Razor's Edge

 As part of my project "razor's edge" I outlined my goals as related to music. As you can see, it is not just "get to be a better piano player," but a good deal more than that. I basically want to retire to being a songwriter, as my full time hobbyjob, in 10 years time. I started this project in Sept. 2015, without knowing that it was the start of something. I figure need to be about 80% of where a truly good pianist is, though that is a nebulous concept because 80% of what, exactly?  For me it might mean playing tastefully and tastily within my particular technical limits. I'm about 30% now, realistically. Writing out these goals makes me realize that I need to focus on one thing, like mastering Sibelius, that is holding me back from other things.   

Overall goal:

Be a songwriter able to play and sing my own songs in public and to record own cds. 

Specific Goals

Play piano and sing at 80% level

Compose at 90% level

Record cds of my music

Steps already taken

Write songs  

Take voice lessons

Take piano lessons

Establish piano practice routine

Learn to read lead sheets / basic jazz triadic voicings

Acquire keyboard

Join choir and participate in performances

Experiment with recording self in library

Perform in talent show

Begin to improvise walking bass lines and “rhythm changes”

Use phone app to notate leads sheets of own songs

Next steps

Master Sibelius software

Go to open mics

Improve reading / sight-reading

Work on lyric writing / have lyrics for at least 5 songs

Further Steps

Learn quartal voicings / jazz comping at a fluid level

Improve ear and listening ability

Improvise at high level

Play more with other musicians 

Learn arranging / more sophisticated compositional techniques

More advanced and detailed knowledge of harmony

Write for SATB or other formats 
Lose fear of other recording technologies