Star

Every year, my school has this huge concert before the holidays. Non-denom of course (hence "star"). Last year I received a huge solo in a gospel song called "City Called Heaven" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjgVx4NZl0g). This year, I had the opening piece ("Adiemus"), to which the entire high school (every one of them, singer or not, required to sing, against their liking) files in singing the chorus behind me. It was very cool. I was completely stressed out about it, but on the night of Star, it was great. Everyone loved it, to my surprise, and it was just as big of a hit as last year's song. I embellished my solo bits so it would shine out a little more. It sounded very interesting, especially with what I added to it.
Now, I'm on break. I haven't any time to do music, except learn a few Christmas songs for the fam on the guitar. Corny, I know. I have one week left to chill out, so I imagine I will be doing quite a bit of music. I'm excited for the time I have to write and play, and sing.

Cheers to the upcoming new year, everyone.

-Z.

This Just In: Having a cold ain't so bad.

I stayed home from school today in hopes of saving the rest of my classmates from runny noses and watering eyes. Yes, you may be thinking, "That's awful, I'm so sorry you're sick", but NO! Today has been a day of inspiration! Thanks to my one follower and her brilliant comment, I was able to write a new song! Almost two! But I couldn't think of a chorus. I attempted to write a love song, like she suggested, but that failed immensely, seeing as my love life is also an immense fail, and not in an interesting way. BUT, that immense fail sparked some non-failures too! ... Finally.

ohhhhh boy.

i've been busy, busy, busy working on school things. consumes my world at the moment, unfortunately. i've decided not to apply to berklee college of music. i feel like i want a "normal" college experience before i plunge myself into a world of strictly music. what if it turns out to be something i don't want to do for the rest of my life? although it seems like right now, it's all i want to do, it would be nice to have options. i can always transfer, or even go after college... so, that's what i'm thinking.

i got a letter from one of the schools i'm applying to that told me i was basically in if i applied because they think i'd be great for the music department. it's a great school, and i'm honored. bright things ahead, i suppose. kind of a bit of light in all of this chaos.

my songwriting skills are lacking. i just have no inspiration! not when the only thing that comes to mind are the four bases to a DNA molecule... blech.

i guess for now, i just have to keep writing. practice makes perfect!

-Z

writers block.

i've been trying to write new lyrics, but all of my college application and school stuff is getting in the way. i don't think "one day i stepped outside, and to a college i applied" is a great first line to a hit song... well, if anyone started their songs with 'one day i stepped outside', i would be a little worried... but that's the only thing coming to mind right now... great. SOMEONE GIVE ME INSPIRATION! please?

-Z

rhythm and rhyme

I visited a college today and sat in on a music theory class. It was extremely interesting, and I actually learned a lot. We listened to music and tapped out the beats with our hands and feet, and said what meter the piece was in. They were practicing conducting, and I had never really seen the specific hand motions. It was pretty cool. I definitely think it's something I'm interested in. Music theory is really fun if the material is understandable and the teacher is good. Today was a good experience, and I can't wait to go to college and take some classes. I have a guitar lesson on Sunday, and I've been practicing a lot. I love music. So much.

-Z

strum your heart out

I had a guitar lesson today with a new teacher. It was great! I've only had about 3 lessons prior, but I learned 3 new songs and am starting to learn the picking of landslide. He said I was an extremely fast learner. I have another lesson on Sunday, so I'm going to practice a lot till then. I'm going to show him the songs I wrote, too. I see great things in my future for guitar... Hopefully!

-Z

blind singing.

Today in chamber singers at school, we had to sight sing/ sight read... I'm not sure I can do it... I need it for auditions at colleges. What do I do if I go up to audition and they say "sight sing this!", and I can't? AHHHH! We have music homework that trains us so sight read, so hopefully I'll get better at it. Practice makes perfect!

-Z

homework is blocking my creative juices...

I thought I was going to be able to work on my music today, and write something interesting on my blog, but alas... This is the problem with school... It's blocking the "musical flow", if you will. I can't really write lyrics on the process of "power outlining" my european history textbook. Well, I could... but... I don't think that would be a top-seller on iTunes... Hopefully I'll be able to do something soon with my music... or else I may get desperate and really write that power outlining european history song... That wouldn't be good for anyone. Post again soon, hopefully with something slightly more interesting.

-Z

Night Owl Introduction.

Have you ever needed a boost of self confidence? Inspiration? I have. I do. That's why I'm here.

I love music, and I can sing. My voice is my instrument, and boy, do I love it. I want to be a musician. I started this blog to document my hopeful progress of becoming one. Now, I don't know how long that will take, or if I'll even have the guts to make it there. I know one thing, though. I am more than willing to take a stab at it. I'm a senior in highschool, and the whole college thing is really starting to creep up on me (and yes, some music schools are in thought). Music is my outlet to all things. Me and my guitar, Charlie (Yes, I named my guitar. It's a girl)... we're going places. I know we are. I'm ready to make a leap. A jump. A dive... into something I've wanted my whole life. I want music, and I'm here to grab hold of the musical reins and gallop away.

So sit back, relax, and brace yourself for a ride through the life of an aspiring musician.

-Z