James Hersch :: Guitar Songs

reaches us, connects us. Words, or the sound of the words, have new meaning in music.Memories, aspirations, anxieties, dreams, wishes, fears, hopes, amusement, joy ... all have musical soundtracks for each of us. It's what we share.

Buy the music

I want to sing where it matters. To have a chance to sing the lives of people and play the hearts of those who want (need) connection. It's not performing as much as swinging open the door and letting in the breeze.Most of us troubadors only seek someone's ear. But when it's more than a chance to entertain, the dream comes 'round.

The Fearless Gift
That Sweet Rearview Mirror

We go and seek to do kindnesses. We sing, listen to stories, tell some of our stories, touch and are touched. There's much we can't change. We don't heal or perform miracles.

If we do it well, our giving is on other's terms. We respect their choice whether or not to receive it. The value of what we do is in ourselves; the spirit of our reaching out.

See Portraits of the Moments

"It's often said that music is the universal language. If that's the case, then James Hersch has become the ideal interpreter. Through his gifts of songwriting, singing and guitar playing, James travels the country teaching college students the value of community outreach. His service residencies have a powerful impact on the students and the audiences that they reach."

See Mailbag.
See Service Day.
See sample residencies.
See That Sweet Rearview Mirror
See High Impact Training's website

We hear so much discussion about the breakdown of what makes a community healthy. Whether it's a simple observation of fewer front porches or the more complex role of technology in our lives, it's clear that many fear we are losing our reasons to gather together.

Music has historically had a unifying role in the family and in larger gatherings. It has given us shared vision and purpose. In these times, more than ever, we need reasons to gather for a common purpose. James Hersch uses music to connect people in communities. The power of musical expression, thoughtfully and skillfully undertaken, can bridge our differences.

As town troubadour, James will find the heart of your community. Music will be, as it has been in our past, a reason to gather and celebrate our humanity.

Mailbag

A 'REACH residency creates wonderful moments we'll remember. The singing, dancing, storytelling... they all are a part of what we're aiming for.Now we can capture and project our moments another way. A way that makes our stories incredibly effective. Thanks to digital nonlinear editing, we can produce 'just-in-time' video footage that highlights our work.We can do service events all day and show a sophisticated digital movie, complete with musical soundtrack, in the evening.

And after I'm long gone, you'll still have something to pull out and watch and remember. You might find our movie a handy tool to present to others as well: funding boards, student government, administration, community organizations. It'll help tell your story, show your purpose and define a part of your legacy.

See a short digital 'REACH movie

Music speaks to our Faith.
Stories and songs make it real.
What I can illustrate musically others find meaning in personally. Singing in spiritual places allows me to attempt to connect us to our Maker in new ways.

The idea of teaching with music isn't new. Music is a powerful communicator of issues, values, emotions... and it also happens to be lots of fun! I have been fortunate to have many special and powerful moments with some very insightful kids over the years.

See In the Classroom
See A Teacher's Perspective
Read Better Said...
Hear Twenty Two Little Minds
Hear Teacher's Chair

The Unexpected Journey
My wife works with kids with special needs. Their parents are on a path they never expected to be on, a journey they hadn’t planned for. We’ve heard them say it’s like they took off for Paris but the plane landed in Amsterdam.

In a sense, I relate to that in my career as a musician. Our culture has a pretty defined idea of someone who succeeds in the music industry. It often involves being wildly popular and entertaining, with a blaze of glory and sudden conclusions. My career has been none of that, yet I have a great sense of succeeding with my music. I’ve been drawn into a life changing process of applying my talents to settings that have nothing to do with radio hits or concert tours. How did I get here?

We are all bound to examine our paths and ask that question. The mileposts are there but we don’t notice our changes until we are well past them. To recognize them takes the willingness to know ourselves, know our dreams and why we dream. Young careers have suitcases packed with wrong perceptions, assumptions and expectations. We won’t know what’s really important until our plane lands not in Paris, but in Amsterdam.

of what communicates with/without words or sounds. The eyes that connect or dart away, the hands that invite or warn you away, the toe tapping and the smile, or the lifelessness.Some want you near, some would rather be left to themselves, many aren't sure. The clues are usually there if you watch closely.

Hear the music