Two years ago, my husband and I moved from New York City to a peaceful, green suburb of Philadelphia. After 43 years in the city, I was definitely ready for a change.
At first we felt like we were dreaming. The quiet, and all the trees visible from every window of our new home were such a balm for the stress we’d accumulated all those years. We enjoyed the company of wonderful old friends here, and we really liked our new neighbors.
Plus, we could walk just one short block to the train that gets us into the center of Philadelphia in 15 minutes.
But as we slowed down into this new, more relaxed pace of life, we realized that some of our old bad habits had moved here with us. We could still get impatient and crabby, which disturbed the peace too often.
So along with finding a lot more joy in our daily lives, we also had to keep meeting the challenge of becoming wiser, kinder, more compassionate people.
In other words, we realized that we were still growing, even at our age.
Musicians who work with me often have a similar experience as they improve their piano technique and their mindset for practicing and performing. They wake up into a new world of ease and joy. Yet their musical journey continues as they meet higher level challenges and connect with deeper places in themselves and in the music they’re playing.
And I myself keep coming up with new ways of communicating with them and helping them become the performers and teachers they’re meant to be.
Every time we meet our next challenge, we gain greater access to the depths of intelligence and feeling in ourselves. That way, we become more connected to the music and people we love.
What has your musical journey been like? Have you noticed that as you grow as a person, you’re playing better than before? Teaching better?
Or that as you experience more freedom and confidence in making music, you also feel like a stronger, more joyful person?
Have you been surprised that there always seems to be more to learn? A deeper level of yourself to discover? More music to make in the same piece?
Let’s not stop growing. That’s what we’re here for—to grow. To keep connecting more to ourselves, to the world around us, and to each other.
I hope the approaching new season brings you new joys and challenges, so that you keep growing. Maybe even beyond what you thought was possible.
Warmly,
P.S. If you’re ready for a change with your playing, feel free to contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out how I can help you make that change.