The Creator in Art: Part II

    You would think that the summer is a blank page when it comes to musical goals. In some ways it is. Practice time is unscheduled, lesson times change at random, camp may or may not be an option,  and unless you have an audition to prepare, you can run wild and free. Shake off the sometimes-shackles of ensemble music and delve into a new genre. For the classical musician, this can be the most exhilarating season. 

    

    Or not. 

    Last week I reached the over-saturation point. Music held no energy, my instruments seemed tired. I didn’t want to practice and I didn’t want to listen to music. After 6 performances of different types over 2 1/2 weeks, I needed a break. But, being what my teachers think is perfectionist, I didn’t want to waste the time. The only musical performance group I’m involved in this summer is opera. However, there is an hour and a half of music in The Magic Flute, and it won’t practice itself! Thankfully, I was forced to take a break while we traveled for our family reunion. What blessed vacation from music it was. I left my viola at home. I left my piano at home. (Not much chance of getting to take that anyway). I took my iPod, but not once did I use it. It stayed sequestered away in my pack. When we returned, I found a renewed vigor for “imposing my will upon unsuspecting air molecules”, as the famous quote says. Enthusiasm regained!

    And as always, God knew how beneficial it is to take breaks. He actually commanded it to be every seventh day. In our world few people really rest one day a week, and it makes me wonder how much more healthy our society might be if we did take the time to rest. Unfortunately the way certain professions are set up, it is impossible to someone to rest one day and not get dreadfully behind in their work. I think this is especially true for teachers, as well as physicians. In order to keep up, the teachers have to grade work and prepare for the next week. Most physicians and surgeons, in order to be able to refer their patients to a hospital, are required to spend an unhealthy amount of time on call at the hospital. 

    I feel for the people in those professions that drain the life out of people instead of invigorate them. Some rearrangement would help so much. The good news is that in music therapy I’ll be able to set up my own schedule, and it’s a highly interactive, non-office job. Can I hear a hallelujah?

    Amen!