One of the things that I am most passionate about when it comes to Real Life Real Music is the Student Songwriter’s Experience. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a summer day camp where students are mentored by professional singer/songwriters as they write, record and perform their own original songs.
I love watching these students transform their hearts into poetry. Songwriting provides time for introspection and reflection; performing requires strength and courage. I am always inspired by a child’s authenticity and bravery. Two things we, as adults, have lost. Somehow between childhood and our teen years we began to care more about what other people think and less about our own heart’s desires.
Back in November, I went to see We Bought A Zoo on opening day. I had been anxiously awaiting the movie’s opening and I was not disappointed. The movie is about grieving (something I have done a lot of this year), a father/son relationship (we have 3 of those in our house), and it’s also about COURAGE (something I long to have more of)…watch this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMFIganRQY
All we need is “20 seconds of insane courage.” Authenticity demands courage! Reflection demands authenticity, and these are the ingredients for connection, something I think we all strive to have more of. I want to learn from these young songwriters. I want to learn from their transparency and bravery. I want to encourage them to never stop listening to their hearts. What once was so natural for us becomes something we must practice and be intentional about. These singer/songwriters do just that. Don’t think they aren’t scared to write about what they really feel, don’t think they aren’t terrified to stand on stage and open their mouths to sing. They are, but they have chosen to do it anyway and I am ALWAYS inspired!
For information on the Real Life Real Music Songwriters
Experience Camp, visit http://realliferealmusic.com/products/festivals-events/