But while my mind was able to process and get to a positive place, something like a layoff can be a shock to our system. It can feel like the rug is getting pulled from under you. I certainly felt many emotions.

I don’t resent any of it though. It’s all part of the process.

And music is my friend during such times. Songs that speak to this sense of disorientation and loss can help us process such difficult emotions.

So in that spirit, I create a 5-song mini playlist that spoke to my state of mind.

1. Radiohead “Everything in Its Right Place”
   • Thom York intoning that line over and over — it represents that sense of aghast denial.
2. Copeland “Chin Up”
   • This one represents the grief of losing something you were trying to keep it together.
3. Tal Wilkenfeld “Under the Sun”
   • A bit further in the grief, this one touches on feeling unsettled and yearning.
4. Laura Gibson “Funeral Song”
   • The grief arriving to acceptance. Still not easy but not hanging on
5. Vincent Lima “Someday”
   • Now we are moving on, acknowledging that it’s all a journey, a work in progress.

There are many of us in this journey right now. Let us be kind to one another. 

And if there are songs that help you on your journeys, let me know.

Playlist from this show: Spotify | Apple

1. Must be aligned to the artist’s identity
2. Has just the right nots
3. Has distinct rhythm
4. Has a good mix of jumps and steps
5. Features bends or slides
6. Has surprises or fresh sounds

• The main priority during a performance
• When you’re not sure, don’t play
• Keep your conductor in your line of sight
• Score is there to remind you what’s coming up (as opposed what you’re supposed to play right now)
• Volume pedal is your best friend
• Listen for the piano, and then actors
• Pacing yourself through multiple performances
• Set up your station

• How important it is for guitarists to prepare
• Good to understand the general musical theatre process
• You don’t have to play everything as written
• Digital vs. analog scores

• Look through local theater postings for audition notices. Musicians don’t audition, but you can hunt down music directors
• Check out websites of local theater groups with upcoming productions of musicals. Cold email them and ask to be forwarded to the music director
• Have YouTube, Facebook or Instagram of clips of you playing musical theater material
• Print business cards

Here are the major requirements you should meet, if you’re going to pursue musical gigs:

• Be able to read traditional music score (not tabs, not chord charts)
• Have enough theory to be able to analyze chords
• Be comfortable playing in multiple genres, particularly rock, jazz and folk
• Play melodies and leads (but not flashy solos)
• Have an electric rig with clean and overdriven sounds

1. The hook: Production can add and strengthen a song’s hook
2. The lyrics: Alignment with the artist identity makes a powerful statement
3. The cohesion: the words and music work together to create singular, focused emotion
4. The contrast: varying approaches make each section of the song distinct
5. The gesture: the band commits to its big, dramatic gesture, in spite of its risks

• “Running with the Wolves” from Light Chasers
• “Complicated Creation” from Love
• “I Am the Force Field” from Alchemy Creek

• Untuneful melodies that make listeners focus on their strength: lyrics
• Playfulness that makes heavy subject matters light and accessible
• Reliance on distinctive rhythm as hooks to catch listeners’ attention