My Nonprofit Reviews
pat1
Review for North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance Inc, Saugerties, NY, USA
I have to say that Summersongs literally changed my life. When I went for the first time, I had been a dilettante, writing songs as a hobby for many years but never taking myself or my work seriously. The positive feedback and helpful techniques I learned at Summersongs made me see myself as a singer-songwriter and gave me the courage to make a CD (I'm now working on my second one), and to go after gigs I never thought I could get. I have learned invaluable lessons in songwriting, performing, vocal techniques, and the music business. But more than that, I've reveled in the beautiful spirit of love and acceptance that permeates Summersongs. There's no rivalry or competitiveness; everyone wants to see everyone else succeed and they all give each other encouragement and helpful suggestions. I've made wonderful, lifelong friends there from among both the staff and the other students.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance Inc, Saugerties, NY, USA
I have attended five Summersongs camps, one Wintersongs and one Autumnsongs. I came as a dilettante singer-songwriter who thought of her hobby as purely for her own enjoyment. Through the encouragement and praise, and down-to-earth instruction and guidance of the fabulous staff, I blossomed and grew in competence and confidence. In the process I also made lifelong friends and even improved as a teacher (my day job) through observing the successful methods that the teachers at Summersongs employed. I know that I'm not alone in feeling inspired and energized by my experience at Summersongs. Many of us have brought back what we've learned to our communities, where we sponsor house- and other kinds of concerts, bringing folk music and musicians to people who would not otherwise been exposed to it. Some have played music by, or interviewed, the people we've met at Summersongs on the radio. We've played music at benefits to raise money for various causes. We have a lively email list that keeps us connected and sharing ideas and information throughout the year. I truly have to say that going to Summersongs changed my life, and I'm helping to change lives by putting what I've learned there to use.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've been doing far more performing and songwriting than I had been previously. I produced a solo CD.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Just amazing! The staff was amazingly talented and generous with their time and positive and encouraging with their feedback.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Build a permanent home, possibly where some people could live year-round, and hold songwriting camps more often.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
