In my 64 years, I never quite imagined a time like the one we are having right now. I live in the Central Ohio area, near Columbus, and our Governor Mike DeWine, just issued a 15 day stay at home order. I don't think it will be simply for 15 days, so I am starting to look around my home, and determine how I will spend my time.
I have written before in this blog, about my beloved grand piano and how it has saved me and will save me in the months ahead. The piano to me means possibility. First, and foremost, I am taking lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, and she is using i-pads and i-phones to give on line lessons. Honestly, my first thought was "I don't think this can work." But when I really stop to think about it, these technologies are providing a way to connect. And connect I will.
I have also thought of borrowing my mother-in -law's key board when the weather gets better, and heading out to the front porch to put on an outdoor concert for anyone who will listen. I think it is possible for neighbors to hear some tunes and still maintain their 6 feet of obligatory distance.
I have been playing once a month at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and right now all visitors are stopped from entering the hospital. So music at the James through the Heather Pick Music Program appears to be on hold. So again, when the weather gets better, I may simply head outside and give the naybors a small element of relief. There was a recent story on the Today Show, where two young cellists right here in Columbus Ohio, entertained a neighbor sheltering in place on her front porch.
I have also thought about, the music I would like to learn, and now perhaps I have the time to learn it. I don't want to give up on a Bach Prelude or even another Mozart Sonata. I have some challenges right now in my practice efforts, working on use of the pedal and rhythm in duets. However, I keep thinking now is the time to choose something bold, and really learn it. Then I have my moments where I don't feel bold, but I feel scared, nervous, and even a little bit cray cray as my adult children like to say.
And for my blog followers, if you have a wide variety of popular or lounge lizard music, as I like to call it....perhaps now is the time to work on some of the measures in those songs that you have been meaning to break down, but you let them get away. Here is your chance amateur pianists of the world....Be bold, be big and dig in. Which makes me think I could work more on the use of grace notes instead of ignoring them, as I often like to do.
Looking ahead to beyond isolation, I think, wow perhaps it is the time to organize a concert of amateur pianists. Perhaps we can play for a cause. One near and dear to my heart right now, is my daughter's organization New Leaders Council here in Columbus, Ohio These wonderful young people are part of a national organization that recruits, trains and promotes a rising generation of progressive leaders. I've also considered a fund raiser recital for local artists, or an organization assisting foster youth aging out of that population. I don't know, but simply because I'm isolated I don't plan to stop dreaming ever!
So when you play your piano, thank your parents if they decided You should take piano lessons. Piano lesson are one more tool in the parental arsenal to expand your children's horizons, open their possibilities. Also, if you have a piano, and want to take lessons, explore in this challenging time a teacher who may be willing to teach you remotely. Again, this is a time of being bold. perhaps Winston Churchill's words must be taken to heart, "never give up, never give up, never give up." There is some boldness for you.
Think of the music, scales, exercises, waltzes, nocturnes, preludes, lounge lizard songs. You can play and you must play. You as an amateur pianist can change hearts and minds one note at a time!!!
