April 2020
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 25, No. 4
Next meeting (April) Cancelled due to Corona Virus. The Union building will be closed.
The International Songwriter’s Guild meets at 5 PM on the first Sunday of every
month at the Central Florida Musician’s Union building, 3020 East Robinson St.,
Orlando, FL 32803 (at the extreme east end of Robinson, near Orlando Executive
Airport). IMPORTANT NOTE! The main entrance/parking is at the back of the building.
Songwriters, composers, performers, publishers, and the curious are encouraged to
join us. Non-members are invited to attend a meeting or two to get a feel for our
group and what we do. If you wish to join, there is an annual fee of only $5. For
more information, visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/isgsongs
The meetings will be structured as follows: 5:00 to 5:30, business, networking and
introductions. 5:30 to 6:00, presentation by a guest speaker (when scheduled),
or a short workshop/exercise. 5:30 or 6:00 to 8:00, song critiques.
Please bring a CD or I-phone or mp3 player or perform your song live, and bring 10
or more lyric sheets. If we have at least 5 songs by members who wish to be scored,
and 6 members scoring, then we will have them entered in the Monthly competition.
Everyone is encouraged to write constructive comments on the lyric sheets.
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/
Different Mediums
By Jackie Mason
I always wanted to draw. It’s not that I cannot draw because I was good at drawing when
I was a child. I haven’t tried to draw since then. I did try, once, but gave up because I didn’t think
my work was any good. I felt inadequate.
The problem with developing a new skill is that it takes time to become proficient. I have
written about our inner critic. I have suggested that we kick that critic out the door. He is back i
n my life, once more, discouraging me from even trying to draw. I am, however, going to kick
him down the road again. He has no right to undermine my confidence!
I came across this video, “How To Get Better At Drawing,” “Six Things You Need To Know.”
It is presented by Dan Beardshaw. He is a photo-realist pencil artist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mio-_RyxOyQ&t=100s
By now, you may be wondering why I am talking about drawing in an article that is supposed to
be about song writing. Dan explains why in his introduction. This video is not just about drawing
it is about getting better at something. I realized that I could apply all of Dan’s helpful tips to the
craft of songwriting.
Tip #1 Draw Everyday For our purposes, write songs everyday.“It’s about the process. The more
you do it, the more natural and easy it will become.” “The result doesn’t matter because it’s about
the process of learning.”
Tip #2 BePatient Not just in the process but also while you are learning. It’s not going to happen
over night. So you have to be patient. Patience also ties into dedication.(Tip #1)
Tip #3 Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes You are going to make mistakes. You may lose confidence
when you make mistakes. You can’t practice anything without making mistakes. It’s the way it works.
The more you practice, the less mistakes you make. Learn from your mistakes. No matter how your
song sounds it is still a song.
Tip #4 Immerse Yourself In The Subject You Are Learning Listening to other musicians and finding
out how they work is very important. This is an important statement from Dan,”Having the inspiration
to do something is as important as having the motivation to do something.” These days there are so
many places and resources available for us to learn. Remember that other people have been through
the same learning process. A skill that is learned is not one you are magically born with. People
conceive it as a talent only a few people have but that’s not the case. A great songwriter has put in
hundreds of hours to get to that place. It takes hard work and dedication. I love this statement from
Dan, “Talent can only get you so far.”
Tip #5 Finding Your Own Style Of Working Don’t rush into a style and commit to it. You should explore
different mediums. A songwriter who is stuck in one style is a comfortable songwriter. Get out of your
comfort zone. Try your hand at another genre of music. Whatever you do enjoy the process. Don’t put
pressure on yourself.
Tip #6 Use Every Tool Available Try to write with a drum machine or a click track. Fool around with
loopers and different foot pedals. Try different software programs for recording. Jam and write with
other people. Learn a new instrument. Enjoy yourself. Think of songwriting as a big sandbox. Different
instruments give different sounds and tones. There is a giant paint box of musical sounds available to
you. Write with an instrument. Write without one. Importantly have a good laugh while learning your process!
Finally I hope you all stay safe and healthy during this pandemic. Wash your hands and practice
social distancing. Be kind and compassionate to one another. Use the downtime wisely and be creative.
Stay connected. I hope to see you all in May.
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 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.
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/
March 2020 Critique Results
1. Run Away - Melanie Fisher 15.71
2. From the Start - Ron Collins 14.86
3. Be the Best You Can be - Mark Hofreiter 13.86
New members and guests always welcome!
© 2020 ISG