I love that the music we study is so in-depth and powerful and endless in insight and possibilities that everytime we come back to them we discover new perspectives and gems and details - this new enlightened, renewed fascination with the same notes we’ve been repeating and perfecting for so many tireless hours. There’s always more, more to find, more to improv, more to do justice for. And it’s so worth it. We grow and change and mature with our music, and I love experiencing and becoming aware of that constantly developing relationship. 

:D it’s been such a relaxing and amazing feeling to just wander into a cute coffee shop, put my feet up for a while, and read a beautiful book while sipping a cappuccino. A lot of getting the feel of the city is just that - getting the feel of it. The atmosphere, the mood of being there. Not necessarily seeing anything or doing anything particularly active or ‘special’. Sitting at a cafe or visiting a bookstore could do exactly that. And having a book on hand makes you feel comfortable there, like you belong there, you’re enjoying a special, peaceful time to yourself - you’re exactly where you want to be. 

Finally finished this sketch! Started the outline back in December but the challenge to portray the grandeur of this view from 3000 feet high was just too daunting. The magnificent mountain range, the tiny city of Santa Barbara in the distance, the Pacific ocean, ...the wisp of clouds streaming across the sky, like wings. Camino Cielo, "Road to Heaven". It really did feel like we were standing on top of the world. I still remember so vividly. 

This recording is from a live performance at Leipzig's Mendelssohn Academy in the summer of 2014. A piece very special to me. I first heard the NEC Symphony play this suite during my freshman year, and I fell in love with it right away. I learned the solo piano version and have since then, throughout my undergrad years, grown with the music through many, many experiences (both musically and personally).