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From: Peter Frederick McGuire
Date: Mon, 13 May 1996 13:10:11 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 1st Time Performances

I have found the recent discussion on first time performance to be very
interesting even though the advice was not directed at me. I have recently
begun playing solo harmonica (acoustic no less) at an open stage here in
town (Free Times Cafe - Folk music central for Toronto). Thankfully, I
have been getting quite a warm reception, in fact recently I had the whole
room stomping and whooping along with my train chug type rythms. Man, that
was for me, so much energy that I began to lose control of my playing, but
what a great feeling.

I have been getting over my stage fears much quicker than I expected, but
am finding myself in a rut again. Until now I had allways accompanied
other musicians, but now I find myself trying to come up with interesting
solo pieces.

On stage, I have been 'winging it' for my two songs, then sitting down for
the evening. I keep putting together neat improvizational pieces, but
can't remember them later, and/or don't find too much connection between
them. I am interested in composing some more serious music and was just
wondering if anyone could offer some advice. I am thinking about recording
some of my improvizational work and seeing if I can put some greater
meaning to the pieces, does anyone else work this way? Are there other
methods I can try?

Any help along these lines will be greatly appreciated, and I think the
general question of "how to write songs" is relevant to this list.

Peter (Tex) McGuire