|
Embracing Encouragement In the Music Community
Three ways to "embrace encouragement" and keep you strong on your journey to getting wherever "there" is for you
 When I arrived in Nashville two years ago, I hoped to be an encouragement to the music community here in much the same manner as I had done for 18 years in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN. I had some fear and trepidation about this since I was well aware of the talent level in Nashville. I was afraid that musicians wouldn't get or need the message of encouragement because they all knew they were good and didn't need to be told. Instead, what I found was a music community hungry for support and an affirming message. Some described feeling like "December in July" at times during their pursuit of their musical dreams. In a short time, I've been fortunate to witness the difference an encouraging word can make to struggling singer/songwriters.
You can be encouraged in the midst of a competitive environment like the music business. The good news is that there are powers in each of us to use. Let me share with you three ways to "embrace encouragement" and keep you strong on your journey to getting wherever "there" is for you.
1. Give encouragement. Never pass up this opportunity. Simply, a kind word or a compliment can make a huge difference in a person's life. I've witnessed this first hand with artists that I have known or coached who were inspired to take that first step in sharing their work with others or not give up in the tough times because someone had confidence in what they did. And often, you will find that the good you give will come back to you.
2. Accept encouragement. Some people have trouble taking a compliment. I've seen this happen often with artists. A fan or perhaps another musician compliments an artist on a performance, and they deflect the praise. "I messed up the lyrics." "My guitar was out of tune." "My vocals were rusty." Modesty is always an admirable trait…but don’t take it to the extreme by cutting yourself down. If you do this too often, people may decide compliments don't mean much to you at all and before you know it, you'll let the blessing of encouragement slip through your fingers. Simply say "thank you" and receive the encouragement as the gift that it is.
3. Own encouragement. Are accepting and owning encouragement the same thing? Not really. The difference is when you own encouragement, you begin to put it into action. Make that demo. Set up that website or networking page. Play the writer's nights and networking rounds and let people hear your songs. Make an attempt to book more gigs.
When you encourage people, you are giving them a reason to pursue their goal or dream. You're saying you "get it". It's not some pipe dream they've had spinning around in their heads. It's real. Then, when the opportunity to shine comes their way, they've got the confidence to move forward and go for it.
Conversely, when you are affirmed, it's empowering. And then, it becomes contagious. It feels so good to receive it, that before long you want others to feel the way you do, and so you start giving it to others.
Amidst the often brutal realities of the music world, encouragement is a win-win situation that sheds light in the darkness. It can start with you.
back
| top
|
