While fulfilling my duties as door monitor at the MTNA competitions I was once again reminded of the level of musicianship of WSMTA students. The complexity and technical difficulty of many of the pieces performed is outstanding, and inspiring. When hearing students perform at events such as this, or the honors recitals at the State Conference, I often think to myself, “I wish I could play like that”.
Which begs to question, why not? Why can’t I? Or why couldn’t I? It is so easy to get caught up in the daily craziness with everything life throws at you. It is easy to tell yourself that you cannot do something, especially when it comes to something that challenges you – be it a new and difficult piece of music or a new project. For myself, and I am certain many others, the argument that usually wins is that I do not have the time to do something. Especially if it is something that’s a little bit, or a lot, scary.
I was listening to a podcast recently that encouraged people to embrace and be thankful for chaotic schedules and all of the opportunities that are being provided. I both love and am wary of this sentiment because it is so easy to take on too much and become overwhelmed. Finding and creating balance is difficult.
For myself, I try to work on at least one piece outside of my “obligations”. Again, it is so easy to just…not. Doing this allows me to keep challenging myself to grow in mind and to keep inspired. The hardest part is scheduling time in my chaos to work on a piece just for me, especially when it is a challenging piece and something I never believed I could physically play due to smaller hands. Last year I began working on Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by Liszt and it was both a physical and mental challenge for me. Yet, also so much fun. It helped me grow as a musician.
I pass this outlook onto my students as well. What piece currently inspires them or brings them joy? Bonus if it has some kind of challenge to it.
It is important to create that balance between what has to be done and what you need. Make time for both.
So, embrace the chaos of life and make the most of it, find inspiration where you can, and challenge yourself to do something out of your comfort zone. Do it scared.