April 2022
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 27, No. 04
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
We will send details under a separate e-mail,
and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
We expect it to be scheduled for
Sunday April 3rd 2022 at 5pm. If you want the
zoom meeting details, please e-mail us
at isgorlando@gmail.com
Hopefully we will soon be meeting in person again.
Please stay tuned for more info.
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
WebChatter
by CyberToad
We are asking members to renew their dues for 2022. It costs only $5 per year,
and it helps us to defray costs for the zoom meetings.
We have 2 methods of payment. Either paypal to our treasurer Asli Goncer's
paypal account. The paypal access is at aslivision@gmail.com
or you can mail a $5 check to
Asli Goncer
2849 Babylon Court
Oviedo, FL 32765
Either way, we appreciate your continued support.
Next Steps
By Jackie Mason
Is it over? Is it possible that this pandemic is near the end? As I take my first tentative steps back into the world I ask myself these questions. I’ve jammed with another musician a couple of times. I enjoyed packing my car with music equipment. It’s the first time in two years and it felt strange. Something small and familiar, something I’ve missed. Last week I played and sang in a gym. It’s the first audience that I’ve played for and it feels good.
Two years of social lockdown has undoubtedly left a mark on us. I don’t feel as sharp as I used to and some days I’m not sure what day it is. Looking around, I can see the toll this pandemic has exacted from all of us. There is more depression and anxiety, more anger and name calling in the public discourse. I took a couple of trips to Tallahassee, they were political, but I used the hectic schedule to sharpen my wits. I, also, had a baseline test for dementia when I returned. What does this have to do with songwriting and music? Everything. I’ve realized the importance of music in brain health.
Consider this: “Learn an Instrument. When 13 older adults took piano lessons, their attention, memory and problem-solving abilities improved, along with their moods and quality of life. You don’t have to become a pro, just take a few lessons.”
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music
This is from the same article “Keep Your Brain Young With Music.”
“New music challenges the brain in a way that old music doesn’t. It might not feel pleasurable at first, but that unfamiliarity forces the brain to struggle to understand the new sound.” The article challenges us to listen to new music. The music listened to by young people and our grandkids. Music is all maths. It makes our brain work harder. It’s not only good for older folk, it helps younger people. Those with autism and ADHD, for example. Here is an article on Music Therapy from the Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy
I’ve been thinking about singer Tony Bennet. He’s been struggling with Alzheimer’s since 2017. See this moving and emotional feature about his battle. Watch how music inspires him. Even through this he inspires us, still. This is about his final performance with Lady Gaga, on the occasion of his 95th birthday, at Radio City Music Hall. It brought a tear to my eye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNrvXw9juNs
Finally, I am researching our troubled music business and would like to plug a book about the business. The writer is Erin M Jacobson and I can’t think of a better place to begin my research than with her music industry book “Don’t Get Screwed.”
https://www.amazon.com/Screwed-Protect-Yourself-Independent-Musician/dp/1736110918 Her webpage is another good starter http://www.themusicindustrylawyer.com/media/ There are a lot of informative articles and videos to see. She is a very successful music industry lawyer.
Well that’s what I have for this month. From the Tower of Song, see you next time. Stay safe.
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here? Members in good standing call SusieCool
with your appearance schedule! 407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
Steve Hodak hosts several newly listed open mics on the East coast.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/Home/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and concerts.
We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
No Critique scores for March, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2022 ISG