Bring It On, 2018

Hello, my name is Ciara Brooke. I'm writing this post to let my family, friends, followers, and anyone else who reads this know what's been happening in my life and music career and what's to come in the new year.

For the last two and a half years, I've been at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Music Production. When I started my first semester at ACM, I had no clue what I was doing. I didn't know the difference between an XLR and 1/4" cable. After one short semeste,r I was able to successfully run a recording session in a studio and begin creating my own songs at home completely on my own (though they were terrible). I had a lot of trouble opening up to people my first year at ACM. I felt really intimidated because most of the other students in my department had been producing music for a few years already. I felt like I was really behind. I've also grown up in a small town where there aren't a whole lot of different cultures to be exposed to, so meeting a lot of different people and being exposed to those different cultures and beliefs was overwhelming at first. The music production program at ACM is also heavily dominated by male students. My first semester, it was just me and one other girl! That was super intimidating at first, and I had a hard time being myself around people.

I'm so thankful that with the support of my husband, family, and friends I was able to complete the program at ACM. It was really hard at times. Living away from my husband during the week was a real struggle, and it definitely tested our marriage and my faith. During my time at the school I was able to record and produce my very first EP all by myself along with the help of some fellow production students and friends. It's crazy that I released that EP about eight months ago, and I've grown and learned so much since then already! I can't wait to start releasing my new projects, because I've learned so much and improved in my music production and writing skills drastically.

ACM really helped me find out what it is I want to do with my life and music career. At first, I thought I just wanted to work in a studio. But now, I know my real passion is writing and creating music, and then performing that music in front of an audience. I love the whole process of being a recording artist. I'm so thankful that God used ACM and the people I've connected with there to help me find my dream, and for giving me a vision for that dream.

I just graduated from ACM, and it's been so bitter-sweet. I was actually really scared to graduate, and thought about sticking around for another semester just so that I could still be labeled a "student." However, the Lord has shown me that I just need to trust Him in this new season and be passionate about what He has planned. I'm excited to focus on my music and my career and see what He has next for me in 2018.

I have a lot of goals for 2018! First, I want to get my Youtube Channel up and running. I plan on releasing a new cover video every week, with the cover song being released on streaming platforms as well. I'm hoping to grow my Youtube presence in order to gain more fans and followers. That way there are more people to hear my original music! I hope to perform regularly at various venues across not only Oklahoma, but other surrounding states as well. I love doing live shows, so I'm praying for many opportunities to perform! And lastly, I plan on writing every single day, making songwriting a priority in my daily life. I want to be disciplined in my craft (songwriting and producing) so that I can continue to improve and grow.

I wanted to include here my mission and vision statement for Ciara Brooke Music so that my fans and followers can see what exactly my music career is all about.

Mission: "To bring light, love, and laughter into people's lives through music, impacting hearts and inspiring audiences around the globe.

Vision: "To give to each person and each audience the best of my talent, the best of myself, in such a way that I create a lifelong memory."

I love Jesus, I love music, and I love people. I'm so excited to share that love and passion with all of you.