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.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
HOW TO SUCCEED IN MUSIC COMPETITONS
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 !
Monday, February 16, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
MY LOVE OF....LIFE AND THE PERSUIT OF HAPPINESS
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.
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.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Good Day is?
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. "
Sunday, January 18, 2009
TODAY,I'M FEELING DOWN
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.
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