Just Practice

I decided that what remained for me to do was to practice. I collected my violin and bow and began to play, one note at a time.

I recently had the most fascinating dream, it lingered throughout my day and fortunately I had a moment of discipline to capture what I could.

In my dream I was invited to play a violin in a large, public performance. As I sat in the orchestra I was amazed by my position. When I opened the sheet music I was surprised at the complexity of the notes.

I turned to the conductor and confessed that the level of music was beyond my ability. He was not phased.

There was another young female performer who was preparing for the performance. She was carrying about her steps of preparation. 

I decided that what remained for me to do was to practice. I collected my violin and bow and began to play, one note at a time.

There was no pressure, merely the opportunity to become more proficient with the music.

My G string suddenly broke and I wondered if this was a sign that my playing moment was over.

I described my situation to the conductor and he reassured me that there was a “special violin” that he could take a string from.

He went to a collection of instruments and removed the string as promised.

The new G string was installed and I resumed practicing. 

The dream finished before my performance, however I was clear that everything was going to work out beautifully.

What was clear from this dream was that anything is possible. Music is within each of us and all we are required to do is pick up the instrument and commit to practicing, one note at a time. And finally, that there were others in our respective music communities who would show up supportively.