As a classically trained pianist, I understand black and white keys very well. Through the years, my teachers would stop me if I missed a beat, a rest, or a note. When I became a piano teacher, I too stopped students for incorrect rhythms, missed beats of silence, and missed notes. The prize for playing perfectly is getting the next piece in the repertoire, which will also be practiced into perfection.
Several years ago, I realized a somewhat paralyzing parallel in my life . . . somehow those lessons of learning and memorizing the black and white keys on a piano bled into other aspects of my life. Knowing the “black and white” of living guided my decision-making. Safe. Rules and regulations. Perfection. As it turns out, that kind of living is a perfect lead into hesitancy in trying anything new . . . anything outside the lines. Rule followers and perfectionists often ask, “What if I can’t do it? What if I fail? Someone else will do it better than I will. It’ll be easier if I stick to what I know.” Afraid of failure? Or is it a fear of success?
Concerts featuring piano are certainly enticing, but have you experienced jazz? Unusual rhythmic patterns, syncopation, blue notes, running bass lines, enharmonic tonalities make for imperfect, but oh, such interesting sounds. There’s no use fighting it. It just happens. Explore it. Appreciate it. Learn from it. Love it. Watch closely for the resolutions and the evolvement of the piece. Jump into the light, playful parts and explore the dark, sad blues. Sultry, mysterious, sad, sexy, fun, swinging, inviting, repelling, improvisational.
Music? Bring on the classical. Life? Try jazzin’ it up.
Leave a Reply