Recently I was reading something that Seth Godin had written about finding "people like us" and the smallest viable market. Obviously, there is too much stuff in the world to appeal to everyone. Finding and connecting with people like us can be challenging because they don't necessarily have a big button on their foreheads saying "I'm like you," or "Pick me."
Yesterday, there was a slight shift. I was showing the Deceptive Cadence logo to a friend, and she totally got it. She was delighted with the Circle of 5ths, loved the bridge (which turns out to be even better, since bridges are a common element in music, as well as a reference to a local landmark), and she and I were ruminating on what kinds of things could be printed with the logo that would have a purpose.
The logo is an entry into the "People Like Us" world I'm want to be a part of.
Here's better explanation of what went into the idea of the name, and the design, minus the musical idea of the bridge which came later.
This idea of "People Like Us" doesn't just apply to music nerds who love the circle of 5ths. I'm cultivating it for the jazz combo to develop a culture of musicians who are motivated to practice, learn, show up, and perform, because that what "People Like Us" do.
In forming groups of "People Like Us" some of the common problems I've experienced as a teacher are starting to disappear.
For example, PLU learn chord progressions for fun, because once you know what they are, finding them in a piece of music you're playing is like finding an Easter egg or a hidden surprise.
PLU love music and want to be at lessons. I assume this is the case, it's like Benjamin Zander's thoughts on giving his students an A. All of my students fall in the "People Like Us are A Students" category. And they know it from the very beginning.
PLU like having casual discussions about scale degrees and chord progressions.
PLU like music puns.
As I continue to develop the blog and add teaching videos, I'll be adding more to the list of what we all do.
Happy Playing.
Comments