04/25/2023
This is a lovely piece called “Ice Crystals” by Susan Staples Bell. I am sharing this video today as it epitomizes why I teach music.
Total honesty - it’s been a difficult 7 months dealing with issues affecting my voice that have been preventing me from singing and speaking the way I am accustomed to. The way I love to.
Many times when it has felt too hard, or too overwhelming, I have been thankful for my other instruments to turn to. Playing pieces on my piano that feel good and sound beautiful has brought me a sense of calm, even if temporarily. Working through parts where I would stumble, whether it is an easier piece or a challenging piece…taking that time to work through the pattern, hear and see and feel the progress…returning to the piece after a few days to play through with confidence and caring.
This is what I want for my students. I want for them to have their music to turn to when they need comfort, when they need a break, when they need joy, when they want to create something that won’t take up any physical space but will take up space in their brain and their body, firing up all the neurons that get fired up when we make music. I want them to be able to get lost in a piece and feel each vibration with a sense of ownership. “I have done this…I have created this…I have given myself this little treat”.
It is a powerful thing and it is not only accessible to the virtuosos in the world. Chopsticks brings joy!! Mary Had A Little Lamb brings joy!! We play our instruments. Play = fun! Playing is enjoying what you are doing.
I don’t want to know what my life would be like without music.