Self-Marketing

After having had a few days off in a row, I spent my Sunday in San Francisco learning how to market myself.

I knew that I didn't have much of a clue regarding the how-to's of marketing a human being. I knew that marketing was extremely important and I assumed that the truly famous hired firms to manage that aspect of their careers. One of the many important things that I didn't know is that even when you aren't famous, there is still an immense amount of marketing to be done, and if you don't have enough money to hire a firm, you have to do it all yourself.

Self-marketing is a full time job all by itself.

By the time I was half-way through the day, I began to wonder how it would be possible to actually do all that was required to successfully market myself, while practising, going to rehearsals, arranging music, composing music, recording music, being in 5 performing ensembles, and sleeping.

I'm not sure it is.

But I can see how good marketing can pretty much make a career. So, I am going to select the key items and see what happens.

Resting Up

Aside from my 2 church jobs, I have no additional performances for the remainder of this month. And although I really enjoy performing, I am a bit relieved at the light schedule. December and its' busy schedule will be here soon enough.

I am enjoying a much needed respite this week after a very busy performing period. I have gotten a lot of rest and I have successfully focused on relaxation.

As a singer, I will be quite busy during the holiday season. I need this rest to fortify myself for incredible schedule ahead.

UPDATE - The "light schedule" disappeared almost immediately after this post. Replaced by "way too much to do".

Coro Ciconia Concert

I had a lot of rehearsals and concerts over the past 10 days.

I increased my obligations this month by adding another singing ensemble. It is an Early Music ensemble. Our Autumn concert was Sunday night (night before last).

It was a fortunate that we were using a huge hall that doesn't have installed seating, because we had more than a full house and had to bring in more seating. The room is mostly wood and very lovely for singing. The house lighting was off and we sang by candlelight.

Our program included works by Josquin des Pres (1440-1521), Johannes Ciconia (1373-1411), Francesco Landini (1325-1397), Vincenzo da Rimini (14th century), Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474), Jacopo da Bologna (ca, 1355-1370), and 2 selections from the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat (ca.1399).