What has integrity got to do with me Becoming a Singer/Songwriter? Well, it has to do with me finally doing what I feel I should have started a long time ago. Let me give you some background first.

I've been around singers and songwriters since I was born, and I've always been in a supportive role with them. I've had a guitar for 25 years, and a piano for about 17, yet I never really mastered how to play either instrument. I was always too busy working, or at least that's what I told myself. Suddenly, in January, 2006, I wrote a song in the middle of the night, and songwriting has been my passion ever since.

If you want to know the truth, I guess I've had a secret wish to be a singer/songwriter for a long time. A now ex-boyfriend, who has some success as a singer/songwriter, used to encourage me to write with him whenever I gave him constructive criticism on his songs. But I never felt confident enough. So now it's my turn!

For the first 10 months I created all my songs without using an instrument. I even sang acapella at a local weekly song contest a couple of times - another thing I never thought I'd ever do. My elder brother Lenny, whose stage name is Lenny Zakatek, was the singer in the family, not me. Lenny sang 24 tracks on 8 Alan Parsons Project albums.

Nine months into my efforts at songwriting without any instruction, I went to Nashville to take some songwriting workshops through NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International.) I learned so much, and while I still have a long way to go, I can see how much better my songs are getting as I apply the tips I picked up on the art and craft of songwriting.

Regardless of your genre of songwriting, if you are thinking about writing songs, or even if you already are a songwriter, I highly recommend the NSAI workshops; and also joining an NSAI Regional Workshop (chapter.) You can find out more at http://nashvillesongwriters.com

There was no NSAI Regional Workshop in my area, so I created a Songwriters' Group last November. We meet once a month for support, networking, education, and song critiques. In September, 2007, our growing group became an Official NSAI Regional Workshop.

During my 3 1/2 weeks in Nashville last fall, (where I also had my first 2 co-writing experiences,) I took one guitar lesson from former Box Tops band member, Gary Talley. He teaches songwriters to play guitar so that they can more easily accompany themselves in songwriters' showcases. One lesson with Gary, plus my determination to become a better songwriter, caused me to just start playing guitar - something else that I thought I'd never master. Again, I've got a long way to go, but I'm on my way. It's amazing how much difference a great teacher can make. (Gary has a wonderful DVD you can order at http://www.garytalley.com)

As for the local weekly songwriters' contest, after I'd entered it 5 times, I took a break for 6 1/2 months. It all felt very overwhelming to be running before I could walk as far as performing in public was concerned. Since my guitar playing wasn't very good at the time, I used to get way too nervous to actually enjoy the experience. During my break, I kept writing songs and playing them for friends now and then. However, in June I decided to go back to the contest, which requires all songwriters to create a new song every week. Guess what? I won 4th Place about a month ago!

For me entering the weekly contest is not about winning, but about challenging myself to grow as an artist. It's more about the doing, and the joining in. Along the way, I've made many new friends too; some are fellow songwriters, and others are audience members who love hearing what each songwriter is creating week after week.

So, I sing, write, and play guitar every day, and I LOVE IT! These were three things that I never thought I'd really ever do, even though I had a secret desire to do each of them for a very long time. Now I can actually say, and believe, that I AM A SONGWRITER, and so I am in integrity with my Authentic Self. Soon, I hope to feel comfortable saying that I am a SINGER/Songwriter.

If you have a passion, follow through on it now! You'll be happy that you did. I know I am.

Chris : )