Hi all! I just wanted to write a quick update in advance of my graduate recital tomorrow! I’m very excited to present an all-original recital consisting of math jazz/rock, solo works, and neoclassical trio music. Thank you to all the musicians who have put in hours of rehearsal and practice time to make this music awesome; none of this would be possible without them. Jen, Chandler, Miguel, Chase, Kevin, Eya, Bailey, Anna, and Elliot are some of the some of the best musicians and people I’ve met, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work with them. I’m placing the livestream link below, and should have video and audio recordings later in the semester! I hope you enjoy a fun evening of eclectic music! ~Emma
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Hi all!
I hope 2021 is treating you well, and I hope you are treating yourselves well too! And when I say ‘treat yourself,’ I’m not referring to taking bubble baths, engaging in Netflix binge sessions, and consuming the occasional doughnut. What I mean when I say ‘I hope you’re treating yourself well’ is this: I hope you are being kind to your past self, intentional with your present self, and wise with your future self. And that is the concept I want to write about today. The idea of ‘self-care’ can sometimes become destructive, if we use it as a way to avoid responsibility, avoid engaging with loved ones, or as an excuse to gorge ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying life, or taking some time to relax. However, when we use ‘self-care’ as a catchall and a mantra, we can run the risk of wasting our time, our health, and our resources. That’s why, when we think of ‘self-care’ and how to apply it in the healthiest way, it’s wise to think about 2 things:
An act of ‘self-care’ should be beneficial to you. And sometimes that means that the action isn’t something meant to de-stress you or take you out of world for a minute. Sometimes, the action can be something as stressful and difficult as taking a licensing exam. But the cost-benefit ratio is overwhelmingly positive: pass the exam, you get a new job opportunity/pay raise/certification. In taking the action, you’re taking care of your future self, and the growth you’ve done in preparing for the exam has benefited your present self as well. As a musician, I’m constantly thinking about the future. I’m not only composing works for future events, I’m also working and saving, researching emerging job markets for musicians and creatives, applying to opportunities that open up (commissions, competitions, etc.), and exploring/planning hypothetical career moves. I enjoy living in the moment, but I’m motivated to plan what I can of the future I want, because if I don’t, then I won’t hit my goals. Having a target is better than having a vague idea of what a successful life is to you, because even if you miss the bullseye, you’ve still shot the arrow in the right direction (and hopefully hit near the bullseye and not swung wide and hit a real bull). Some of the things I’m doing to aim at the target: 1) Create doors that have yet to be opened or shut. All this means is that if I don’t see an open door waiting for me, I’m taking steps to build the door myself—even if someone else has the final say whether it opens to me or not. Basically, I’m extending my professional self outward: applying to competitions and festivals, contacting other industry professionals, etc. 2) Set financial goals and use my assets wisely. I have several goals in life, but some of those goals require wise usage of resources. Sacrificing certain things now (larger apartment with more studio space, fancy tricked-out keyboards, new curtains, monthly entertainment subscriptions, a TV, etc.) will wind up paying me back later in my career and in my life. Intentionally saving and putting money towards the future will only benefit my future self. And, of course: 3) Continuously compose! A last thought: In a discussion with a close friend several months ago, this topic of discipline came up. She put this idea of taking care of yourself like you’re taking care of someone you love in a way that astounded me. “This is just the ‘me’ that is mine.” This is the person you are, the person you’ve been given to love and to govern and to nurture. Take your insecurities out of picture for a moment, and take care of your ‘me.' Discipline yourself, create opportunities for yourself, read and draw and relax and compose and learn for yourself. And, by truly disciplining, honing, and taking care of all of yourself—present and future—you WILL be your best self. Take care, and treat yourself well this year! |