I’m just thinking about (banging on?) passing on the tradition again. I know there are lots of you out there with many talents – singing, playing etc – and unfortunately the phone doesn’t ring enough any more with people crying out for you to gig! It happens to all of us. New folk come along and festivals / clubs want to book them instead. It’s actually really exciting when you stand back and look at it as our scene is evolving and there are young people playing and singing to audiences all over the world.
What I would like you to consider is to go and find someone to pass your tradition on to. It may be for money but most of the time it won’t. Find a young person (or an older one) and ask if they would like to learn a song or tune and teach them it. Tell them all about it – the history, the meaning, how to sing it etc and then ask if they would like to learn another one! Just pass on your tradition.
Some of you may say that this is my living and I can’t give it away for free and I would agree. Offer taster sessions and share your tradition that way. You might recruit new people. If nothing else you will expand your network. Another way to look at it is you are creating a new market for yourself. If you spread the word enough you might create a new business for yourself.
My point here is though is do not wait to be asked, do not hide your light under a bushel. Get out there and share your knowledge with your community. The world will be a better place 🙂
Follow these topics: Blog, Featured Blog