How you can help guitarists and composers today!

Here’s a list of things you can do today to support the guitar community! Be proactive, don’t just sit and admire from afar. Get involved and join the community of the guitar world.

If you’re Canadian then I recommend you apply this list to Canadian guitarists and composers. Regional support means diversity in the arts community.

1. Go to concerts. Real support is getting out there and hearing the artists and composer’s music in action. Concerts are for your benefit, the music is presented as a listening experience. It’s well worth the money and sometimes it’s even free! Another plus side to seeing concerts is that you’ll become educated about the repertoire, technique, and performance practise. Ask any music educator, going to concerts can be the most beneficial education.
2. Hit the ‘LIKE’ button. That’s right, those Facebook developers are pretty smart indeed. The ‘like’ button is a way that you can positively share online content without the pressure of labeling yourself a ‘fan’ or giving your complete soul to the link. If you like the music simply press the button. All it means is that you enjoy the content and are willing to share it. There’s never been a more powerful tool since the invention of ‘word of mouth’. So visit youtube, facebook, twitter, and hit that button!
3. Collaborate and cooperate. Competition in the arts is inevitable but not the only way to proceed. There’s a reason it’s called the Arts Community. Promote everyone in a centralized and equal way. For example, here at Classical Guitar Canada I’ve found that by promoting everyone, regardless of level or geographic location means that everyone will tune in. It’s like a funnel where we all meet a the center and get to know each other. So invite guitarists or enthusiasts to get together. Give a collaborative concert, if you do you’ll find that each person will invite their personal fans and friends and you’ll end up with some new listeners. If you’re not a player then invite a friend to become your concert buddy and learn to enjoy the music together.
4. Don’t avoid local performers. High level playing is not everything in music. Some of my best concert experiences have been by local musicians or students. If you only go to headliner concerts you might miss out on the great special projects that local musicians and composers keep themselves busy with. Headliner concerts are often somewhat similar in their concert programming which usually offer a variety show of the most famous works that showcases their brilliant skills (there are exceptions of course). Local performers might be offering themed concerts and new compositions by local composers. Join them and you might be part of a world premiere.
5. Don’t be shy. I know this seems like a strange suggestion but the truth is that you should approach artists and composers by email or in person. Tell them what you thought of the music, strike up a conversation, or simply offer your thanks. Support, whether financial or moral, helps artists and composers ‘carry-on’ in the world of music. Plus, the positive energy you spread around will improve the feel and atmosphere of the local music scene which will attract new visitors and listeners. You might even find that the artists invite you out after the concert as most musicians are very social people and appreciate the social aspect of their profession/passion.