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When Greg told us in November that he didn't plan to return to Columbia College for this 2nd semester, we frankly weren't too surprised. I think he's had a hard time focusing on what aspect of performance he wanted to concentrate on -- this has been an ongoing struggle for him, as he has interests and talents in several directions (what is the saying, ... of all, master of none? I know I'm missing a word here -- what is it?)
In December, I took him to lunch downtown and we talked about setting goals, determining realistic steps toward those goals, and evaluating progress. I finally feel (four months later) like he's getting there. In the past month, he's gotten a job he enjoys, been playing as the lead guitarist in a quasi-established band (they've been playing together for many years, but under different names), and looked at the possibility of taking lessons. He's been contacting artists he admires, at the suggestion of a former guitar teacher, and one of them, Mike Milligan of Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel (www.MikeMilligan.homestead.com), invited him to come to their show at House of Blues last weekend. He and Kevin went. Mike spent most of the first break talking to Greg, then asked him to come on stage to sing and play with them! That was quite a leap of faith -- he didn't know Greg's ability, and it's a good thing Greg doesn't suck at singing or playing! He actually played and sang two songs with them, and Mike even passed along the name and phone number of the HoB booking agent! So there's a big rung on the ladder that Greg is trying to climb. (Kevin videotaped the whole thing on Greg's phone, but we found that it plays sideways, and when he tries to turn it the right way, there's no sound. Or I'd post it for you, but don't want to give you a neck problem.)
I'm climbing rungs on my personal ladder, as well! The website is going well, and we're even getting requests from teachers, shops and programs to be listed! I've got two goals that I really need to work on -- getting advertising and getting more expert-written Clinic columns -- but due to a seasonal job, I just haven't had the time. If you know anyone that you think would be great to write a column, either pass their contact info along to me or ask them to take a look at the site and think about it. I would really appreciate your help.
I'd love to hear about the "rungs" your kids have climbed in their performing lives. Write a guest post! Send me a picture or an mp3 clip! I've posted a new sound clip -- Greg's friend Connor has put together a band at Northern called Bowling Night. Check out this tune -- I think it's terrific!
