General Music Chat

Have you been playing an instrument, or singing for a number of years? Maybe you have experience in sound or lighting. Or perhaps you helped carry the bands gear into the club. Whatever the case may be...THERE IS A DEMAND FOR YOU!
You know...it just doesn't make sense for us to waste our talents because of trvial excuses like; "I don't really think I'm good enough".
YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!

Even if you play just three (3) chords, or only know the words to one song, what you DO KNOW could be just the thing I've been waiting for to HELP ME! For instance...I Think I would excell in the music industry if someone would just incourage me to do so every now and again, (a little advice on how to dress would be helpful too).

My point is...LET'S TALK! Let's figure out what we can do for each other to help one-another out, and who knows...maybe by this time next year, we can share our success stories with others who may find themselves in an unsure state of mind...what do you say?

Thanks for letting me listen.

I agree that a little encouragement could make all the difference. Even if the encouragement is indirect, it still helps... When I feel like things won't work out it is always refreshing to hear from somebody that's been around for a long time speak about their own insecurities when they first started out. I love watching Quincy Jones talk about music, his experiences, and what a difference it eventually made to just get out and do it! It also encourages me to press on when he talks about knowledge of American music (Jazz, Blues, and R&B especially) that is lacking in the younger generation - music that is just kind of exploited but not known about. It encourages me personally because I have a deep love for and knowledge of those kinds of music. Also, I must admit I loved it when Bob Dylan recently said 'Who cares if people are downloading music for free, it ain't worth nothin' anyway.'

What did you want help with? Quincy Jones said to take ten great artists, and just copy them relentlessly. If nothing else you may gain those artists' musical ability - then one would have to qualms about his/her abilities and/or performing in public...

The help I am referring to is the kind you offered by responding.
First, let me tell you how much it is appreciated...LOTS

Too many years have past while I've allowed a negative attitude to control my life. With a blow that I'm still recovering from, I was fortunate enough to have some sense knocked into me. Now I understand the importance of recognizing the ignorance within, and I'm not afraid to raise my hand for help. Thanks.
I believe that we are all students awaiting our turn to teach, some of us however, (like me)...spent most of my life trying to teach something I had yet to learn. And while I don't beat myself up much anymore, I do tend to forget sometimes that; "Everything is my superior in some way, in that I learn of it". - (I forgot who said that)

I guess what I'm trying to say is THANKS! Thanks to all who have an ear for understanding and a word of encouragement. Not just for me, but for any and all who may find themselves in need of one.

Oh, and by the way...I'm moving from Las Vegas to Pennsylvania soon, and would like to put a little group together, so if you, or anybody else has any leads, comments, or suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated
Keep Rockin'!

Thanks for letting me listen.

what a nice exchange. Davis... wise words with the quincy jones quote. I believe einstein said it better when he said: "a true innovator is one who borrows without conscience and delivers something unique" -or something like that.
here's my helping anecdote... I went to MI in 1995 and juxtaposed with the general big city shock I felt in LA, was the shock that can only come from going to school with 900 other guitar players of whom a good 300 or so are better than you will ever be (an I knew it). At school they had a name for the look on the new guys face: dead fish. Walking around feeling like all hope was lost -that was me. I had played guitar since I was 10, won competitions, studied my music theory, played with hundreds of bands... and all at once I felt like quiting. The one thing that took me out of that slump was being told "we each have our own voice - no one else sounds like you... we all can't be the best at everything... but we each are really good at something in particular, so grab ahold of that thing and take it further than anyone else has... that is your voice."
hope that gives ya some hope.
mv

This is the type of post that I like to see. Wonderful exchange.

DGuitar, I live in NE Ohio, not sure what part of PA you are coming to, but I can say that your style of music is definitely alive and well in my area (y'town), so you should not have any trouble finding people to jam with.

I definitely need to hear every now and again that I sound good, look good etc. What woman doesn't?! LOL

But I think there is true merit in not only being able to receive compliments, but graciously accepting criticism as well. I actively seek criticism because I feel that no matter how good you are, you can always improve.
I am not so blind that I can't see or hear that I can use some improvement, at the same time, I know I've got skillz.

Thank you Jacquee Rae and MrMikeV for for your insightful comments and suggestions.
As you're probably aware, I am a newcomer to this site, so it was very delightful to receive such pleasurable responses in regards to my first posting. This is EXACTLY what I was hoping to experience when I decided to get involved.
Normally I don't find myself sharing much of ANYTHING in chat rooms, but this has been a totally different experience from what I've seen thus far. In fact, if I didn't receive any more advice at all...I'd be pretty darned satisfied.

Jacquee Rae;
Skills, courage, and an insatiable desire to succeed, seem to be be the components that make up a success story, and you appear to possess all of them. I can hardly wait to buy your first CD!
Remain inquisitive and MAKE US ALL PROUD!

