With the end of the spring Easter / Passover season, many of us singers, accompanists, and musicians are taking a well-deserved day or two to decompress, rest, and reflect.  I am no different and have been thinking about my experiences from the past week.  The singers I accompanied this week were good - I mean EXCEPTIONALLY good.  I am fortunate to get to make music with these folks week after week, so I know they are good, but this week something was different.  Why? 

I got feedback, too, that my piano playing was worthy of specific commentary.  One person came up to me after a service on Thursday night to thank me for a specific piece and said “the spirit of the music was definitely in me on that number.”  Why?  Don’t get me wrong.... it WAS better than normal that night.

- Maybe it was because it hadn’t been in play for the last six weeks after months of doing it weekly, so it felt fresh and alive.

- Maybe it was because it was a special occasion and everyone was excited for the coming weekend holiday.  

- Maybe it just sounded better that night.  We had extra instrumental musicians and an enhanced microphone/sound system setup which added to the energy level.

- Maybe it was no more complicated than we were all just ... “in the zone”

“In the zone” .... “On Fire” .... “Can’t Miss” ..... There is much discussion out there on how we find that special feeling when sharing our art and more importantly how we STAY there once we do.  I am not going to pretend that there is a magic answer here, but what I can do is share with you my personal strategies to be certain I am giving my best self every time.  Honestly, these are good tools to make every day a great day no matter what you are setting out to do - work, play, spend time with family/friends, whatever.

- Gratitude:  I love to play piano and I love to accompany singers even more.  Every time I get to do that, I am grateful for the opportunity to share.

- Preparation:  Music in order, song roadmaps written out, arrive earlier than on time to be settled and ready before everyone else arrives. 

-  Respect:  Just because we have played these numbers dozens if not hundreds of times (in practice or in front of people), do not assume that everyone else has.  This may be the first time for someone.  They deserve to be respected enough to get our best work - every time.

So what made Thursday Night different from all other nights?  I was MORE grateful - as I was given the opportunity to play new and old pieces all night that challenged me technically and musically.  I was WAY more prepared than any other night after hours of practice.  And lastly, it was a solemn religious service for people that went out of their way to be there.  The energy in the room was electric and I couldn’t help but give my very best.  

These simple concepts add up to helping me arrive on fire, ready to go, and smiling from ear to ear.  If I am lucky enough to be your accompanist, you can count on me for that every time!