which to share it. We all want our gifts, which are all based in love, to be shared and make a difference in the world. If you have the desire to be loved, then you have the capability to love. So go out and love the world. There is no way you can tell me that there is not someone who could use a little love today. And giving fills up our hearts and makes us less desperate to receive that thing we "must have".
But I've learned a few things recently and wanted to share them, maybe they will help someone out there. And it's this: I feel that we've already "received" the gift. My friend I mentioned above was stating that he was upset, based on the feeling that he had not received the things he believes will make him happy: success, recognition, money, etc. He is essentially pounding his fists on the ground like a little child and saying "I want that" when what he has is "this". I've also heard people saying that they could do more, give more, once they receive this thing that they want.
But my idea is that you've already received it, so share it! If you are a musician, then you've already received this very precious gift, something that is uniquely yours. God created you and gave you this special talent - now it is your time to share it with the world. Quit making excuses and blaming the world or God or whatever for what you DON'T have - you've already got it! There is a concept which states if you are needy or desperate for something, your need will keep it from you. You have to practice "Non-attachment" in order to receive it - basically, you can't want it SO much. Life needs to be balanced and fulfilled with many things, not just one specific thing. It's called Letting Go and Letting God. If I am desperate for a particular outcome, I'm letting my own ego get in the way. There could be a million wonderful things waiting for me, but I'm so dead-set on it looking a particular way that I often miss out on these things. I try to have a well-rounded life, with many different avenues for joy, so that I am not attached to any particular one.
I've also seen many of my over-40 female friends, who are desperate for a relationship, crying that they never receive what they want, i.e. a man to share love with. But they already have the love in their hearts. They really just want the outlet in which to share it. We all want our gifts, which are all based in love, to be shared and make a difference in the world. If you have the desire to be loved, then you have the capability to love. So go out and love the world. There is no way you can tell me that there is not someone who could use a little love today. And giving fills up our hearts and makes us less desperate to receive that thing we "must have".
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Life is a River
They say Life is like a river - maybe God is like a river too. I think music and songwriting are like a river - they flow easily and much good comes from them both. I think we can identify with the "river" analogy because it's been used so many times before. It's easy to think of the river as the source of all being - to get a cool drink of water, to swim and become clean, to float along, to jump in and have fun. And rivers supply water for villages and cities to survive, and for crops too. So they are the source of Life, literally. And as long as I keep the river flowing, all is well. But that's easier said than done. If God is the source of all life and accessible at all times, then why does it seem so difficult to manifest the things in my life that I want, to easily access that divine flow? Because the river gets blocked with old thoughts and behaviors. And it's my job to dredge those things up from the bottom and work through them. Maybe I don't even know they're there - but if I keep focusing on what I want, little by little, and letting go and letting God work them into my life - the obstacles will appear. They will float to the surface. Sometimes I wonder: why is it that I was focusing on a great music career, doing my work, visualizing, meditating, and then my house gets flooded? Because that is God saying "OK, you want a fabulous career, you've got to work on all that old stuff that's blocking the way". It may not seem that way at first, but in time, and with enough work and true desire to be receptive to seeing the "gift" in everything - it can all be worked through. So it is ALL God's work, even the stuff that appears to be "bad" are opportunities to work through them, to remove that log that has prevented the river to flow as it should.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Spiritual revelations and other things
OK, I've had my mind on a couple of things that were giving me troubles, not knowing how to deal with them. But I have to say before I get into that, that an author friend of mine said to use the blog as a way to discuss and/or promote one's career, and not get into anything too personal. But that doesn't work for me. I lay my soul on the line and bare it for all to see. I've learned a lot in my travels through life, and maybe my insights can help others, maybe not. But I have to express myself and this is one avenue to do that.
My two concerns I've had recently are on how to deal with anger toward an ex-friend who continuously plays the role of the victim, and my feelings of sadness that my music, both singing, songwriting, and now my vocal book, have not received the love/support/success that they deserve. But today I had a revelation about both. The sermon in my church yesterday was about finding the Christ within. Here it is Christmas week - and I was trying to understand exactly how to apply that to my own life. And I got it - when I went to the gym to work out (which is where I usually get spiritual insight for some reason), I knew what it meant and how to apply it to the two dilemma's : "Be the Blessing, Be the Gift". That is what I "heard" in my soul. When I work out, I usually do affirmations and visualizations, and it gives me an opportunity to walk away from my daily concerns and "let go". Thus, I often get "answers" to whatever questions are going on. Today was a big one for me. Let me explain..
