Making the Most of Your Music Group

Practicing different musical styles can be lots of fun and inspire creativity into everyday compositions, as well. But the thought of trying to play something out of my comfort zone or main field of interest seems downright scary. Competition can be fierce out there! And who has all the skills necessary to complete a fantastic masterpiece?

Here's a little secret I've found in answer to just that question. No, I do not have all the tools - workshops, classes, texts, experience, etc. to write for other genres. But my music's group does! Maybe not all in one location, and maybe not in one simple package, but they're there.

Here are some ways I've found to uncover all the help I need to experiment in other fields by using only my music group that meets once a month (Hint: if there is no group in your area, check with your local library to learn more about starting one):

Write at the meeting! I can't believe that many do not write at the meetings. My notes on everything that goes on in each session are kept in a special notebook for reference. And they are actively used, too! If someone mentions a job opportunity, I highlight it, then add it to my calendar for follow-up when I get home. The same with mentions for rehearsals, try-outs, etc. Each is logged, and often transferred to another file at home.

Get to know other members. Become friends with fellow muscians. Use e-mail, snail mail, telephones, but don't be afraid of grammar! Just because we're sometimes composers (or more aften!), doesn't mean each correspondence needs to be a piece of art! After I got over my fear of being critiqued each time I e-mailed my groups' members, I found many wonderful, fun folks out there with families, other non-musical jobs, broken down cars, etc., just like mine. It was great! Break down those barriers and guess what you'll find? People who've taken writing classes and workshops. People who have writen children's songs, texts, dictionaries, computers, e-mail, Websites, and other helpful tools. People with experience. Share and grow!

Take advantage of critique sessions. After getting over my fear of being thought of as a ‘poor' composer by my fellow members, I jumped in with my first score to be critiqued. Others brought theirs, so it was enlightening on both sides of the fence. Here again don't hesitate to write down all comments offered by each member. Then later at home, go back and actually revise the piece. I did this a few times, and my pieces went on to win several contests this year. One in particular won in the new Inspirational category of this years 1999 Writer's Digest contest! Another was my first attempt at a travel piece. An article on my hometown came in first place in the Get It In Writing contest last month. So don't be afraid. Go for it!

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