As the year begins to draw to a close, you might want to take a moment to think about the reality that none of us makes music in a vacuum. And maybe take a moment to thank your fan club.
Don’t think you have a fan club? You probably do. You may not know it. Heck, they may not know they are your fan club. But they are.
Who are they? All those people who support you as you develop and grow as a musician. They include your family and friends. Maybe your teacher, if you’re working with one. Your friends who come to hear you play, even when your performance repertoire only includes Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Frere Jacques, and Long, Long Ago.
And hopefully your fan club includes – you!
So, for an end of year activity, you should write a thank you note for all the members of your fan club. It doesn’t need to be overly complex, but it does need to be heartfelt. Make sure to include:
Open with their name – whatever you call that person.
Be open with your thanks and express your appreciation for their support. Be specific. Did that person unfailingly make you tea after you practiced each day? Did they tell you how good you sounded? Did they pay for your lessons? Did they teach you your lessons? State what you are grateful for. A generic “thanks for helping me get there” is nice, but specifics will help share your deep appreciation of their efforts.
End by telling them how much their ongoing support means to you and your harp playing. Don’t skimp!
Sign off – maybe with a flourish! It is not possible to over-thank someone for their help in getting you where you are. And if you can’t say it at Christmas, when can you.
Thank you for being part of my fan club. I cannot express how much I value your comments and emails. Or how grateful I am that you are so willing to share with me. Knowing you’re there, reading, makes it so much easier for me to write to you. And I do picture you in my mind when I’m planning, drafting, and finalizing each post. If it weren’t for you and your continued support, I’d have packed it in a long time ago. I’m looking forward to the upcoming year – hope you are too! Jen
Thank you Jen for helping me become one of the Harp Worlds biggest fans (I call myself a “Harpy”) . I’d travel the world to see the perfect song, the perfect venue and the perfect instrument (the harp) . Wait, I do!! 💙
Robin, thank you for being such a loving fan! We couldn’t do it without you!🧡
You guys! Thank you all for your kind words here and via email. I did not mean for this to be a naked plea for thanks, although I do appreciate. Be sure to fo the same for all your fans too! 🎄😎💙
Thank you for Your thank you! Loved it! And thank you for all you do for SHSA, Ms Prez. Thanks for your organizing, your whimsy, and your philosophical dialogues. Merry Solstice!
❤
Jen, I’m joining the chorus of thanking you! Specifically, for encouraging me this past year, the beginning of my solo journey as a harpteller, as well as for these blogs. I’m so glad you gave me Tiffiany’s email so I could resume writing for K&H; I had missed doing that. Oh, and particularly for the blog about the Music Theory books; I got both the “Dummies” one and David Harp’s. New goals for the coming year! Hope I see you at Somerset next July! Nollaig Chriosda agus Mha/th Bhliadhna U/r!
Barra – you had a big year and I’m delighted to have been a positive spot in it – thank you! Nollaig Chridheil
Thank YOU, Jen! For all the help and support. Love your blog.. happy 2020!!
Donna!💙
thank YOU for the down to earth advice, comments and encouragement.
Thanks Kate!
Thank you, Jen, for your very encouraging blogs! You are part of my harp circle of support. I often think about the very helpful techniques and approaches you gave us in our Austin workshop at Cindy Schaufenbuel’s house. I hope you will come again to Austin and give us all another Scottish boost!
Lea, thank you so much for your very kind words!! You made my day. I would LOVE to come back to Austin!