I Want To Play Like Randy!

A good friend and fellow teacher posted a meme on facebook last night that read, “Being a musician is not something you choose.  It chooses you.  And when it does, all you can do is hang on for the ride of your life.”  I relate strongly to that sentiment.  There have been several crossroads in my life when I’ve considered doing something else, but always found my way back to music with more devotion than before.  When music chooses a person, it would seem that one of the biggest challenges is finding a way for the frustrations and difficulties to be overshadowed by the sheer love of it.  In doing that, the ride of your life becomes “scenic" and incredibly meaningful. 

Speaking with other keyboardists through the canvas of this podcast, I realize that each of my guests has said something incredibly helpful to me.  Rachel Solomon noted that there is a gig for everyone.  Adrian Heil pointed out the importance of actually practicing and learning about as many original keyboard instruments as possible.  Brett Epstein espoused an approach that encouraged versatility and following one's passions.  And the key phrase that stood out to me in Sandra’s interview was that she wanted to play piano like her dad’s friend Randy.  

I don’t believe she meant that literally, but I do think she was saying she wanted to be free.  Freedom in music performance comes from developing certain skills that fire off simultaneously.  The ear, the body and the eyes are all connected.  The sound and the motions are combined to create and when all of those cylinders are firing at once, there can be a sense of joy that, to me must resemble the state of ecstasy.  And when that mindset is achieved simultaneously with others, the synergy that results is spiritual.  It feels other-worldly energizing, eery and amazing.

I’m wishing all you freedom and joy in whatever path or profession you practice.  Today and everyday, may you play like Randy!