Embracing the Stage: My Journey Back to Music Performance
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Reclaiming the Stage
A few months ago, I took the plunge and performed music in front of an audience for the first time in many years. It was a profound experience that I didn’t realize I needed until it happened.
Initially, when I attended a piano meetup, I merely observed from the crowd. I chuckled when the host joked that every performer had to make at least one mistake to avoid being kicked out! It was inspiring to see pianists of various skill levels take the stage, sharing their practiced pieces.
This community of piano lovers gathered bi-monthly to play. Participants of all ages came together, showcasing their efforts, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of their chosen pieces.
I admired the courage displayed by even those who appeared visibly anxious. I noticed their hands tremble, making it challenging to play, yet they pressed on. They faced their fears head-on, embodying the true essence of bravery. As Nelson Mandela wisely noted, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
The audience's support was heartwarming. When someone faltered and expressed their inability to continue, the crowd would cheer them on, urging them to either keep going or start over. Having shared this experience of stage fright, they responded with empathy, encouraging performers to persist.
Motivated by this environment and the encouragement from my dear friend Kristen, I decided to perform a piece at the next gathering. I chose a beautiful yet intricate composition by Philip Glass titled "Opening" from his album Glassworks.
But I wanted to do more than just play the piece. I aimed to convey that music transcends mere aesthetic pleasure; it holds deeper meanings.
The Wisdom Between the Notes
I want to share the video of my performance, but since it's in Spanish, let me provide you with a brief overview before you watch it below. For non-Spanish speakers, here's a summary of my remarks (you can skip to minute 2:13 in the video after this):
"Before I start, I’d like to reflect briefly on music because it represents more than just the beauty of its notes. The piece I will perform, 'Opening' by Philip Glass, illustrates the harmony found in differences. This is evident in the contrasting rhythms played by the left and right hands; the left hand executes duplets while the right hand plays triplets.
Often, we overlook the beauty of such contrasts in our daily lives, whether among individuals, groups, or even nations—a topic that is increasingly relevant today.
To illustrate this concept, I planned a quick clapping exercise. One group will clap in twos, as my left hand will do, while the other claps in threes. It’s a brief activity designed to fit within our six-minute performance limit.
[clap exercise]
Experiencing this makes it easier to grasp the concept. Through music, we see that when differences harmonize toward a common goal, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that would be impossible alone."
That's the gist of it! Now that you've endured my introductory remarks, here’s the video of my performance.
Finding Deeper Meaning in Music
So, what can you take away from this experience? Music teaches us valuable lessons about life and ourselves beyond its melodies.
As demonstrated by other performers, focus on overcoming your fears. We have all experienced that hesitation to step onto the stage—literal or metaphorical. Remember that courage does not mean being fearless; it means moving forward despite the fear. Keep advancing, even when anxiety threatens to hold you back.
Even when my hands shook and my voice wavered, I continued. Realizing that my message outweighed my momentary discomfort gave me the resolve to proceed.
Taking the next step becomes far more manageable with someone cheering you on. The audience’s support and understanding when a performer stumbles reveal the strength of a caring community. I was fortunate to have Kristen by my side at the recital, and the kindness of the crowd made the experience even more meaningful. They knew what I was experiencing because they had faced similar challenges.
Recall the times when someone’s encouragement helped you persevere, even when you felt like giving up. It is during those moments that a supportive network becomes the wind beneath your wings.
As I navigated those intertwining rhythms (2 against 3), I couldn't help but reflect on how our differences, much like contrasting musical notes, can come together to create something beautiful. This piece served as a reminder of the magic that unfolds when individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints find a way to harmonize.
Music has shown me how two distinct rhythms can intertwine and how both high and low notes are essential to create a complete experience. Without unexpected twists or contrasting beats, life would be monotonous and uninspired, and genuine innovation would never emerge.
So, whether you identify as a triplet or a duplet, communicate with one another, and discover ways to harmonize those differences. You may be surprised by the melodies that emerge.
Music takes on a richer significance when we invest our attention into it. It can remind us that in pursuing our next goal, we should seek deeper meaning. Find purpose in your endeavors, as it will fuel your motivation to persist.
Whether your next step is in music, your career, or personal life, embrace music's transformative power as you take that leap of faith.
Your next step might just lead to something extraordinary.
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