Welcome to my brand new website and blog! This blog will be a diary of my progress towards becoming the best vocalist/composer/arranger that I can possibly be.
I have most recently quit my day job in order to put in some uninterrupted serious practice time. This is a HUGE step for me as I have ALWAYS been employed at some kind of full-time job but I feel that after all of these years, I finally know what and how to practice. I just need the time to do it.
So here is my list of things that I want to touch on everyday:
Practice Regimen
1.) Solo Transcriptions (vocal and instrumental/singing and writing)
2.) Composition/Arranging (try to write something everyday!)
3.) Ear Training
4.) Jazz Piano (voicings, scales, soloing, transcriptions)
5.) Vocal Technique (practice of the Estill Method, reading of other vocal technique texts)
6.) Improvisation (patterns, scales, chord progressions)
7.) Business (booking gigs, updating website/blog, writing proposals for residencies, preparing for CD recording, FIND A MENTOR!)
WHEW! Seems rather daunting but I know that I can do it. My goals are:
1.) To approach this endeavor as if it is a job! Get up early and get to work!
2.) To finish at least one transcription per week
3.) To compose a little something everyday
4.) To have everything written and arranged for my CD project by the end of the year
5.) To have my voice in tip-top shape as soon as possible
6.) To not stress out about not having a “job” and be able to enjoy this time!
Although I’m a little late in starting (I wanted to roll out the website right after Labor Day but WordPress kicked my tail!) I feel that today was a good day to begin. September 11th is the day my dad Jeffery Boykin was born. He is no longer here in human form (he died when I was 14 years old) but I feel his spirit here with me. I inherited my love of music from him. He was a great supporter of mine and encouraged me to pursue music. So to have my dad’s birthday also be the birth of my new website and my new life is a fitting tribute to him. Happy Birthday, dad!
Awesome. Be blessed on your journey!
Yaaay! I love this and YOU!
Jessica!!! I am so thrilled for what your future holds…you are such an AMAZING person and TALENTED ARTIST! Continue to be TRUE to yourself and your CRAFT and the creator will continue to elevate you closer everyday to your dreams! You truly inspire me…THANK YOU!
So proud of you Jess I know only great things will come from this journey. You are such a strong woman and a beautiful person ,you got this sis hands down . Love you Gyrl. Smooches.
Welcome to the world of Blogging! Man I wish I could do this exclusively. Do you want some kids cause I got two you can borrow. When you figure out how to do some of this stuff, pass that info onto me. I could use it too. O
Onward and Upward!
YAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!! Congrats! I believe in you!!!
GET IT DONE! My favorite inspiration for now-
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”-
Andy Warhol
I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Thank you for letting us in to witness and support you, Jess! I wish you a journey of self-discovery and growth with the music and beyond!
Xoxo
Hi Jessica!!!! All I can say is YOU GO GURL!!!! So proud of you and HAPPY for you. I’m looking forward to see and hear what you are contributing to this giant thing called MUSIC!!! Love you and have a blessed day!!!! Keep on SWANGIN’