In my former life as a scholar and corporate hustling musician, I racked up plenty of accolades, awards and what some might conclude to be a ‘pretty decent resume’ . . . But when you rely on playing music as a “career” or a means of financial sustenance no matter the circumstance — it can become commonplace to disconnect — to find solace in solely playing for yourself, or to justify your efforts with the ‘reward of money’. And in doing so, I felt as though I was living a lie and missing the whole point of music: a form of communication, an act of service, a healing agent and spirit lifter. Magic.    

And so I dropped what didn’t feel right. I simplified in order to re-align and reprioritize my actions, to better myself and the output of creation flowing through my vessel. Now I live a life that is full of challenges and freedom. An honest life that continuously jolts me into the present moment, so the music I play can be rich with truth, unpredictable and shoot straight from the heart. When music is full of life and rhythm, we can all work together to tune-in, share and connect. It is through the gift of Music and the Spirit of Music’s living, breathing lineage, that I learned this — and in following this instinct, I currently spend a majority of my time traveling the country with an upright piano in a van I built out myself, playing in nature and for/with people. Hope to see you out there!