Sometimes, you hear and feel improvement in five minutes – but that, usually, is temporary. Nevertheless, improvement feels fantastic.

This past week, after approximately four or five lessons per student into the school year, I heard solid improvement across the board – in all of my students. Though this speaks to the teacher’s effectiveness, I never assume full responsibility for a student’s progress. The progress can happen only with dedication and sincere intention from the student. So, to all my students, “Bravi!” I’m so proud.

Improvement is tough to gauge on your own. You can’t always hear improvement in your own playing because you are too close, too intimate with your everyday practice. The changes are so subtle to really take notice. A teacher, on the other hand, is the perfect weekly friend to tell you either “Yes, you are going down the right path” or “No, we need to try something else.” So, use your ear and your body for guidance during the week, but don’t get too obsessed about improving immediately. Trust your teacher.

Summer was a pleasant combination of down time and busy-ness. It’s been just two weeks since I returned from Europe where I performed Mozart’s The Magic Flute in Salzburg. What an honor to experience it in the composer’s own hometown! Beautiful scenery and delicious gelato every day! When it was over, I spent a day in Lucerne, Switzerland and a few days in beautiful Paris. I can’t wait to go back.

Last night, I had a performance with the new music group After Everything. More and more, I feel that “new music” is one of many excellent arguments in the fight for live music. Often, I am not interested in buying a recording of a new piece, but I love the experience of watching musicians interpret the music, not to mention the anticipation and energy of listening in a group. The changes in the musical landscape of the past century have resulted in such an astoundingly varied repertoire that it’s impossible to not be excited about it. What’s important is that we the musicians must set the context for our audiences so they understand from whence the music is coming. Moreover, there are so many free opportunities to hear any kind of music played by very talented artists that there are no excuses for not supporting the local scene. So, get out there and listen!