Today, I’m sharing some of the reasons I play piano, and write music. I have listed some benefits of playing piano in general, but sometimes benefits and reasons can be two different things. So, take a moment, and see if any of my reasons resonate with you…
Piano and me: Our history.
I think it’s fair to say there has been a bit of a love-hate relationship with playing piano for me. Playing to a decent level, competitions, and passing exams is incredibly demanding. Although I love music, I did not always like what was expected of me and the ways I was expected to pursue it. Or even, was I meant to pursue it as an adult at all?
Nowadays, classical piano and I have reached an understanding. If I don’t feel like playing for a day or two, then I don’t. I can be a serious classical pianist and also a serious songwriter of EDM. Sometimes I want to play music for others, sometimes alone. I look for music which is unusual and does not always follow traditional cadences. I steer away from Baroque, and dive into the romantic period, which suits my playing more. I know what I like now. (Not to say I have not learnt my fair share of Baroque and Rococo for passing exams!)
I encourage my own students to think about the kind of musician they would like to be as well, because I believe it is my job to support their learning in a way which fits them. Yes, there will be some techniques you just have to learn, however I still treat each lesson and student individually. Ultimately, I want my students to enjoy learning piano or singing for many years to come.
Why I come back to playing piano.
Put simply: Playing the piano and writing songs allows me to express myself in a way that talking or reasoning cannot. I can explore new landscapes and get ideas and thoughts (good and bad) out into the open. Some people journal, I guess I play piano.
In a hectic world filled with noise, creating music is something I find quite peaceful (even when playing rousing Chopin, listening to Metal, writing EDM or singing Jazz.) It’s a retreat where I can immerse myself for a while. No matter how ‘good’ I get, there is always an element of concentration, and it dampens down whatever else I was thinking about. Even if it just for a short while.
Music challenges me to persevere and to problem solve. When I try to solve a puzzle I built, not only the solution is rewarding but the trial and error, because every part of the process is mine. It can also drive me to distraction, unable to rest until the puzzle is complete!
Connection
Music has a unique ability to connect people from all walks of life, and playing the piano, and writing music has allowed me to forge meaningful connections with others, when I have sometimes struggled to find other connections to people. I think people really get to know me better watching me perform. Not only has music enabled me to connect with others, but I think truly it helps me connect and get to know myself better.
Although I have attempted to do many things with my life, somehow, music always finds me. I knew from a young age that music was what I was meant to do in one way or another, I just needed to figure out exactly what I was meant to do with it, and how to achieve that. I am still learning what being a musician looks like for me. It is a sort of inescapable part of my life that shakes my soul up and soothes it at the same time.
Why I stay playing piano.
These are just some of the reasons I can explain, but there are many more I can’t. It’s a complex journey filled with passion, and endless possibilities. If I had to learn all over again, I would. I am grateful to be able to teach music and play piano.
