I began the piano when I was 3 and started competing regularly when I was 11. Music is such a part of my life that I can't imagine life without it. To me, music is one of God's greatest gifts and in a way, it resembles God in its breadth and mystery. I have studied music theory for many years (Ok, I'm a theory nerd) but no one can explain why music affects people the way it does. It brings me closer to God and other people, and it's sometimes the best way I can communicate.
As a classical pianist, I've had my share of successes and my share of failures, for lack of better word. I've done hundreds of auditions, competitions, and concerts, only to find judgment at the end. Sometimes, it's positive judgment --- You win! Or maybe, to quote the latest thing I was told by an audience member after a competition: I just get goose-bumps when I think of you! (If only that audience member had been a judge!). Sometimes, the judgment is negative, even hurtful: There were technical deficiencies, and your playing was duller than the light in this room!
So what it comes down to in the end is: Who am I playing for, and why? First and foremost, I'm playing for God and his glory. If I ever lose that purpose, someone slap me and put me right :) Secondly, I'm playing for all the people in the audience who are in need of the beauty of music in their lives.
So win or lose, pass or fail, fly or fall, it's worth it. It's worth it for that one audience member that is touched, for that one person who needed to hear something beautiful, for anyone who experienced God's love, just for a moment.
1 comment:
beautiful vision. never lose sight of it.
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