In regards to the victim-friend, I found myself being very angry, because no matter what I do for her, she turns it around to play the role of the victim. And no matter how much pain she has caused me, she still turns it around to play the victim. I tend to have this scenario in my life repeatedly, because I am a strong person. And I will probably continue to encounter "victims" because strong people give them an opportunity to continue in their victim behavior, rather than stepping up to the plate and accepting responsibility for themselves. It's so much easier to accuse and blame someone else for their situation, than to actually do something about it. And it's easy to point the finger at a strong person.
But I realized if I react to this person with anger, then I am feeding into the belief that someone else has the power to make me feel a certain way, or that someone else must change their attitude and actions to please me or make me feel better or differently. But that is not the case. People change and evolve at their own pace. My being angry is not going to improve the situation or help the person to see their own strengths and weaknesses. So I saw the gift was to "Be the Gift". In other words, I must help this person to see her own strength, and to focus on her own ability to change her life. If she chooses to do so or not do so is really none of my concern. All I can do is be the strength, and to show love. That doesn't mean I pity her or buy into her crap - it just means I offer the gift and let it go. What she does with it is her choice.
And then I realized how to apply that to my music career - "Be the Blessing, Be the Gift". It's not about who accepts my musical gifts into their life, it's about me sharing that gift, letting it go into the real world. Just as there will always be people who can't accept good in their lives for whatever reason or continuously play the victim, there will always be people in the real world who will put down another artist, who will criticize them, who will say "who do they think they are for promoting themselves, for getting those gigs; they're not that good", etc. There will always be those people who will put others down so they don't have to look at their own weaknesses or insecurities. It's easier to condemn others than step up to the plate and accept responsibility for one's life. See the common thread here?
So I realized it's not about who accepts my music or how it gets to the people who want to hear it, it's about sharing it regardless. And when the negative people of the world condemn and criticize, some artists will just give up. But I have to realize that I just have to keep sharing my gift because it is a blessing to someone, somewhere, and it will find its way if I continue to express myself. So don't give up! Share the gift you were given.
We are all given gifts to share, mine just happens to be music. I know it is meant to find an outlet, so I will continue to write and sing and perform and express. That is what I came here to do and will continue doing it. It is a Blessing and a God-given right!
My two concerns I've had recently are on how to deal with anger toward an ex-friend who continuously plays the role of the victim, and my feelings of sadness that my music, both singing, songwriting, and now my vocal book, have not received the love/support/success that they deserve. But today I had a revelation about both. The sermon in my church yesterday was about finding the Christ within. Here it is Christmas week - and I was trying to understand exactly how to apply that to my own life. And I got it - when I went to the gym to work out (which is where I usually get spiritual insight for some reason), I knew what it meant and how to apply it to the two dilemma's : "Be the Blessing, Be the Gift". That is what I "heard" in my soul. When I work out, I usually do affirmations and visualizations, and it gives me an opportunity to walk away from my daily concerns and "let go". Thus, I often get "answers" to whatever questions are going on. Today was a big one for me. Let me explain..
In regards to the victim-friend, I found myself being very angry, because no matter what I do for her, she turns it around to play the role of the victim. And no matter how much pain she has caused me, she still turns it around to play the victim. I tend to have this scenario in my life repeatedly, because I am a strong person. And I will probably continue to encounter "victims" because strong people give them an opportunity to continue in their victim behavior, rather than stepping up to the plate and accepting responsibility for themselves. It's so much easier to accuse and blame someone else for their situation, than to actually do something about it. And it's easy to point the finger at a strong person.
But I realized if I react to this person with anger, then I am feeding into the belief that someone else has the power to make me feel a certain way, or that someone else must change their attitude and actions to please me or make me feel better or differently. But that is not the case. People change and evolve at their own pace. My being angry is not going to improve the situation or help the person to see their own strengths and weaknesses. So I saw the gift was to "Be the Gift". In other words, I must help this person to see her own strength, and to focus on her own ability to change her life. If she chooses to do so or not do so is really none of my concern. All I can do is be the strength, and to show love. That doesn't mean I pity her or buy into her crap - it just means I offer the gift and let it go. What she does with it is her choice.
And then I realized how to apply that to my music career - "Be the Blessing, Be the Gift". It's not about who accepts my musical gifts into their life, it's about me sharing that gift, letting it go into the real world. Just as there will always be people who can't accept good in their lives for whatever reason or continuously play the victim, there will always be people in the real world who will put down another artist, who will criticize them, who will say "who do they think they are for promoting themselves, for getting those gigs; they're not that good", etc. There will always be those people who will put others down so they don't have to look at their own weaknesses or insecurities. It's easier to condemn others than step up to the plate and accept responsibility for one's life. See the common thread here?
So I realized it's not about who accepts my music or how it gets to the people who want to hear it, it's about sharing it regardless. And when the negative people of the world condemn and criticize, some artists will just give up. But I have to realize that I just have to keep sharing my gift because it is a blessing to someone, somewhere, and it will find its way if I continue to express myself. So don't give up! Share the gift you were given.