MrMikeV;
I too feel like quitting sometimes, and I definately can relate to the rest of us...dead fish. And you're right about each of us having our own voice. One of my best friends in Anchorage, Alaska once told me that I shouldn't be so concerned with losing octaves, but instead concentrate on what I can still do with the voice I have left!
Maybe I won't ever be as fast as Eddie VanHalen, but as you said...I can grab hold of what I DO HAVE, and take THAT to a place where only I am able to.
You have given me more than just hope...you've expressed faith in my abilities, and that sir...is exactly what I am searching for!
Thank you.

only the wise are so graciouse. You will do well at anything with an attitude like that.
practice what you are weak at and play to your strengths.

Thank you DGuitarWriter!

I wish you all the best with your move and change.

How fortuitous--a topic that addresses the very nature of my feelings, at the moment.

To attempt to make a long story short:

I've always dreamt of being a performing musician--specifically, performing my own compositions. I've been singing since I was just a wee little child, started playing the clarinet in 5th grade, picked up the piano a couple of years later, started the sax in high school, competed in all of the above, won numerous awards, etc, etc. Back then, I received plenty of encouragement from my parents, teachers, and so on. To no one's surprise, I went off to college to major in music. And there, I recieved the exact opposite. Nothing but criticism. I didn't sit properly or push the keys properly or do much of anything properly. I got so sick of it I quit. I changed majors. And it was some time before I touched an instrument again.

Eventually, I recovered. I picked up my instruments again, started practicing and playing for my own enjoyment. And I started writing music again. And up popped that old dream again.

Recently, I've been taking a more serious approach to my songwriting, thinking "Hey, maybe I can actually do this." But I'm just a girl with a voice and some words. And I don't even know if they're good words--words that anyone else would want to hear. There's so much more that I need: a band, a demo, an audience, a chance. There's so much work to be done and I don't even know where to begin. Or even if I should begin.

And I'm rambling... But yes. Never underestimate the importance of encouragement. And positive thinking.

Hey Regina,
I don't believe I have witnessed a post from you before. It is always nice to see new faces, or hair as it were. LOL I can only say how I feel which is simply that there are so many people out there.
As you see on here, so many individuals with similar hopes and aspirations. As far as only having words, I am sure that there is someone out there, or some group of people out there who can identify with those words, your words.
I know it is difficult, but through the years I have played sports and participated in a number of competitive activities and I can say that I never felt good enough. I was always getting singled out and it really upset me. I also has small, not your scale, success with these activities. I am a confrontational person by nature, so I asked. One of my coaches told me that he saw so much potential in me, but I had raw talent, needed to work extra hard on the basics. I ultimately quit choir bc I felt the same way. My choir teacher also was very upset bc after the fact, he went on and on about my talent.
At any rate, not I am rambling and I have to get ready for work... but I just wanted to say that sometimes what we feel is worth nothing is actually a gold mine and that while criticism can be damning, it also has it's place and often comes with good intentions.
I hope this helps.

just wanna point out that there are several opportunities over on musicianscollaboration.com for lyricists/vocalists to slap down their talent and at the least get feedback, at the most you could end up on the album that the site puts out once a year. I have two songs up myself that are just the band - no vocals. Go over there, download a tune, record yer vocs over the top... and at the least you'll get better. There is some real talent over there too. Cmon, how often do you get the chance to front a band with original music? good luck.

Hey Regina! Go for it! I tell you guys, I cant believe all of the really good female vocalist that are here in the state of Ohio. Sounds like you already have a jump start working for you. Dont believe that the game is all new to you [as to say] with music. Give it all you've got! I know if anybody was looking for a good female vocalist, Just check out the state of Ohio. You guys really make me PROUD. Im not kidding, I know of around 8 to 10 good female vocalist from our state and I havent even looked for them. Doesnt seem that easy to find male vocalist, Good ones anyway. Lets see... The Male Vocalist for "Rascal Flats" is outstanding. From Columbus,OH. But hell! He has the average range of a female vocalist. And there is....Well.......ME!.... [But who am I, Unknown nobody] Oh well, everyone has to have a hobby. And I love doing it! Music can make everyday life more satisfying, In focus, And all together complete, for me. If only one person compliments me after a show, That makes it all worth while. Will probably be performing until the day I die. And to me, theres is no better way to go. Give'em Hell Ladies!!!

Here's a little something I wanted to share because it suggests that one shouldn't stop trying...even when it seems like all hope of winning is lost.

Once upon a time...a little boy was over-heard talking to himself
as he strode through his backyard, baseball cap in place and toting ball and bat.
"I'm the greatest baseball player in the world!" He said proudly.
Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung and missed.
Undaunted, he threw the ball and said; "I'm the greatest baseball player ever!"
He swung at the ball again, and again he missed.
He paused for a moment to examine the bat and ball carefully, then once again he threw the ball into the air and said; "I'm the greatest baseball player ever!"
He swung the bat HARD! Again he missed the ball.
"Wow!" He exclaimed. "What a pitcher!"
-Source unknown

If you know of any uplifting stories, anecdotes, or sayings, please feel free to post them. I for one, can always use another dose of...FEEL GOOD.

Thanks for letting me listen.

that is a good one! LOL.