Makin’ a List
Since the end of the year is coming, many people are spending a moment taking stock (which is a great idea, BTW!). My own led to a list of random thoughts that I, of course, felt compelled to share with you!
1. If you need gift ideas (or hints?) I stand by this list for ideas. I should have added index cards to keep a running collection of tunes you have learned (I talk about that here).
2. Regardless of whether you play for your own edification, the cat and the curtains, your church, paid audiences, or you’re opening for the Rolling Stones, never lose sight of the reality that you not only have a gift, but you sharing that gift with others simply magnifies it. Playing music is never a waste of time or resources.
3. Take care of you. Beyond basic self-care, never play through pain or in pain. Use good techniques, use the tools your teachers have shared with you – placing, fingering, posture, etc. But no matter how long you practice each day, there are still the habits of the other hours of your day that can gang up on you – darn day job! If you are developing discomfort or if you have allowed that discomfort to grown into pain, of if something else is impinging on your playing (I’m looking at you desk job keyboard un- functional posture) seek help from a Certified Music Ergonomist – like me*!
4. Take time to enjoy. Even as the hustle and bustle, the premanufactured stress of the season, the actual stress of life, and the chores pile up – you play the harp! Play the tunes you like (or those that come easily to you). Really listen, feel, and resonate with your instrument and draw some peace to you, in you, and around you. If it’s midnight and you’re keyed up, sit for just a moment and put a little disturbance into the air. Let the ick of stress, etc., ride those sound waves right out of you!
5. Is it possible to say thank you enough? I doubt it. So, sincerely, thank you for sharing your year with me. I really enjoy your thoughts, observations, and comments, and I remain delighted and grateful for you and your willingness to share!
Told you, just a jumble of thoughts. What’s on your list? Let me know in the comments!
* Shameless plug. But seriously, if not me, let me point you in the right direction~
Hi Jen,
#4 is so important to me- I trimmed down my expectations for Tom and my annual holiday Youtube recordings and stuck to a couple of tunes I really enjoy playing. I did add one new one which I completely re-arranged from the original (as usual). As a result I’m enjoying this hectic season, and playing my harp so much more.
Thanks for everything and Merry Christmas my friend!
Robin
I’m really pleased for you with how you tackled this holiday season! This time of year it is easy to lose sight of the fact that first and foremost, you have to enjoy playing or the music will become the victim. Can’t wait to hear your new arrangement! You are more than welcome and Merry Christmas to you both! 🎄💚
Jen, I want to begin by thanking you for your blog. I don’t always leave a reply but I do read them. This one is rather lengthy.
Your list.
1. About those gifts, there are a few that I would give to myself. The Snark – years ago I had one but it walked away. Might be time to try another. The
String Buttons, well from your most positive review, they are on my list. The Journal – I do keep a weekly lesson notebook to help remember what I am supposed to be doing. Maybe, I need a real journaling book and need to be creative like people we know.
2. A few weeks ago, I alluded to something special occurring in my harp life. I actually played in my church’s Festival of Lessons and Carols program. I did just simple RH melody for three hymns since there was also the piano and organ going on. And, I was in a trio of mandolin, guitar and harp for one song, Canticle of the Turning which is really Star of the County Down. Again, just melody since the mandolinista(?) and guitarist took care of the harmony and accompaniment. Even played my bodhran a bit. It went well. Huge step for me! (Maybe, I will do more?)
3. I really need to pay attention to self care. I saw a picture of myself playing for family at home and my seated posture needs some work. True, it was after a very busy week before last Christmas. And my poor hands, need to be more vigilant with the hand cream.
4. Procrastination plays a big part in my practice schedule. Always could do more, practice, that is. One of my favorite avoidance things to do is sit at my harp and noodle around. Arpeggios and the like in the left and right hand. Simple little patterns in the right hand, sometimes shifting the pattern to another key. I think this helps me with my not so great ear training, remembering the little bits. And, it is absolutely no stress.
5. Again, many thanks to you and your blog.
I read every one. And learn from a lot of them.
Have a peaceful and beautiful holiday!
Barb – thank you! I’m delighted that you do and I keep you in mind when I’m writing! 🙂 Happy Christmas!
you and Index Cards! arrrggghhh
i enjoy your blog muchly! you do like People and want Everybody to be as satisfied (pleased, even) as possible. very refreshing.
best in 2023!!
Aw, gush – thank you! And yes, get out those index cards 🙂
re index cards: good grief jen- you want folks to put MORE stuff on the harp table? LOL
🤣 Yes! There’s plenty of room on the table!