Being Deliberate

[rayzer]

Greetings deliberatarians!What a difference a month can make…On July 15, I was struggling through the aftermath of the first half of 2009, and my music was getting further away from me. About a week later, two things happened that encouraged me to focus and keep going.The first thing was a sign my son made and taped to my studio door. Isn’t that awesome?The second thing was an email I received from a music library that provides music for about 20 television shows! Taxi forwarded one of my instrumental tracks to them last October. (That’s 9 months for those of you keeping score.) They wrote to say they liked my track and wanted to hear three more tracks to consider me for a deal. I decided to write three new tracks during the following week and sent them off. About 2 hours after sending them, I got a response (with a contract) saying that they were extending an offer to include my music in their library! I signed and returned the contract and do you know what happened? Nothing! I thought that was weird, so five days later I left them a voice mail and resent the contract. Then, less than two hours later, I received a response from them thanking me for following-up, because they never received the contract I sent the first time. Whew! They encouraged me to send them LOTS of additional tracks, so that’s what I’m going to do.Life still has me off-balance, but I’m not wasting this opportunity. For next month I will complete another six tracks and make a plan for the rest of the year. I would love to have fifty tracks with them by the end of 2009, so part of this month will be spent figuring out how to do that.I wouldn’t have known the first thing about any of this if it weren’t for Michael and Taxi, but now, having my music on television is almost a reality. It’s everything I never knew I always wanted. Thanks, Michael. Like you said, if our music is good enough, you’ll get us connected with the people who can do something about it. I mostly believed you were right or I wouldn’t have joined Taxi, but now I’m totally convinced! Awesome!Rayzer

[watksco]

That's great news Rayzer,The fruit of living deliberately!I have an Abe Lincoln quote up in one of my classrooms - "I will prepare, and someday my chance will come" - words you're living by.Congrats!Scott

[rayzer]

Thanks, Scott. Living deliberately is challenging, but it does have its perks. I appreciate your encouragement. Rayzer

[arkjack]

Hey RayzerCongratulations. All that happening in the background while you were getting your ass kick'd around at work the past half year. What's really cool is that they asked for even more tracks. Hope to hear some of your songs in the shows soon. As for my own deliberations, I took a week off and went fishing. Its somewhat analogous to shopping tunes with Taxi. The keeper size for a flounder in NJ is 18". Over the course of the week, we caught 286 flounder, but only 34 of them were keeper size. Some better keepers than others. The best part was Saturday, I hooked an 18 pound Mahi. So, its like submitting 286 tracks, getting 34 forwards, and one nice sweet deal. Nothing happening with me music wise, but the dynamics of life are going through big changes, and it may be time again soon to start producing.Let your music play.ArkJack

[rayzer]

Thanks ArkJack,The first half of 2009 was really no fun, but that's a great thing to remember when we're in the middle of crummy situations. We need to hold on, because one good thing can change everything.Who knew fishing was so much like writing music? I like it. Congratulations on the 18 pound mahi. Does that mean the full mahi-mahi was 36 pounds? I hope all your changes lead to more music-making. That would be nice.Stay strong.Rayzer

[sheringo]

hey Rayzer,awesome news, that my long term ambition as well, to just simple write music!I am sure your already doing this but if not, it may be worth a try.We all spend alot of our time traveling to work, right?When you come up with a melody, record it, even if its rough.Listen to it in the car enough times and you will be amazed at the insight it will give you, the changes you need to make, the dynamics of the production and the after awhile, you will hear the finished product in your head.Well it works for me, I thought I would just share and hope it helps.RegardsDomingoSheringo

[rayzer]

Sheringo,Welcome to the boards!I'm glad you stopped by here to share one of your methods. Commuting to/from work is an excellent time to work on music, which I already do regularly, but I'm looking forward to trying the fresh approach you suggested.Thanks,Rayzer

[rayzer]

Deliberate, or something like it…How was your month? This is another confession month for me. I have several valid excuses for why I fell short of my goals this month, but a while ago I refused to make excuses, so I guess I’m stuck.Bottom line…I was supposed to complete six tracks this month, but I only finished three.I’m going to try something different for October 15. Instead of focusing on completing a certain number of tracks, I’m committing to spending a certain number of hours in my studio.So, I will spend at least 12.5 hours a week in my studio for a total of 50 hours.I’m excited about the new focus and to see how it goes.See you October 15,Rayzer

[arkjack]

I was actually playing enough to get some thick skin back on my fingers. Tried writing a song or two, but the muse is still thinking about depressing things, so the feel doesn't come out all that up beat. Tried a few ideas for new tunes and jazz instrumentals, but can't stick with it since I can't see much time for production. Don't have any goal in mind, though many of the Taxi success stories are inspiring. See ya nex month.ArkJack

[rayzer]

Welcome to my final ‘Being Deliberate’ check-in.Almost 2 years of monthly check-ins, with all the accountability and support that has gone along with it, has been the main reason why I’m still on this path.And I AM still on this path. I have a new accountability system that doesn’t involve me checking-in here and singing the praises of accountability to anyone that might or might not be listening. I think I’ve done quite enough of that, already. Thank you for your encouragement, support, criticism, accountability, and love that many of you have given to me. Because of your generosity, I am a stronger person.If I may be allowed one more promotion on this thread, I want to tell you how productive last month was with my new focus. If you recall (and even if you don’t), I made a goal for the number of hours spent in the studio instead of the number of completed tracks. This was great for me in two ways:1. With no pressure to produce a certain number of works, I was free to explore and experiment. 2. With a concrete number of hours (50), I could only complete my goal if I divided up my time over the whole month. Cramming at the end of the month wasn’t possible.Scheduled time is so important for productivity, proper mindset, and success. Another bonus is that it’s a lot easier to stay focused on music when you’ve only been away from your creative center for 22 hours (or less). Like Michael said in the October Transmitter newsletter, “Start out attempting more basic pieces like that, and get in the groove of at least writing something every day. You might not finish a piece every day, but at the very least you'll begin to develop the habit of working every day. And that, my dear readers, will ultimately lead to success.”Amen, brother.So, what did I do last month?As of right now, I completed 47.5 of 50 hours. I’m scheduled to complete the other 2.5 after checking-in.During those 47.5 hours, I learned many valuable things that will allow me to be more prolific in future months; things that I might not have learned if I was strictly focused on output.For the record, I completed 4 new instrumental tracks. I also had two new forwards. In addition, the critiques for the two forwards included my first ‘10’ ratings! Between the two tracks, I had seven ‘10’s and the rest were ‘9’s. That sure felt great!Like I said, I’m still here, and will be for a long time. Taxi has earned my gratitude and devotion. I can’t wait to share my future successes and give Taxi all the credit it’s due. Thank you all.Sincerely, Rayzer