These are the “calling cards” you will present to other songwriters and artists. You want to hone them rigorously so you can show them proudly, secure in their value — not apologizing, cringing, or making excuses for their shortcomings. Isn’t that the standard of quality you’d expect in return?

You “pay your dues” by polishing up your talents, your diamonds, to a bright sheen. Eventually, if you take your own gifts seriously, word will spread that you have something valuable to offer. This process is sometimes called “eating your way up the musical food chain.” It doesn’t happen overnight. There are no “quick fixes,” as in any serious field of endeavor.

“YA GOTTA KISSA LOTTA FROGS”

Participation is the key. Join up, play out, take risks... basically, you have to lay your talent, your heart and your soul on the line! No one comes knocking on your door out of the blue, begging you to co-write. You have to make a concerted, consistent effort to create writing relationships from scratch.

In fact, I’ve noticed that collaborating is very much like... dating!

• Some collaborations are flings: good for a few tunes, but not for the long run.

• Some are nightmares: you want to run screaming in the opposite direction.

• Some are unrequited: you feel the urge, but your partner doesn’t.

• And luckily, some are magical: you stick with them for a long while, maybe even forever.

And yes, it can be heartbreaking. But I guarantee you’ll feel fully alive! There’s never a dull moment in this quest, because you and your co-writer aspire to the high calling of creating great art together.

You just have to keep writing, re-writing and putting it out there, trusting that eventually you’ll attract like-minded souls. So where exactly are these like-minded souls hiding?

A few days of research can provide you with a wealth of opportunities. Here are some paths that have produced results for me, and I’ve collaborated with at least a hundred other writers since 1983:

• Take a songwriting class.

• Find a teacher, or better yet, a mentor.

• Start a local songwriting support group.

• Hire or start a band, even if it’s only for a limited number of gigs.

• Join a Performing Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the U.S.)

• Check out programs offered by music business organizations such a The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Recording Academy, Women In Music, Nashville Songwriters Association, etc.)

• Join the various online songwriting communities — just Google it! Myspace.com offers a whole new realm of possibilites.

• Check local publications and listings for showcases, classified ads & open mics.

• Search the Internet for performers in your vein of music.

• Go to local music stores and check their bulletin boards, or put up your own sign.

• Post a free ad on Craigslist.com.

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