Pianist – Daniel Bachelis

The past few days I’ve been in quite a few stints with friends and relatives, and a common theme has developed, or perhaps I’m just a cold and bitter.

People make mistakes

People can let you down

People are sinners.

They cheat and lie and steal.

Well, not all of them, but a fair share of them sure do.  They don’t understand you, don’t listen, and all day long, you can argue and argue and never get anywhere.  Some people will never overcome their differences and that’s just the way it is, and there’s nothing you can do about it.  Like a family member who will never stop doing drugs and throw their life away, no matter HOW MUCH you try to convince them to cut the habit or rehab, or whatever.

Now…….that’s not my story, it’s just an example, but in terms of relationships, there’s been a lot of arguing and yelling among mine these past few days and that’s when I realized

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Music isn’t like people, it NEVER messes up!

Everytime you have ever practiced, music can never let you down, it can never fail you, or betray you, or ever mess up, nor will it ever be like your drugged up relative who will never get better.

Everytime you practice your playing WILL IMPROVE!!!  That’s how it can save you!  Some relationships will NEVER improve no matter how hard you try.  You can put in hours and hours and hours, and still nothing will have come of any of it.

If you put in hours and hours and hours at the piano, I’m pretty sure that your playing WILL improve, hence why practicing is perfect.  It will never let you down when you put in your time, and it can never fail, if you give it the chance to move you forward.

Now honestly, this is just my opinion, but here’s some practical advice.

Anytime you are having a rough time with life, or things are keeping you down, just try practicing.  I know there are days when I couldn’t practice happy songs in a bad mood, but don’t think about the mood of the song, think about the PRACTICE you are doing, and how it never fails!  No matter how bad your mood, no matter how bad life may have sent you a bad hand for the moment, when you practice, your musicianship is ALWAYS improving, and so you can take delight in the fact that despite all the horrible decisions or relationships you may have had crushing down on you, the practice that you do in this MOMENT will always make you a better musician, NO MATTER WHAT has happened in your life.

That’s my few cents for the day.  Hope that helps.  What are your feelings about practicing when in harsh times?  Does it help, or do you feel it hinders?  Let’s open this discussion for debate.  Any comments?  How do YOU feel about it?  I look forward to your comments.