Frequently Asked Questions

[Pete Govert]

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.        How do I make money with this system?   This is NOT a get rich quick scheme.  The Community Music Circle system provides another way for guitarists and keyboard players to make money in addition to giving lessons or playing in a band.

 

2.        How much money can I make?  It’s up to you.  Perhaps $25-50 per hour.  My goal initially was to play and meet folks so I didn’t charge anything (in a karmic sense I was paid in other ways…) As an experiment, I offered the Community Music Circle through our county's Adult Education Program and was paid $25/hour and I see the potential for more.

 

3.        What is a MUSILITATOR?  When you lead a group you became a musilitator. (musical + facilitator)  A musilitator is a person who possesses the following skills and traits:

 

a.     Honestly enjoys making music with people.

b.      Has played in a band or has experience playing with people.

c.      Is able to play and sing at the same time.  However, you don’t need a good voice.

d.     Is able to provide gentle guidance and reminders to others.  Also, you need to be able to keep people on track.

e.     Is patient and has a sense of humor.

f.       Has a fairly extensive personal song catalogue and can learn new songs.

 

4.        What types of songs are in the Community Music Circle catalogue?  The songs are drawn from the following styles:  blues, folk, rock and roll, rockabilly, country and western, reggae, Cajun, rhythm and blues, and standards.  Most songs have 3 to 4 chords, a few have only two chords and a few up to 5.  The songs need to be teachable to others in less than 2 minutes.  The big idea behind this system is to minimize time spent learning a song and maximize time spent playing the song.  For example, Queen’s song, “Bohemian Rhapsody” does not qualify for inclusion in the Community Music Circle catalogue.

 

5.        Does every song work with every group?  Nope…in my experience about 10% of the time the collective effort sounds like a train wreck so the musilitator stops the song, everyone has a good laugh, and we try again or move onto another song.

 

6.        What instruments are appropriate?  I believe there is room for all instruments - even those folks whose only instrument is their voice. 

 

7.        What level of musical experience do folks need to participate in a Community Music Circle?  Attitude is more important than ability.  If they have a desire to play and can laugh off mistakes they’ll have a good experience.  If a person can change between three chords on a guitar or keyboard, keep a simple rhythm, or sing a simple tune they will have fun.

 

8.        Is this a franchise?  Nope – this could be a musical business opportunity. 

 

9.        Do I have to charge my participants?  It is completely up to you and depends upon your goals.  If you want a system that simply allows you to meet and play with new people – the Community Music Circle works.  If you want to make money – the Community Music Circle works!!!