My favorite of the three movements of the Mozart sonata I've been playing. Strangely, I am much better than I "should" be--as if I somehow have "help." I have not figured out what to do with this "gift" yet...
I won't send more links, but you're welcome to look sometimes if interested.
That is an interesting idea! I will need to expand my repertoire of polished pieces so I don't inflict bad playing on nursing home residents, and learn some 20th century favorites. I will also have to get over my fear/nervousness about playing for others.
You'll never guess who I saw outside my office building this morning--I think (85% sure) the swami you mentioned in your newsletter and in class (same guy both times, right?). I found a picture online, and I THINK it was the same man. People wearing orange robes and a mala do tend to stand out downtown. Not sure why he was there, probably he was not looking for a meal at the Rainforest Cafe.
Whatever gifts you give to people with love will be well-accepted. How "polished" a piece is does not have the same significance to your listeners as it does to you. Play your music for others with love.
Well, that is a good point Anon! One that I hadn't considered. When I was learning it was all perfection and discipline. One teacher would smack my hands with a ruler to make me play right (ouch!). I quit in college because I obviously wasn't a concert pianist (talk about all-or nothing thinking) and the years of discipline took all the joy out of it.
Anyway, the first assisted-living facility I emailed said yes, but they do their music programming on weekday afternoons and my full-time office job isn't that flexible. So we'll see what happens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIoP9mhhSLk
ReplyDeleteMy favorite of the three movements of the Mozart sonata I've been playing. Strangely, I am much better than I "should" be--as if I somehow have "help." I have not figured out what to do with this "gift" yet...
I won't send more links, but you're welcome to look sometimes if interested.
You could locate the nearest nursing home with a piano, and offer to play for them once a week.
ReplyDeleteThe quickest way to destroy Ahaṃkāra is through selfless service, and all the great saints speak of serving the sick, poor and hopeless.
That is an interesting idea! I will need to expand my repertoire of polished pieces so I don't inflict bad playing on nursing home residents, and learn some 20th century favorites. I will also have to get over my fear/nervousness about playing for others.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never guess who I saw outside my office building this morning--I think (85% sure) the swami you mentioned in your newsletter and in class (same guy both times, right?). I found a picture online, and I THINK it was the same man. People wearing orange robes and a mala do tend to stand out downtown. Not sure why he was there, probably he was not looking for a meal at the Rainforest Cafe.
Whatever gifts you give to people with love will be well-accepted. How "polished" a piece is does not have the same significance to your listeners as it does to you. Play your music for others with love.
ReplyDeleteWell, that is a good point Anon! One that I hadn't considered. When I was learning it was all perfection and discipline. One teacher would smack my hands with a ruler to make me play right (ouch!). I quit in college because I obviously wasn't a concert pianist (talk about all-or nothing thinking) and the years of discipline took all the joy out of it.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the first assisted-living facility I emailed said yes, but they do their music programming on weekday afternoons and my full-time office job isn't that flexible. So we'll see what happens.