Insecurity has always created a heightened awareness of detail in my musical career and it is, frankly, exhausting. I’ve written before about music and its ability to transcend. There is something special when a performer seemingly gets lost in the music and you get lost with them. When I am playing, this rarely happens.

My musical satisfaction is much greater in those moments where I feel like I’m really able to just let go and play. But most of the time, I find my focus on the details, the notes, what passage or movement is coming next. This isn’t even because I don’t know the music, because I do; I just can’t turn my brain off. It’s possible but these events are the exception, not the norm.

I’m wondering what the answer is. How do I consistently turn off and let it happen? I don’t know, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.