Re: [Harp-L] Re:First Solo

[Garry Hodgson <garry@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Cathy Storey" <cathy.storey@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Well....I finally did it.  Saturday, Nov. 11th would have been my dad's 80th
> birthday.  I wanted to play a tribute to him.  I was invited to play an open
> mic night at a local coffee cafe.  I almost didn't do it because I am a
> chicken, but I really wanted to play a tribute.  I did fine, everyone
> enjoyed it, I didn't make a fool out of myself and they asked me
> back........so, I would say mission accomplished!  

congratulations!  that is such a huge step.  it really takes a lot to make yourself 
get up there that first time.  but once you do, it changes you.  in small but 
important ways you are a different person than before.  where before you were 
someone who played (or tried to play) harmonica, you a now a musician.  and 
even if you were the worst musician ever (which you're not; that would be me), 
it doesn't matter, 'cause you're still a musician.  also, consider that however you 
played that night is likely the worst you will ever play again.  because every time 
you play, every time you practice, every time you listen carefuly to another musician, 
you will get a little bit better.  it may take a little while or a lifetime, but you're on your 
way.  

and *that* is really cool.

and now for your next step, run, don't walk, to:
http://www.harmonicasessions.com/aug06/keys.html

and read dave barrett's excellent article "Preparing a Song and Playing it on Stage",
which is as good a guide for newbie performers as i've ever read.

----
Garry Hodgson, Senior Software Geek, AT&T CSO

But I'm not giving in an inch to fear
'Cause I promised myself this year
I feel like I owe it...to someone.