I had to pleasure a couple weeks back to have a conversation with Tom D”Antoni of the Oregon Music News his podcast. It was unrehearsed he didn’t give me questions ahead of time to write down answers and there are times where I have a natural bit of a stutter. I think it’s because my brain works faster than my mouth, and those who know me know that is true. It was interesting going back and re-living reviewing the beginnings of my musical background. The little bit more information about the beginnings of the music. I got my first guitar was a gift from a friend, who had old Harmony with strings that were real high. I had a few friends that were playing music and we’re very skilled musicians and performers. Jan & Bruce always invited me sit in with them. My friend Jan Was an excellent finger style guitarist. He could play anything.I asked him to show me how to finger pick a guitar. I just worked at three finger pattern until my fingers hurt. I learned in reality 3 finger picking and thumb. Jan asked who taught me that style I said You did you said three fingers he actually met two fingers and a thumb. I’ve been carrying Guitar around with me since right after high school. I think I always carried a note pad & pencil in my pocket catching thoughts and things I heard.
So take a listen and subscribe to Tom’s podcast.
I have been teaching songwriting for the past few years doing workshops and lessons for our Soldier Songs&VoicesPDX. I have learn much knowledge from other’s teaching and resource books on writing. I would like to acknowledge Matt Meighan(MattMeighan.com) for his skill, openness and willing to share!. He is a Song Whisperer. Here are some authors that I go back to gathering information and inspiration. Books by Pat Patterson, Stevan King, Willam Stafford, Tom T Hall and Brenda Ueland.
I like to start with a quote. “The way you look for songs, you find yourself looking for little signals and clues about life and how things are”. Tom T Hall.
Here is a first step that leads me to a new beginning of a song. Now I would ask you to think back to a time, to a place, to a person. Remember- You are beginning with a life experience, you can turn it inside out and upside down. Listen to your to the voice find something special.
Take about 5 minutes – Do not start telling the story. Write freely about this time, place or person or. Pick key words that come to your mind. write in single words or phrases You are looking for the gems/whats stuck in your brain/highlights.Do not start telling the story. Do not write complete sentence. Just free write words that come to your mind. write in single words or phrases You are looking for the gems/whats stuck in your brain/highlights.. Do not write complete sentence. Just free write! Mining your free write. Read what your wrote out LOUD.
Listen to your head & your heart. Trust that voice
I had to pleasure a couple weeks back to have a conversation with Tom D”Antoni of the Oregon Music News his podcast. It was unrehearsed he didn’t give me questions ahead of time to write down answers and there are times where I have a natural bit of a stutter. I think it’s because my brain works faster than my mouth, and those who know me know that is true. It was interesting going back and re-living reviewing the beginnings of my musical background. The little bit more information about the beginnings of the music. I got my first guitar was a gift from a friend, who had old Harmony with strings that were real high. I had a few friends that were playing music and we’re very skilled musicians and performers. Jan & Bruce always invited me sit in with them. My friend Jan Was an excellent finger style guitarist. He could play anything.I asked him to show me how to finger pick a guitar. I just worked at three finger pattern until my fingers hurt. I learned in reality 3 finger picking and thumb. Jan asked who taught me that style I said You did you said three fingers he actually met two fingers and a thumb. I’ve been carrying Guitar around with me since right after high school. I think I always carried a note pad & pencil in my pocket catching thoughts and things I heard.
So take a listen and subscribe to Tom’s podcast.
