Don Haley Music

Differently abled -artists are at the bottom of the ladder

2009-04-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

For 35 yrs.,I've struggled to survive in a world that commends excellence for Abled bodied ,smart and talented people.I also have seen organizations promote ,special needs,specials Olympics etc.I hear Celebrities promoting Jerry's kids and make a wish foundation .The story's of determination to walk ,human interest story's that make us all feel great when we donate monies ,time volunteering .I am glad for those who are being helped ,I have done a lot of volunteer work for special needs and have worked in the caretakers field for 10 yrs . until I realized I having Cerebral Palsy physically could no longer lift and do the strenuous demands need to be safe with my own health.I have never been subsidized by affirmative action or supported by the Government .My 2 yr social services degree in Canada was paid for by the government .Here in the U.S.We pride ourselves as a Country of opportunity yet that opportunity is for those who are able bodied and many are from marginalized ethnicity's.I'm not being Racist.I'm a person on the other side of the fence .I have a learning disability along with displegic CerebralPalsy.There are no programs Federal or State that fund or help those of us who can't achieve their vocational dreams in art ,music and acting .Disabled people are not equal and will not be accepted in a world that only hires or looks at the fair haired , good looking moderately talented .
I realize most of the people who have read my blogs don't comment .Too bad, this proves my point. If My blogs are in correct or I was off base and not accurate then most people would comment ,correcting me in errors in those blogs.I am very disillusioned.I have had 35 yrs or more of struggling just to keep a minimum wage job ,Knowing advancement would never be there for me.Due to In part my learning disability and Cerebral Palsy.My attitude now at 49 is ...well maybe someday someone will hear my words and help someone achieve their opportunity to do what their good at and be happy earning their own way.Probably long after I'm dead, I do have hope that someday ALL people are treated with the same consideration regardless of their disability or less then perfect ability.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN MUSIC COMPETITONS

2009-03-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have amusingly been watching the American Idol competition.I am from a Knowledgeable background ,as a vocal coach and a professional entertainer.I first and foremost love what I do more then relationships (the music and entertainment field attests to that statement).You notice I combined those industries .Through my 30yrs in this business.I have paid"my dues"an old less frequently used ideology in this day of Instant hype and$$$$,Pro tools to the"Want to be"s and the Two major Labels left,Sony,BMG have made it easier to get a chance at a career start but also has made it harder to stay on top or to stay period.It is ALL about profit and loss.

As a Teacher in music ,voice and performance,have had 5 students go on to become known in their entertainment fields.My credentials are what they are.Common sense will prove this .First I will diagram what competitions are: 1.Perfecting your craft 2.exposure to criticism 3.humbling 4.rewarding 5. door opening (advancement to contacts in your field). Now that you know what their generally for lets look at Preparation : Ask yourself why should I compete? what Are you going to get out of this?, whats is it that I want and what will I sacrifice to achieve it?Do I have the technical tools to achieve my goals?Once those Questions have been answered,then study rehearse for 4-6 hrs. a day for 3months giving all thats inside of you.Video tape each session. Critique:1.Delivery a.pitch b.range c.flow (meter, dynamics)2.Character of performance (does it feel your"own")3.Dress the part ,act as a professional.4.Do you bring the audience into your performance ?5.Do you own the stage?Being a good performer is being natural, knowing who and why you do what you do.The Last thing to Keep in the front of everything is "THIS IS A JOB!!!!!!!!!! .YOU ARE ASKING FOR A JOB!!!!!!!!!! .pure and simple!So in saying that,it is a job interview!BE NICE ,PROFESSIONAL ,LISTEN,LEARN and above ALL ,BE HUMBLE!!!!!! You may only get one chance at your dream! Don't be "I'm the know it all " or I'm not selling out My "Artistry" Give respect! that will bring you far in this world that is very picky and unforgiving.Best of luck to all !

Living life to the full around the world: There's Always Someone Worse Off Then You

2009-02-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

Living life to the full around the world: There's Always Someone Worse Off Then You

MY LOVE OF....LIFE AND THE PERSUIT OF HAPPINESS

2009-02-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of all the situations and problematic things I have dealt with through my life,being differently-abled.Having been born with Spastic Displegia:a form of Cerebral Palsy I have done very well to have Pursued a career,reserved for those "gifted" with Talent ,dexterity and ability to "sell"themselves,That a cognitive ability.which I have difficulty with .As I write this blog I notice my dexterity issues with the keyboard and the annoyance of the alternating striblimus with my eyes. I was thinking about the show 30 days interesting situations of taking abled bodied celebs and others ,put into wheel chairs for a period of time and the reactions,thoughts and becoming a lot more empathetic to those of us who will never be rid of our developmental situations.I am going through the Red Tape of government as this blog is written .I so much want to be contributing to the work force and to have a quality of life not dependant on our Government.I ,as all people deserve an equal opportunity in all areas of our society to prosper using our abilities on a level playing field.
I am so thankful that I have achieved some recognition with my musical talent, having my songs Played on wolf 97.o FM in prince George B.C. Canada.Having Played for B.C Special Olympics in 2000.So many thing were almost there to get me noticed by Labels and Promo tors.Yet here I am ?
I struggle with so many things and still I believe in my dreams. For all that read this blog....Keep those dreams and keep going forward and above all don't stop your pursuit of happiness.The richness of my Life has been so incredible....knowing and Playing with Waylon ,willie and so...many others.Hopefully I'll give someone some hope and light a fire in them and maybe the right person reads this and helps me too. Don't give in or give up! ever.

A Good Day is?

