End of Week 1

It's officially the end of the first week. It actually feels like I've been here awhile, mostly because we took a field trip every day this last week and went at least 3 places a day. It was really interesting--we saw both ends of the spectrum of working in the industry. We were able to see some of the most successful people: Kelly Clarkson's Music Director, Martina McBride's husband's recording studio, Toby Mac's studio, the Nashville office of the Emmy Awards...and then we saw people who were past their forties and still struggling to make an entrance into the industry. The more I saw, the more (I'll admit) I was intimidated by it all. It really is a cutthroat business all about who you know, who they know, and how they can connect to you to important people. It involves a lot of doing "dirty jobs" just to be in a place that holds some sort of opportunity for a break.
Seeing all this, I really was able to see where my desire with music is. I love writing songs, and so far I've loved being on stage and putting together an actual show. But I know my passion with music lies mostly in writing about my faith and my struggles, and using that in a worship setting. I love the idea of combining having really deep talks and forming relationships with girls to mentor them and just be there for them...and then be able to do worship along with it. Dream job, right there. Sign me up!
I don't play in the coming show this Thursday night, I'm on the next rotation for the week after. But, I am singing back up vocals with an extremely talented artist, Meredith Carter. This girl can sing, and she can write amazing music. Her music reminds me a lot of Kari Jobe...which is awesome. We've got three part harmony going on the two songs she's doing this thursday, along with a cello playing....I got goosebumps in rehearsal from it all!
Monday is when things are really supposed to start kicking off: Classes start, and by that I mean classes are actually held and not replaced by driving around Nashville. We'll start getting songwriting assignments and start recording, on top of rehearsals for shows and practicing our own stuff. It'll be crazy. One good thing that is definitely happening is I'm becoming more organized. Granted, most of its due to the fact that each artist is assigned a manager to keep their schedule and be the contact for other musicians when we're putting bands together...but my lovely manager, miss Amanda Schopf, has already got me using excel to track my spending and keep up with my budget! My dad should be so proud...I did not get his ability to work with money and numbers.
I still can't say enough how much the girls I'm with have made this so amazing. The more I get the know them, the more fun we have, the more we're able to support each other and each other's music...it's just so awesome. I know by the middle of the semester we'll all be stressed and crazy, but I think we'll still be able to love each other.
I'm missing everyone at home, and am glad for a busy schedule so I don't dwell on that too much! Wish everyone could come visit me in Nashville!