Musicians and Dancers

Welcome to my blog.  If you traveled here from my website, please know that an update for dancers will be coming soon.

I have written about creating and performing music, individually and collaboratively.  One of the ways we respond to music’s influence is through dance.  This opens into a new realm of creativity and skill.  The dancer takes the creative force of the music and in turn creatively interprets and expresses it through his or her body.

Along with the experience of being moved by music at a core level, what ties these artists together is a desire to share what really is a very personal expression with others.  The skills that are used are unique to each, but the drive and dedication to develop those skills are common to both.

Sometimes conflicts and stress can arise, either while working with fellow artists, or within other important relationships.  It may be helpful to take time to identify their cause and learn new ways to address them.

My goal is to help you more fully embrace and enjoy what brings you life as an artist.

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Counseling musicians and bands

I enjoyed a delightful conversation with a colleague, Mike Jolkovsi, on the East Coast this week (for those of you who don’t know, I’m in Seattle).  Check out his website and blog at http://workingthrough.com

We talked about what our experience has taught us about some of the challenges that creative people face.  Firstly, that being a visionary and wanting to exercise control over the creative process, is not a bad thing, though it is often one of the main ingredients in band conflict.  The energy and commitment to one’s artistic ideas is the foundation upon which most bands exist.  The problem is “in the human difficulty of working together” (Mike’s words).  Merging more than one strong-minded artist into a united entity can be exciting and rewarding.  Being able to communicate well, while working with so much creative intensity, can be difficult.

Secondly, we have both seen that personal backgrounds and subconscious material come into play when conflict arises.  This can be a great invitation to become aware of the areas that elicit strong reactions and to deal with them openly.  It is my firm belief that this choice leads to richer creativity.  In addition, working together as a band on ways of communicating and learning more about each other solidifies the band and sets it on a better path for band longevity.

Lastly, we agreed that talking over ideas and concerns, whether in an individual or group setting, is a great way to embrace one’s talents and to go after the “more” that is always out there.

We share a passion to support musicians, bands, and other creative people in their endeavors.

Thoughts on music and dance

I have been enjoying, not only a lot of good music, but also learning dance.

In many cultures, the two are inextricably linked.  Music reaches deep into our souls and sometimes the response must be expressed through our bodies.  Singing and dancing together with others can also create a very special bond.  This is part of what is so indescribable about a concert experience-a sense of oneness with hundreds, maybe thousands, of others.

The deep emotions experienced can bring joyful and painful memories.  The memories call us to know ourselves better.  Take time to explore them.  It is a path to richer enjoyment of, and freedom to be, who we are.

Happy Holidays!

May music enhance hope and peace for you this season.

Happy 2009!

Deb  🙂

Stuck in band conflict?

Since posting my most recent blog, I have received valuable feedback some of which I would like to include here.  I thank David Knight at http://www.musictalkssessions.com/ for taking the time to respond.

David wrote that he experienced the dissolution of his band because of the members’ inability to manage and resolve conflict.  “Much of the anger comes from past experiences with other people in our personal and private lives. That’s what’s really in battle during conflicts, past experiences and everyone’s ego. That’s the reason why it’s so important to establish a time when anger is diminished and people are in better control of their feelings.”  I appreciate the strong connection he makes between past experience and the present moment.

When you and your fellow musicians can establish a later time to engage in discussion, you can consider and observe together how these dynamics are in play.  This kind of reflection as a band will make it easier to mediate tension in future rehearsals.  It will help you to understand and appreciate each other in new ways.  And, musically/artistically, you will be able to take your creativity and collaboration to new levels.

One of the ways I help musicians and bands is to facilitate these kinds of discussions.  It can be very helpful to have someone outside of the band lead the way.

One last thought:  I would love to hear from anyone reading this!  Please tell me your experience with band conflict and how you’ve thought about it.  If you prefer not to post a response on this blog, you can send me an email at my website:  deb@debmashock.com

I look forward to hearing from you!