2009-01-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

For some is just waking up!For most is going to school or work .For me is a little less pain and doing something positive toward my survival.Today another social services form so another hour average from.I often hear People say about those who are differently- abled. " oh you do so well" or when you tell someone who looking at you awkwardly and you explain Cerebral Palsy and how it effects your whole life in very minor ways, (as mine does ,just enough to limit my vocational desires and dreams)"well you should get the Government to help you".I truly understand most people are sympathetic to those with disabilities.I have met wonderful People through my travels as a musician.I have a story of pure kindness I was working At Fry's ( electronic store in U S) A couple remarked" how do you do this type of work" as I was visibly in pain and I said" I just do it" "Is there something I can help you with ? "yes !the couple were looking for some DVDs after I got them there items the husband had asked if I had any hobbies I said I am a musician and play the guitar and sing.he said I collect guitars.In the course of our chat ,I was asked to come up and to there home and they had a surprise !I had recently pawned all my instruments due to a bad relationship and a lot of bills! To this day I play that particular guitar and am reminded of the goodness in "rare"people.I have had many days like the above they are precious. I do say Life is just fine if you don't worry about what you don't have.I just would like some direction to people who would help me get a chance to make a living doing what I love performing and writing songs that's all.That would the best "good day. "

TODAY,I'M FEELING DOWN

2009-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a good day today someone in my family was talking to another member of the family and said "he has enough money to do all right he spends his money on the Internet,he needs to re-establish where he spends his money."First off I was shocked ! because I pay half of my disability to rent and about 80-100 a month on odds and ends( food )when we run out ,I pay' 58.00 for car insurance Gas and maintenance my car.Christmas was tight and I had some unexpected costs.I am trying to build a business that relies on the Internet so money goes to programs etc.We can only do what we can do with what we have .800.00 a month in Ca. is stretching no matter where you live! So tomorrow is another day ! and it will be what it is.

learning to ask for help: believing you are the best: attempt ,adapt and overcome

2009-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

learning to ask for help: believing you are the best: attempt ,adapt and overcome

LIFE IS WHAT WE LIVE-HOW WE LIVELIFE IS THE QUESTION

2009-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've heard it said many times ,"life is what you make it." Through the years living with Cerebral Palsy ,I have come to know a strength deep inside.A strength of Iron will to go beyond average achievements and in my own sense deify the na sayers and the learned academics who called me a "dreamer."This Iron will I got from my Father;brilliant Surgeon who I tried academically to be like but however fell drastically short. I love to learn and I also have taught music and creative arts.I have no degree yet I will put my abilities up against a degree any day. Don't get me wrong, I think everyone who has an aptitude for academics should gain as much education as they can. Their are those however that try as they might just don't have it. Those are the people who achieve success in other areas of endeavor:art ,music and acting:Creative people who "dream."
how we live our lives is the question ?Do we allow circumstances to rule our destiny or do we fight no matter how improbable our dream is to capture?I believe it is the QUEST for ,not the acquisition that MAKES ONES' LIFE FULL AND BRILLIANT!My life has been hard and at times tearful,painful and suicidal yet at those lows something says "one more go old boy your just about there!" When I feel like I can't do this life and all my dreams are still very far away,this voice keeps me going .I have LIVED! A LIFE MOST WOULD BE SHOCKED by how I survived The Bars,violence and my own intensity of the fast lane.!Waylon Jennings taught me a lot about performing and unfortunately I also learned about other stuff! the women were fast and money was never seen by me. My memory is a bit cloudy due to excessive use of ........drugs.I now see things differently being 15yrs straight and sober. All the fights and the drugs and that fast life I wouldn't change; for with those experiences I wouldn't be who I am today,willing to at 50 yrs old(soon)capture that ever so elusive dream of being" on stage"It really is intoxicating and makes life full and exciting ! GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS; THE QUEST IS WHERE THE EXCITEMENT IS! NOT THE END RESULT!

today is this the day you start believing in your dream?

2009-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

I f I did not have a dream so consuming ,I know with out a doubt I'd be dead .I won't let anyone tell me dreams can't be real they just look at me .I am real ,as real as flesh and blood .I believe as I did as a young boy in braces "i will someday be a singer like Glen Campbell."Well I'm not wealthy or famous yet but I "believe in dreams "I have done things and played with stars and had a ball now I need to think about money ,retirement .....?? Hell....I AM going to live forever. !! or at least 100 !!!!!!!! Never dis believe anything because" Believe in your dreams and your dreams will believe in you."I plan a a show somewhere in San Diego Ca.in February If you have a Club contact me .If you Like my writing and are a publishers lets talk.Never give up who you want to become, be a winner inside .

life sometimes has it ups n down -just when you think you are going to do o.k.

2009-01-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

No matter what I have gone through in life. I have always done things without help .I have however learned that I need help with sequencing and numbers ,banking and step by step instruction I can only track two things at once and some call it multi tasking I call it a headache!most multitasking done is not absorbed and remembered and most people who do multi-task usually have less then perfect assignments and seem to "throw "things together. plus if you are a person who multi tasks when someone is talking to you that is considered" rude" I multi task all the time even though I don't call it that .As a writer and musician I have timing ,words and notes to put all together at once; for me it's easy ,yet I can't be on the phone and write down a phone # unless I hear it repeated at least 4 times .I struggle with memory deficit(short term)yet I can sing you a song live on stage just from somewhere deep inside .I Try to record everything because if I don't I'll forget what I sang about .I study songs by reading them over 20-30 times to memory this takes 4 days with no distractions an hour at a time .when I'm on stage it as though A switch is turned on and 40 minutes later I'm done maybe 12 to 15 songs yet if you asked what songs I just sang I would remember maybe one! Words and music are sounds to me, if you have read my story (click, Don's story)you will come understand my dream and understand me greatly: as a differently -abled musician who has achieved goals and is continuing to accomplish even more I just need helping finding my way to the top of this mountain!