Quick Start Opportunity Grants

Goals: To develop my songwriting skills, create new works to share with the community, and increase my exposure in the music industry. Outcomes: (For Goal 1: Develop songwriting skills) a. Identify tools for overcoming writer's block, b. Increased ability to share incomplete work, particularly in a setting that invites constructive criticism. (For Goal 2: Create new works to share with the community) a. Write 3 new performance-ready songs, b. Have draft materials for integrating into future songs as appropriate. (For Goal 3: Increase my exposure to the music industry) a. Establish new connections to those present at retreat with whom I don't have existing relationships. b. Develop existing connections to active members of music industry, invite opportunities for further collaboration.Evaluation will be carried out by reflecting on the following upon the close of the 5 day retreat. Measurement is outlined below for each outcome. Outcome 1a: Identify tools for overcoming writer's block. Measure: Identify one new strategy that works for me to focus my energy, write, and work on my career in other ways when I would otherwise be at a standstill. Outcome 1b: Increased ability to share incomplete work, particularly in a setting that invites constructive criticism. Measure: Engage in sharing 3 incomplete songs with peers over the course of the retreat. Outcome 2a: Write 3 new performance-ready songs. Measure: Count songs. Outcome 2b: Have draft materials for integrating into future songs as appropriate. Measure: Count number of partial lyrics/language created that is not a part of a current song. Outcome 3a: Establish new connections to those present at retreat with whom I don't have existing relationships. Measure: count number of new connections made with fellow attendees. Outcome 3b: Develop existing connections to active members of music industry, invite opportunities for further collaboration. Measure: documenting any future plans for collaboration established. Note: The numbers included above for the number of adults, youth, and children benefitting are an estimate of individuals reached by music on my last album, based on concert/event attendance, CDs sold, and radio broadcasts since its release 3 years ago. I anticipate at least as many reached on my next cd.