Improvising in Music and Life
Musicians spend countless hours working on a piece of music. We study all aspects of its musical elements such as its structure, harmony, form, and rhythm. We study the score, memorize it. We master its performance technically. We find meaning by studying the composer, the socio-political context of their life. Singers also study the text, the poet, and the socio-political context of their life. All of this merges into a performance piece with a beginning, middle and end. The listener’s attention is held for a period of time as the swirling chaos of life is temporarily suspended. We enjoy the magic that was so carefully prepared.
Weeks, and for some months, before the holiday season we start planning what food to serve, what decorations and gifts to make or buy. We schedule grocery orders and errands. We clean, decorate, cook, set the table, choose the right music, and the list goes on. All of this merges into a beautiful celebration that has a beginning, middle and end. Guests feel welcomed in a warm place of comfort for a period of time, and the swirling chaos of life is temporarily suspended as we enjoy the magic.
…at least this is what we hope for. We all know life is not perfect, in the concert hall there is the audience member behind us coughing, and another one in front of us on their phone. At the holiday dinner there is the difficult family member looking for an argument, or the unexpected bad weather that slows everything down to a halt, or there is the empty chair at the table.
No matter how diligently we plan, we must be ready for the unexpected, and for the inevitability of change.
Balancing Certainty and Uncertainty
As a classical musician, I was taught to practice, practice, practice so I could be ready for anything. I cultivated such important skills as concentration, focus, patience, attention to detail, and precision. If I could remain unflappable and on task, I will do justice to the piece of music and offer the audience a rich musical experience.
I meditate in the morning so I can start the day with a calm and clear head. Through yoga practice, I do my best to maintain a flexible body and mind. Music improvisation teaches me that I can create my reality moment by moment. I can’t control what other players will do but I can control how I respond to them. These practices help me cope.
In my practice of improvisation, I cultivate mindfulness keeping my mind and ears open and flexible. My creative problem solving skills have improved a lot. I recognize that expectation and dread are pretty closely related.
Life is free improvisation, we live moment by moment always at the edge of chaos. It is a delicate balance as things can fall apart very easily if we let go. It takes determination and desire to make something work. It takes courage to let some things go, and a sense of humor to bring momentary relief. It takes compassion, curiosity and forgiveness to move through mistakes and misunderstandings. It’s about connection and mutual collaboration. It is about supporting each other.
This holiday season, I invite you to improvise. As we all become more open and flexible, we discover that we can move through the changes, navigate the darkness, and make the best of each moment that we have playing at the edge of chaos.
Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow
So Have Yourself a merry little Christmas now…
—“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane)