What a difficult time to be a human. These days many of us are questioning what is essential. Is live music essential? Is music essential to everyday life? Is classical music essential?
I believe all arts are essential, especially at at time when the an artist can use their public platforms to affect social change and be a magnifying glass for the lack of equality in our world. As Andrew Simonet says in his book Making Your Life as an Artist "our job is to ask rigorous and reckless cultural questions, do our research, and share the results." These times will change how we see music, hear music, feel music, live with music and use music to elevate voices who need to be heard. It's both terrifying and exhilarating to reimagine our performing lives online. I recently performed "live" for the first time in 5 months, in front of an audience of 4, and it brought me to my knees. The power of experiencing sound together, the energy of creating a sound narrative for others, the sound of my instrument in a hall, I was more vulnerable as a player than I had ever been before. It was a good day but also poignant as I cannot wait to make music for and with other people- in person! Until then, listen, create, learn, be kind, stay in touch and let's find a better version of ourselves together. See you ONLINE! |