Each year during the holiday season, most of us tend to reflect a bit on the year and count our blessings. This has always seemed to me to be a good thing, as it takes our focus off of the difficulties of the past 12 months and redirects our attention to those things, large or small, that have been the treasures that shone through.
It’s been a challenging year for many of us, but I’m thankful for so much…including a wonderful Part-Time Musician (PTM) family with which to share triumphs, setbacks, musical challenges, accomplishments – in short, all of the things that make life, well, life. :-)
When I was growing up, every major holiday throughout the year had a Peanuts(TM) special that played on TV the week before. I admired and respected Charles Schulz, and I still do – few people have given so much to the human race, and few people’s legacies will last as long as his. To his family, thank you; we miss him.
Below is one of my favorite “Peanuts moments”, where Linus answers Charlie Brown’s plea asking what Christmas is all about. I know I’m an old softie, but it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Wishing you all peace and goodwill, and may you and yours have a very merry Christmas.
I’ve been intending to write a “look ahead” since the month began, pointing to the promise of the new year…musically speaking, of course. Before we begin, though, a quick review is in order.
Mark posted a very nice article here at the beginning of last year. (Go ahead, click the link in the previous sentence and read the article; I’ll wait right here. :-D) The three key points he hit were:
1. What’s done is done
2. Look for the opening(s)
3. Set realistic goals and GO FOR THEM
While I think he covered the top 3 quite well, I’d also like to add the following as an important fourth point:
4. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan
Goals are wonderful things, and please don’t take this as license to scrap a goal every time things get tough…but life has a way of changing around us. If we don’t adapt as our situation changes, it’s a recipe for frustration. So set your goals, large and small, and by all means work diligently to achieve them! But take the time to periodically re-examine them to see if they still make sense…and if not, change them so that they do. Be honest with yourself, mix equal parts realism and optimism, and get busy! This year has such wonderful potential for you as a Part-Time Musician; help yourself make the most of it. :-)
Wishing you all a very musical year,
Kathy
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It’s no secret that music in movies can not only make a movie, but can inspire us as musicians to reach deeper, practice harder, and play better long after we walk out of the theater. I have a long list of movie scores that inspire me personally, and I’ll bet you do, too. Tron: Legacy is the latest, and here’s why.
French duo Daft Punk composed the soundtrack, and while the original Tron soundtrack from 1982 tried hard to be “techno-pop”, this one seamlessly incorporates the “tech sound” with an 85-piece orchestra. The result is gorgeous, feeling right in the movie, in the videogame (yes, we now own it as well), and in passive-listening-mode at home and in the car. They just nailed it.
Here’s what may be the sweetest part: right now, it’s only $4.99 for the entire MP3 album! To browse, take a test listen, or to buy, click the link below. (Warning: amazing music follows!)
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
I was talking with some “work friends” earlier this week and the topic somehow swerved into music. Imagine my surprise when I learned that one’s wife was a happy and talented PTM (Part-Time Musician) bassist, and another had played lead guitar in a band several years back and still kept his hand in the music whenever he could fit it in. It got me to thinking: just how many of us are out there?
Turns out quite a few. This article about comedian/actor Paul Reiser sheds light on his PTM-ness and makes me smile every time I think about it. One of my favorite points he makes is this:
Q: What made you want to explore music the last few years?
A: Having started with music before comedy I always just thought I would get back to it. Part of the reason I was able to get into stand-up comedy is there was a structure in place – you go to this club and there’s this hierarchy and so on. But with music I realized I wanted to just give myself the freedom to take any structural demands out of the equation. So if I came up with a little melody my brain would go, “Well what is it? Is it a song, is it a symphony, is it a string quartet?” And I thought maybe it’s just a seven-second music cue, just let it be what it wants to be.
Most of us were exposed to making music as children, in one fashion or another. Many of us played an instrument or sang in school. Some came to music later as a form of self-expression, a release, or just something fun to do. Regardless of how any of us got there, we all hear the music and want to share it with others…even if it’s just the family pet. :-)
Don’t be shy! Sing, play, listen, and experience your music – whether a symphony or a seven-second riff – knowing you’re not alone. And don’t be surprised who you learn shares your playing addiction. They’re everywhere…
All the best,
Mark
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As we approach Christmastime, allow me to put in a good word for your PTM advertisers: if you’re in the market for something exceptional for a friend, loved one, or that special you in your life (!), please check with the advertisers here first. They’re good people, and their prices, service, and quality are tough to beat. Check out their ads in the right column, and please give them the chance to earn your business. By doing so, you’ll be giving back a bit to the PTM community without paying a single dime more! And please don’t forget about the PTM Guide; we guarantee it will save you money, and all updates are free…forever!
All the best to everyone, and thank you for another great month. Merry Christmas, all!
Holidays & Special Occasions | Mark December 24, 2011 | 
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More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
