Keys

One of the workshops we attended during Nashville Connection was with vocal coach Dave Brooks from Dave Brooks Artist Development. Jeremy scored a free evaluation while we were there and in the short 10min we had with him all I can say is AMAZING! I have had many vocal lessons and training over the years but I loved his technique. He's an in your face, tell it straight kinda guy who challenged everyone right where they were in their vocal ability. This moment is categorized  in my jealous emotion. Would have love to have him evaluate me.
He praised Jeremy and built him up like you wouldn't believe. Now whether is was honest or he's just a great salesmen I'm not sure. But we left planning to work extra hard to see to it that Jeremy got at least 1 lesson.
Instead Jeremy won 5! 5 free lessons with Dave and I have to admit I will be hiding behind the computer screen for each lesson as we skype him into our living room.

Last night I had a dream featuring Mr. Dave Brooks himself. When I woke up all I could remember was that we were in a bar, much like Smileys Downtown Greenville, and He and my father-in-law were asking me theory questions. When I couldn't answer them Dave's response to me was, "I thought you knew music?" "But I haven't played for years!" I replied. "I have just leaned on my ear and less on my knowledge." Dave them locked eyes with me and using hand gestures that included a lot of pointing back and forth between the sheet music and me said "If you can't play, you're out of the game before you ever get started. Nashville doesn't have room for just singers anymore you need to dig back in and stand out."

Now, is that something Dave would say? Who knows. Is it a true statement? I don't think there is a rhyme or reason, other than God, that someone makes it in the music industry. So what does this mean for me? My interpretation is that it is time for me to brush up, suck up and play the piano again.

I think it's something I have needed to do for a while. It's hard as a vocalist, especially leading a team of musicians, to gain respect when you can't talk their language. I battle with this every Tuesday and Sunday. I love what I do and I know that I am called to do it. Granted leading a worship team and leading a band are two totally different things, all musicians speak the same language when it comes to the theory and charts of a song. How can I rise to new levels without the knowledge to keep me there? I can't.

So I am breaking out my theory book buried in the bottom of my piano bench, cleaning the dust off the keys, pulling up some tutorials on YouTube and picking up where I left off. My mom will be thrilled! She always said I had a gift. I have too many songs in me that need to come out and God has given me the talent and understanding to do it.

Thanks for the kick in the butt Dave. lol
Brad, continue to challenge me. You have and always do.