Flauting Harper Goals

So 2013, here we are....

I don't have to be shy about you anymore, cause you're stuck with me for the next 361 days. 

And yes, you've heard me right, there are some changes I'd like to see this year. No need to be funny about it, I know it's one of those subjects and yes, I've heard it before: an 'Artiste' is not supposed to think this is important. But it is and I do: I want to make money. So maybe you could tell me what it is I need to show you, give to you, do for you to make this 'making money' thing work for me.

Yes, you're right of course, I admit it. I have been precious about what I do and yes, I often expect a lot for little. That is why I am here. That's why I am asking your help. I want you to challenge me, challenge my beliefs, challenge my ways, my thinking. I want to learn this skill... I want to step up to this plate; step out of my comfort zone; step into this part of my life.

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My 'Artiste' is throwing a tantrum. She feels that She shouldn't have to account for what She's been spending her time on. It's none of my business! Besides what have I done to help us move forward in life? Isn't it She who shows up daily to sing and twirl? Isn't it She who has kept the artistic channels open? Isn't it She... ...What would I have achieved without Her?...Where would we be now if it weren't for Her insights, Her talent?

She's temperamental to say the least. Very convincing too. But we've been here before and I can do the 'giving in bit' with my eyes closed. It's not as exciting anymore. The longing to just be with Her, feel one with Her, lose myself in Her, isn't as strong anymore. Everyday reality is asking more and more of my attention. I have to spend more and more time away from Her, so She can do what She wants when She wants it.

So I try and persuade her. 

I tell her.

I order her.

I put her on a leash.

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What I need is one or two goals...something achievable, so I can feel good and show Her that I 'can' make changes, 'can' succeed.

The question I need to ask is:

What do I need to do to make money?

'I need to exchange my skills for money or goods that will promote greater wealth in my life'

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Set up 'Voice Works' group:

A Before-School-Choir-Group... ...5 mornings a week: 15 min physical co-ordination/warm-up; 15 min vocal warm-up/pitching; 15 min 2 part repertoire... ...Good musical practice (lead by example). Sharing skills in the community.7.45-8.30 AM. Donations.

To do list:

• Find place to do it.
• Set starting date.
• Put the word out

Become visible (self promotion):

Promotion...a word that triggers a strange reaction in me but that's okay...I know that in order to start promoting myself I need material to do it with...and I also now I'll need to work on the following list...

To do list:

• Write CV
• Put demo(s) together
• Create a web presence
• Put the word out

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'Artiste' is pouting. She's knows something is up but the leash is taking up all Her energy. She wants out, sooner rather then later. I can see She's been gnawing and there's a smell of burning. I pet her, play with her and we go for a walk. She's asleep now I'm happy to say for all the whining was really starting to get to me. 

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You see 2013, there's a lot at stake for me here. I love my 'Artiste' and want Her to be happy, have all the time and all space to play, run free, be at her best. But I'll need your advice and support. I promise I will show up regularly and pay close attention to all you have to say...and of course I'll share my progress...

Thank you for today. I've learned a lot and look forward to the work at hand.

Till soon x

So you are the Flauting Harper?

'So you are the Flauting Harper?'

'Yes, yes, that would be me...'

'And you still sing?'

An innocent enough question...or is it?

I have a degree in music and logged a harp on foot across Europe... I've played in some of the finest venues Ireland has to offer, and I practice my craft daily and work in many different genres... yes, I have a weak nervous system and am often tense, intense...not easy to deal with...but I'm no amateur...and I have a few questions of my own.

How come that I can't live off what I do?

As in... do I really need to have a teaching degree to make money in music?

When I was young my father used to say: 'Music isn't something you do as a job.'

I believed him. I explored the good, the sane and the ugly to try and get away from the notion that I could be a musician. In the end I failed and ended up where I begun: in music.

I finished my degree in 2008 and have been working on and off on different projects. A bit of conducting, a concert for Amnesty International, winning a competition here and there, running a choir, singing a little Jazz, playing harp on the Country Markets... until I decided to confront the question what to do with my life, by going on my walk in 2010. 'From Here to Santiago' brought me on foot from Clonakilty in West Cork, through Ireland, France and Spain to the North West of Spain... I played and sang every day and felt as if I had cracked what I needed to do: music.

Today the first day of 2013 it has been some two and a half years since I started walking and I feel like I am back where I began, with one notable difference: I've already done my wake-up walk and know where I want to go next: another trek, to Jerusalem this time; recording; writing; new repertoire... But this is not going to be if I don't actually use my wake-up-ness to create the finances to make it all happen.

So. Yes, I am the Flauting Harper and I hereby commit this year to becoming financially independent through music. I want to be able to live off what I do and not feel the need to apologize for being the musician I am.

I have a few arrows on my bow... poets, performance poetry, sessions, and a drum n bass inspired band, first draft of a book about my walk and enough repertoire...

With a bit of elbow grease a big adventure awaits...