Taking Care of Myself

What would you guess would be the most important aspect of life that I learned during my musical journey? Practicing? Playing Well? Overcoming Shyness? Sight Reading? Nope, while all of those are certainly things I have learned, none were the most important. The most important I gathered so far is to take care of myself. The importance of working hard and then taking breaks before starting again. This aspect has spilled over into my other activities. I was working on the business plan for the steel pan organization today - didn't quite finish it, but made progress. It was among a long list of things I wanted to accomplish today. When I was done, I ate lunch and took a couple of minutes to gather my thoughts. Now, I'm writing this blog. The thing is I feel great - emotionally, physically, and mentally. I owe it all to how I learned how to practice and execute my music. Many thanks to the book Musician's Way.

I had a person in my class who worked so hard on practicing that he ended up with carpal tunnel. Now, he hasn't played steel drums for about three weeks. He hasn't even come to class. Unfortunately, I think he may be behind when he returns. He was so determined to conquer one of our longer pieces that he injured himself. I vowed never to have that happen to me. I love steel drums, but not enough to injure myself. Take those breaks when you can and more importantly - take care of yourself.

(Photo courtesy of Bullet Proof Musician Blog)

Out of the Mouths of Babes

One of the most difficult things you can do when starting a business or any endeavor is getting focused. I found myself in this predicament as I was trying to narrow just what our business is all about. On one hand, I thought we could just be a non-profit focused on our local scene. Many of the resources I would utilize to get started are right here in my state. Our area is where some of the steel pan services are in desperate need compared to other states. Then again, I want to be able to reach out to other organizations and states to help foster a network of like minded individuals with the same appreciation for the instrument. Since we are so spread out here in the western states, one organization that could help coordinate resources, help promote activities, and create a huge event for pan performers is sorely needed. I thought we (our organization) could fill that void. But which one should we do?

I told my youngest daughter the dilemma. We talked through it and she rightly said to start small and grow the business. In other words, my situation is not an either/or predicament. She's pretty insightful and more importantly, she's right. I can start in my state by beginning to put in place those things that help steel pan grow in this market. I can see what works and what doesn't. For example, how organizations raise money, work with educational institutions, and how they promote themselves within the state. As that process gets underway, you begin to reach out to other organizations as well. Get best practices under your belt and be the conduit that shares with others. In other words, you start small and grow the business. My previous work with a very old non-profit is a reminder that model works. It started with a small group of doctors at the turn of the century and has grown into a national organization. As I relook at our recently developed mission statement, it certainly does fit an organization that is built for growth.

So, in the next couple of days I set myself the goal of finalizing a name and beginning the process of writing down the game plan. This way, I can put my thoughts on paper and use it as a guide for the future. Without that discussion with my daughter, I would have been completely lost.

Business and Jazz - What they have in common

What makes for a great organizational environment? I've been wrestling with this as we talk through the steel drum festival and the accompanying organization. Not sure, what works best. I've never been a teacher. While I've owned my own business a couple of times, my sense is that the next organization will have more than just me working at it. I read an interesting take on business and what it has in common with jazz musicians. It is well worth the read and was posted CNN. It was titled "What the best jazz musicians and business brains have in common. " It made me think of why I am drawn to music and business at the same time. I realize I thrive when in those situations like the one described in the article. It made me think of what I would need to do to encourage the development of a similar type environment in the organization we create. I think that philosophy would need to be clear up front. Plus, I would have to live it each day and recognize and reward others for doing the same. The article is well worth the read. Check it out.

It's All Down To You

Today's title is from a Joni Mitchell song which I love. It is a reminder that this life is mine ultimately.  For example, one of the things we all wrestle with whether a musician or in some other profession is the pressure to be good. It is a constant companion. It can be what drives us to commit hours to whatever we are focused on at the time. What I found is that the self induced pressure can also be the difference between success and failure. Who are we trying to be excellent for?

My experience has shown that if I try and do things because of what I think others think of me, I some how end up not very happy in the long run. The number of jobs and fields I entered because of others expectations is way too many to admit. I ended up with a kind of sadness on my spirit. I decided for the next 50 years, I will enjoy what I'm doing. I guess that's why I enjoy the steel drum. I understand that my desire to be good at it is for me only. It would be great if I can share my talents with others. However, ultimately it is for no one else. Isn't that what we all should be striving for? I practice because I want to be good at it. That's my time commitment.

I wonder if all steel pan players do it for the same reason. I would imagine those in Trinidad and Tobago do it because of the expectation from the community, friends, and family.  It may be a little different around the U.S. since the steel drum community is still growing. The only pressure as players we experience is what we put on ourselves. I guess that's why I think the idea of a non-profit dedicated to playing steel drums is a great idea. Without all the expectations bearing down on us, others can be successful and thrive because they want to for themselves. The same is true for me. I guess it really does come down to me and what I expect from my life.

(Button is from Zazzle.com)

Schools and Universities Like Steel Pan

As we prep for this steel pan festival in Denver for next year, one of the tasks is to figure out how large is the steel pan community as it stands now. I was lucky enough to come across a study done by Brandon Heskett of Arizona State University. He did an exhaustive three year study of the all the steel pans associated with schools and universities across the country. To my surprise and pleasure, he hooked me up with his study. The list was certainly impressive. There were over 500 schools with a steel pan program. That's a ton of students. It is fertile ground for growing the exposure of steel pan. In particular, I was very interested in those schools west of the Mississippi. I haven't had a chance to closely examine those schools, but I am interested to see what the distribution is. I was surprised at the high number back east and the midwest. It was fascinating.

Now, think about this. If we could develop a large steel pan festival and invite schools/colleges to participate, I know the festival would be successful. Couple that with the unknown number of community and professional bands and invite them as well, I think we could have a very well rounded program. My goal will be to figure out what to have them do once they get here. Sure, they could see the sites of Denver. There has got to be more than performing for them. Is it a competition component to the festival? Is it access to steel pan/musician workshops? Not sure. I have a brainstorming session with my partner next week for about three hours. I'm sure we'll hash this out. Today, I'm off to pick up resources on starting a non-profit which I had out from the library before.

Heart Skips a Beat

I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever I walk into an auditorium or get up on a stage, I feel sooo comfortable up there. Just like I belong there. Whenever I go and watch any event in these settings, I can't help but think of what it would be like to be up there right now. Isn't that weird? Am I supposed to be on the stage. I guess that has always been a nagging feeling for me ever since I was kid. So as I embark on this journey playing steel pans and playing a festival - I can't help but think about this feeling. It doesn't really go away. It is kind of a sense of belonging. I like that part of me. Don't want to lose that part in the next 50 years.