"The Artist's Way", 4th Week Reflections

Many years ago, I became aware of this book. It was available through the library, and I am now into my fourth week of a twelve week study.

"The Artist's Way", but Julia Cameron is a self-exploration to identify the people, issues or fears that block us from being more creative. The chapters are very short with some detailed assignments for each week. One ongoing assignment is the daily "stream of consciousness" writing. One may call them journals, and although I am not sure of their full impact yet, they are a good way to vent your thoughts first thing in the morning.

Some other weekly activities include, artist's walks, artist's dates and identifying feelings and changes that are occurring. Like other 12 step programs, they are effective because a big part of success is admitting that there is a problem. Once one admits that, we can work through the barriers that are hindering us from embracing and moving onto being our best artist.

This book is often used in a group study. Again, like other 12 step programs, some people will stay with it and gain more by sharing with a group. The group may keep you with the program.

Either way, I think this is a good way to spend 12 weeks. I'll post again during week 8 and 12. Some amazing things have happened already. Stay tuned!

Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
www.songsofjoymi.com

Piano Tops Most Popular Instruments in the United States

This exercise was a good lesson in challenging my perceptions. What are the most popular instruments in the United States?

Although I expected guitar to be the most popular instrument by far in the United States, and that the piano would be second, I was corrected this week as I researched this topic. Here is the listing:

Piano
Guitar
Violin
Bass Guitar
Flute
Clarinet
Cello


The Piano is by far the most popular instrument in the United States.

• Seven hundred and fifty thousand pianos made around the world each year. 
• Twenty-one million Americans, that's close to 1 in 10, play the piano. 
• More Americans play the piano than all the other instruments combined.

Wow! I was shocked to see violin in the #3 spot. When I'm out and about jamming, I don't happen upon another violinist unless we are playing Irish, early American or Bluegrass. And yes, of course, classical.

Additionally, it's surprising that cello even made it on the list at all.

If you are a musician, let us know the type of instrument you play and some of the more unusual instrumentalists you may have heard or played with.

Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
www.songsofjoymi.com

Three Legs of Musicianship --- Play Well With Others

Being an artist is a lifelong passion and requires different inputs to mature. Similar to advancing through our educational system, an artist can choose to remain at:

• Grade school level --- choosing an instrument and starting lessons
• High school level --- years of training and steady advancement to more difficult pieces and genres
• College --- performing in front of an audience and playing with others
• Advanced degrees --- attaining personal musical goals and sharing it with others 

All require perseverence, determination and letting go of inhibitions.

There are three important components:

• Practice! Practice! Practice
• Proper instruction and influences
• Public performance and playing with others

Although everyone might not require private lessons, every artist must practice. Growth cannot start or flourish without making lots of mistakes and discovering the right way to achieve a particular sound.

Proper instruction and influences are important. If this is a teacher, it is important that the teacher is taking your personal interests and skill level into account. They should be looking for pieces that will keep you challenged and engaged while allowing you to enjoy your progress. Influences include being part of the art world, spending time with other musicians/artists and reading about art. Immerse yourself in it.

Public performance and playing with others is imperative to becoming an experienced musician. You must make yourself vulnerable, and performing in public or playing with others will do just that. If you are not doing this, start making a plan. Here are some suggestions:

• If you are taking lessons
• Ask your teacher about other students that may be willing to tackle a duet with you
• Approach other students to meet and jam
• Visit an open mic and return to perform
• East River Folk Society (2nd Saturday of every month)
• Tongue's Coffee House (Monday evening)
• If you have some experience, join a local group
• Southern Great Lakes Symphony
• Downriver Community Band
• Church worship team or choir

Put your pride and ego aside and accept the challenge. We all get nervous and have our self doubt, but as in other situations, you have to work through it for the prize. This is a natural progression for musicians, and it is never too early to start.

If you have any comments on this article or the importance of performing, please share with us.

Peace,

Annette DeMaggio

Songs of Joy

www.songsofjoymi.com

  

Detroit Medical Orchestra --- The Healing Power of Music

The Detroit Medical Orchestra --- read that again --- the Detroit Medical Orchestra will be playing a FREE concert on:

Sunday, March 10th
3:00 pm
Wayne State University
Community Arts Auditorium
450 Reuther Mall
Detroit

Admission: FREE
313-577-6943
www.detroitmedicalorchestra.org

This is an orchestra of amateur musicians made up of health professions who get together to explore the connection between  music and healing and support area medical charities.

It isn't surprising that this group of highly educated and disciplined individuals have had extensive musical training. Studies continue to point to music education as an advantage to children and adults in reading, mathematics and the ability to solve complex problems.

As a music teacher, I know that private lessons are not limited to learning a particular instrument. It is about so much more. Learning to persevere, discipline and working through adversity are all part of the journey. Once a person experiences learning to play an instrument, the student will utilize those skills in other areas of their lives.

Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
www.songsofjoymi.com

"The Successful Artist's Career Guide"

I am a huge fan of the public library system and believe that any person interested in lifelong learning should be a card carrying member. Besides the books, the librarians are very enthusiastic, knowlegable and great sleuths. If you think your local library is small and won't have all of the books you require, know that they probably belong to a network that allows library card holders to borrow books from libraries throughout the state. They will be delivered to your local library. Outstanding!

Along with reading novels that entertain and take you on journeys, it is good to read inspirational books that guide you through life's journey. One of my newest finds is "The Successful Artist's Career Guide: Finding Your Way in the Business of Art", by Margaret Peot. Although this book is for visual artists, it is quite encouraging and will open your mind to being a working artist while keeping a roof over your head and food on the table --- and much more.

Our economy and work life has changed, and we will all need to change with it. There are many negative forces that may discourage us from following our dreams. By putting good, positive and constructive thoughts into our minds, we have a much greater chance at living these dreams. Start by utilizing the resources at your library to learn more about your passions and interests.

If you have read this book, or have recommendations for artists that have chosen to combine their passion and livelihood, please share your experiences.

Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
Songs of Joy
www.songsofjoymi.com