It seems like almost everyone I know (myself included) is going through some major and challenging life changes right now: breakups, foreclosures, job losses, moving, legal battles, money trouble, restlessness, scandals, loss of loved ones, losing homes in fires… the list goes on and on.
I am just beginning to clear my mind of a little of my own funk. I have found that two things help me get through a rough time more than anything else: A. Doing things that I love and B. Sharing those things with the people I love.
Luckily for me, there are many things that satisfy “A.” (Truth be told, there are probably too many things that do, but that’s a post for another day.) One thing that has been there for me 27 of my 31 years on this planet, however, is music. I’ve mostly played the piano, though I love to sing and have experimented with the violin and the flute (no, not in a “this one time at band camp” sort of way…)
I have always been reluctant to share my music. It is my sanctuary when things go wrong in my life. I had always feared that if I played and people didn’t like it, it would somehow lose its healing power. That and the fact that I was teased about it pretty ruthlessly in school, which pretty much makes anyone reluctant to revisit anything…
This past year has been pretty eye-opening to me, however. I have learned to be a lot more open to new people, new ideas and to trying new things. So, in an attempt to share the love, I offer two of my very favorite Satie songs to play on the piano when I am feeling blue:
I recorded myself playing these using my digital piano (Yamaha S90ES- best digital piano ever), some fancy gadgets that hook up to my computer, and Cubase recording software. I’m hoping to continue recording more music, perhaps a bit with some vocals if I can figure out how to use my microphone properly and either work around its presence in front of my keyboard or work on my ability to record the vocals and instruments separately (not an easy task when you are used to doing both simultaneously). And maybe, just maybe, I will include some of my own compositions in time.
Anyway, that’s my little virtual hug. Go do something you love and share a little with someone else. Passion and compassion are great healers.
7 Comments
I find it to be interesting you should make an American Pie reference. I just found out perhaps one hour ago that the two producers I’m working with on Final Destination 4 have worked on pretty much every American Pie Film that has come out.
It’s just all good times. I also intend to listen to the music when I get home and off work.
Why in the world would you be afraid to share that??? You’re amazing at it! I, for one, have nothing to offer that faintly compares. Absolutely gorgeous!
Awsome !
Eric- that’s funny. Don’t you just love imdb? It’s odd that I would have made that reference, too. I’m an Alyson Hannigan fan, but I’m not a huge fan of the movies or anything. I don’t often quote them.
Greg- thank you. I really appreciate that. I’m sure you have plenty to offer (including season 1 of Futurama).
Twigs- muchos gracias! Thank you for helping me set it all up!
I have been reading your blog for two nights
now, trying to figure out where you live.
I need a date for 2012
I miss my friend
Where did you find the sheet music for Gymnopedies? I have been looking for awhile.. and I don’t want to pay monies
Nathan… hmm. Well I paid for a book of Satie’s music, but, perhaps I could send you an email in a week or so…