We are all given gifts to share, mine just happens to be music. I know it is meant to find an outlet, so I will continue to write and sing and perform and express. That is what I came here to do and will continue doing it. It is a Blessing and a God-given right!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It's been ages
Well,
I think it's been about 3 months since my last blog - so much has happened! I got married and now may be going through yet another major life change. My new husband may be taking a job out-of-state. We don't know yet, but the possibility of leaving Nashville has me freaking out more than just a little. I wouldn't mind moving back to California, but there's really nowhere else that appeals to me because of the lack of music business in other cities, except for NYC, and I can't see moving there now. My emotions have been all over the place with the uncertainty of what's going to happen and when and where. I've been analyzing my time here in Nashville and what I've accomplished musically. This city has been great for me spiritually and emotionally - I've made tons of wonderful friends. Musically it has been frustrating. The good thing is that I feel I've got a more clear vision of who I am as a musician - I moved here from LA hoping to get into country songwriting (which I still do) and I was singing Blues and Classic R&B. Now I am writing and singing Smooth Jazz and Adult Contemporary, and that works for me both as a songwriter and singer. Nashville has such a small Jazz scene, that I think a bigger city would work for me in that regards. But it's scary to think of starting over, finding new musicians (I work with excellent musicians here), finding new venues, and more importantly, new friends. I've been on a roller coaster emotionally, but know that wherever we are guided is the right and best choice for us both. I am ready for whatever Spirit has in mind for us and know that my time in Nashville has been a huge learning experience for me. It's been more like school than anything else - I now think I'm ready to graduate and get out into the real world.
We'll see what happens! I'll keep you posted...
xxoo
Terri
I think it's been about 3 months since my last blog - so much has happened! I got married and now may be going through yet another major life change. My new husband may be taking a job out-of-state. We don't know yet, but the possibility of leaving Nashville has me freaking out more than just a little. I wouldn't mind moving back to California, but there's really nowhere else that appeals to me because of the lack of music business in other cities, except for NYC, and I can't see moving there now. My emotions have been all over the place with the uncertainty of what's going to happen and when and where. I've been analyzing my time here in Nashville and what I've accomplished musically. This city has been great for me spiritually and emotionally - I've made tons of wonderful friends. Musically it has been frustrating. The good thing is that I feel I've got a more clear vision of who I am as a musician - I moved here from LA hoping to get into country songwriting (which I still do) and I was singing Blues and Classic R&B. Now I am writing and singing Smooth Jazz and Adult Contemporary, and that works for me both as a songwriter and singer. Nashville has such a small Jazz scene, that I think a bigger city would work for me in that regards. But it's scary to think of starting over, finding new musicians (I work with excellent musicians here), finding new venues, and more importantly, new friends. I've been on a roller coaster emotionally, but know that wherever we are guided is the right and best choice for us both. I am ready for whatever Spirit has in mind for us and know that my time in Nashville has been a huge learning experience for me. It's been more like school than anything else - I now think I'm ready to graduate and get out into the real world.
We'll see what happens! I'll keep you posted...
xxoo
Terri
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
still excited
Yes, I'm working on my vocal exercise CD and I'm very excited about it! I don't know if it will sell, but I'm having fun in the process. I've already recorded the tracks and vocals, which was very hard work! I have to go tweek a few things here and there, but for the most part the recording is done. Now I'm working on the book text. I didn't realize I had so much knowledge about singing inside of me! After all these years I've accumulated a lot of knowledge! Who knows, maybe this will end up like so many of my projects -finished but not selling. All of my CD's have sat in boxes for years...I had high hopes for all of them too! But this feels right! And I know that when I'm excited about something, I continue to put the energy into it - not just in the creation of it, but in the marketing of it and following through on getting it out into the world. I think I always dropped the ball on my other projects because I didn't know what to do once it was released. But suddenly I feel I have SO many ideas on how to promote it - I never knew I was a marketing guru! I still have so much to do and time is always limited because I am still teaching daily, so I have to work around my schedule. But every day I look forward to getting up and working on it. I haven't given up on my songwriting, I'm just taking a little break to work on this. And I'm using this as an example to see if I can get it going, and then apply the same techniques to my songwriting. I just need to get the songs out into the world. It's not that they're not worthy of success, or that I'm not worthy of success, or any of that less-than thinking. It's just that no one knows who I am or what my songs sound like - they're just not out in the world for people to hear and listen to. So I have to market them just as I'm learning to market my vocal CD. Same principles. So this project is leading me to my higher goal of being a successful singer/songwriter. One thing at a time - patience and persistence!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)