feedback in a day

I’m teaching a new girl at the rehab and she’s real smart and bubbly. At the end of our first lesson, she smiled and thanked me. She said she’s happy that she has a guitar teacher that actually explains and knows theory. That comment alone made my day and I knew right away that I had many to thank to be where I am now.

One of the parents was surprised and overly happy that I made up a lesson. I keep my word and would never want to waste anyone’s money or time.

I am often insecure about teaching music. I think I’m not good enough. I am nervous about the studio allowing me to continue to teach. Today was different though. I am happy that my hard work is being recognized and I am able to help someone understand music. There are obstacles to overcome, but I know I can do this.

january update

1. I need to manage my time better and not allow calculus II or school take over my life.

2. I have yet to review any music theory, but I need to majorly work on theory, now that I actually need to teach it.

3. So far, I’ve learned “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift (Ft. The Civil Wars), chord version of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, intro to “Blue Orchid” by The White Stripes and the first part of “Hey, There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. I think this goal has been met and teaching has helped me accomplish this goal.

4. I have written chords to a song. I keep pandering with lyrics. I’m not sure if I need to modify this goal or make-up the three songs in the following months. I’m really nervous about this one.

5. I have almost finished playing “Marching Line” by Vanessa Carlton. Surprisingly, I found this to be a challenging song. 9 more to go and then Moonlight!

6. I still need to write those songs.

7. I still need to write that song.

8. I need to at least cover a song and experiment with the Canon Rebel T2i.

9. I’m working on playing around with the piano to write a possible film score.

10. I need to finish writing an e-mail and getting on with the co-writing.

Note to self: I have a long ways to go and I really need to push myself and really just go!

See [this post].

sundance film festival 12: the films and film scores

I experienced the Sundance Film Festival for the first time in my life yesterday. I watched Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and Documentary Spotlights. After watching Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom (Documentary Spotlights), my life has been forever changed. Now, I have this sense of responsibility and the call to action. I believe in protecting freedom of speech and democracy. I also believe in nature and in revival.

There’s a huge part of me that is inspired by the environment of independent artists and intellectuals at Sundance. I fully support independent film makers and musicians. I hope that soon enough, DVDs and music from Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom will be made available for purchase.

The music in Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry is composed by Ilan Isakov (listen to samples of the music here). What I enjoyed about Ilan Isakov’s composition is the different instruments used and the subtle details in the music accompanying the film. The music never overwhelms the intense situations in the film and captures the spirit of the moment. Through Twitter (Ilan Isakov actually tweeted me!), I recently found out that Ilan Isakov is Gregory Alan Isakov’s brother. All I can say is they are two incredible and madly talented musicians.

The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom is composed by Moby. I expected the music in the film to highlight and dramatize the tragedy of the tsunami. Instead, the tone of the music is positive, emphasizing hope, peace and comfort. I couldn’t get enough.

I know the ASCAP Music Cafe is one of the major music events at Sundance, but I wish film scores and composers were talked about more. And even though I didn’t get to see the documentary, Finding North, I would love to hear music that The Civil Wars composed. I have tweeted Ilan Isakov, Moby and The Civil Wars (both John Paul White and Joy Williams) and I hope there will be news about the release of music from these films. Everyone needs to watch these films and listen to the soundtracks.

infinite evolution

I had no idea one of the judges on American Idol, Randy Jackson plays the bass guitar until I read an article in Guitar Center’s recent catalog. I also found out he’s a music producer and just really, an overall accomplished musician. I hope to take Jackson’s thoughts and advice on music and become the artist I’ve always wanted to be.

Here are a few excerpts from the article, ‘Continuously Evolving’ by Randy Jackson:

My passion for music drove me to learn all the styles. I wanted to play Dixieland, country, blues, jazz, rock, funk, and R&B. I was like a sponge and absorbed it all. Music has to inspire people emotionally in order for them to get into it, listen to it or buy it, so I always look towards the end result. Music is an ensemble effort, and I think most people forget that. Producing, writing and playing are all about the same thing-the song. You could look at the Top Ten and hate every song on it, but there is a reason why those songs are resonating with the public. Whether you’re a musician, player, writer or producer, you need to find out why that’s working, whether you like it or not. Then you have to find out how to apply that to what you’re doing. I’m a big proponent of ‘Next!’ and moving forward. We must all continuously evolve.

i want to be hip hop like this girl with a beat

Watch the video: http://www.ksl.com/video/we.php?v=19003263-0.mp4
Read the original story: http://www.ksl.com/?sid=19003263&nid=1017&title=have-you-seen-this-flutacious-beatbox

somebody i used to know

I will admit that it took a long time for me to like this song after several listens. And now this song has become my song of the moment. The lyrics perfectly capture how I feel about someone who shouldn’t matter to me anymore.

“Now and then I think of when we were together

Told myself that you were right for me

But felt so lonely in your company

But you didn’t have to cut me off

And I don’t even need your love

Now you’re just somebody that I used to know”

(Gotye)

found and written on facebook

“If music isn’t fun for you, you’re doing it wrong.”

(Autumn Sky)

and a conversation between an old friend and I…

Me: Oh, how I wish I were going to Coachella. Bon Iver. The Shins. Calvin Harris. Radiohead.

Stephanie: I like that although we may not have talked much in a few years, our taste in music is very much in sync.

All of this has made me realize there is really one love for music.

music resolutions for 2012

So, it’s been a week in this new year. 2012. I’ve decided to make music resolutions, inspired by [this post].

1. Practice at least 1 hour of piano & guitar every day. (1/2 hour piano, 1/2 hour guitar)

2. Learn a new concept or review music theory once a week.

3. Learn one song each week.

4. Write three original songs every month.

5. Be able to play all 10 songs from Rabbits On the Run by Vanessa Carlton and ‘Moonlight Sonata’ by Ludwig van Beethoven.

6. Experience playing at an open mic at least once.

7. Submit a song to a songwriting contest, such as the John Lennon Scholarship.

8. Upload at least 12 YouTube videos of covers or original songs.

9. Write music for film.

10. Finish a co-written song.

I tried to make these goals as specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely as possible. I’ll never be ready to conquer all my fears, but it’s all an experience of living life in music. At the end of each month, I will be updating my progress on this blog. Here I go…and with no regrets.

une passion littéraire

“If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don’t write, because our culture has no use for it.”

(Anaïs Nin)

I came across this quote yesterday and these words alone have reminded me that I need to believe and do things that are true from my heart.