Greetings
I hope this message finds you all in a great situation as we finish up the first month of 2008. It's a new year with new challenges, but the opportunities are there too. Whether your goal is to increase your professionalism, brush up on your skill or to just get started, let me encourage you: NOW is the time! American Idol (or whatever your favorite down-time activity is) may be great, but you getting a move on with your life is even better. Sometimes we need to be reminded that rest is not a goal...it's a necessity. No one great ever aspired to rest! It's in the struggle to become that we really begin to develop confidence and competence.
I'm stepping off my soapbox now...sorta
"Lean on me..."
Not sure where that first paragraph came from, but maybe someone on the list needs to be encouraged to press on. Encouragement is a HUGE part of doing music. Yes, there are boring times of slogging through practice exercises by yourself. There may be things that you need to figure out on your own. I'm not taking anything away from individual effort. Still, what are you going to do with all that talent? Sit in your bedroom and listen to yourself? No! I think Jesus had something to say about sharing your gift:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
- Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
If you apply that to your musical craft, it is only when others experience your gift that they will glorify and praise God. There's no place for arrogance in music or in life, but confidence is essential! I was blessed early in my musical development with people who poured confidence into me. I sang in a church production and was timid at the microphone. Someone encouraged me not to back down. I didn't respond at first, but I slowly began to believe that I could sing well. I had a hard time playing guitar and singing at the same time. It was really tough to listen to. Still, I had friends and family that endured my growth and encouraged me to keep going...sometimes they encouraged me to go outside before I kept going, but I was still encouraged to keep on! I would be a shell of the singer, guitarist and arranger that I am if I had not been encouraged.
Maybe you are like me...maybe you need to be encouraged. Email me if you really have a hard time with it. Let's get connected so I can personally pray for you and encourage you. The only thing cooler than receiving what God gives to you is giving it away to someone else!
Maybe you are in the position to encourage someone else. Do it now! Seriously, if you have their email address or phone number, send them a message, TXT or call them now. Yes, right now...I promise, you can pick back up here when you get through. Have you done it yet?? Great!!!
Encouragement really is that important. It really is that urgent for some people. I can't tell you how many times I was almost ready to stand up my stupid guitar in the corner and let it sit there! Growing into a new talent is not always easy, and sometimes encouragement happens at just the right time.
Those of you with a more critical eye for composition can tell that I'm really writing about two separate things: encouragement and confidence. They are separate, yes, but they are vitally connected. Study anyone that is truly confident (not just arrogant) in any area, and you will find that the confidence they posses has not been developed, instead it has been imparted through the encouragement of other people. Sow seeds of encouragement in others and watch their confidence bloom! Receive encouragement for yourself and watch your own confidence grow also!
New Music Reviews In Brief
I am not a new music junkie (I can quit whenever I want...yeah, right!), but through some gift certificates and some other random blessings, I have purchased some new music, or at least music that is new to me. The prolific Steven Curtis Chapman recently released a new album entitled "This Moment." I have been a huge fan of his in the past, but I fell away somewhere a couple of years ago...not sure why. "This Moment" was a refreshing listen that I highly recommend. If you're a beginning guitarist, bassist or pianist (or even drummer), don't try to figure everything out. This is not really easy music to play, but it is inspiring to experience. The technical stuff really takes a back seat to some powerful and personal songwriting. Tip: Pick up the special edition if you can. It has the orange cover. It's a couple of bucks more than the regular version, but you get 4 more songs (acoustic versions of other songs on the disc).
I also picked up Shane and Shane's CD called "Carry Away." You know how sometimes you get turned on to an artist like a year or two after everyone else thought they were cool? Well, you get their current CD and you love it. Then you decide to go buy their older stuff to catch up. Sometimes it's a big mistake! With Shane and Shane, this older CD did NOT disappoint in that way at all. It has some of the same musical elements (i.e. phenomenal acoustic guitar work, passionate expressive vocals) that I really love about these guys, and it also has some really powerful songwriting. For those of you who enjoy little details, Nichole Nordeman sang background vocals on a couple of tracks. All in all, it's a great CD (in my humble opinion).
Shane and Shane Concert in Greenwood, South Carolina
OK...news alert...I just saw that Shane and Shane are gearing up for a midwinter/spring tour. It is called the "Vision of You" tour. If you're in upstate South Carolina, there is a prime opportunity for you to catch this event in Greenwood, SC on Sunday night, February 24th. It will be at Northside Baptist Church. I'm going! For more info, check out their tour link on their website or visit iTickets.com. It looks like Bethany Dillon (Shane B's new fiancée) and Starfield will be playing on this tour too.
I know some of you won't be able to go to this event, but I'm almost willing to consider this concert an official Music Share Group event (for what that's worth!). Not only will you be inspired by great music, but I believe your heart will connect with God in a real and powerful way at this concert. Email me if you plan to go. Maybe we can get together for a meal before the concert.
Tired of hearing about guitars and Shane and Shane? Do something about it!
I admit, I'm not doing a very good job yet of creating an inviting and useful forum for musicians of different styles and skill levels. It seems like it's just about the stuff I like. Does that bug you like it bugs me? Do you have cutting edge, helpful content to offer to musicians from a different perspective? Let's have it! Lay it in the table. I'll make you a guest columnist on the ole' MusicShareGroup.blogspot.com page. Let your light shine!
Be blessed!
Andy Johnston - the facilitator
musicsharegroup@gmail.com
musicsharegroup.blogspot.com
PS. Post a comment on the blog or email me if you're getting this and it is helping you out...I appreciate your feedback!
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