| We all want to be in the moment. That's where real | | | | Any instrument can be used to create this kind of |
| transformation takes place. For some, walking gets | | | | music but certain instruments lend themselves more |
| them there. Others like to play sports or watch movies. | | | | readily to it. Flutes, the harp, the piano, the Japanese |
| For me, it's playing the piano. When I'm in the moment, | | | | Koto - these instruments are often used to create |
| letting the music speak, it's like the world is new again. | | | | atmospheres that linger delightfully but really do not |
| The notes flow out of the piano into the air and I know | | | | want to go anywhere. Here in the West, we are used |
| that something magical is taking place. It may last a | | | | to a music that must pursue an ending course. We |
| minute or a half-hour. No matter how long it lasts, I | | | | must have a climax or a big finish or we are not |
| know that I've been transported to a special place. | | | | satisfied. Like a fireworks show, it begins and ends |
| Many musicians know of this place - especially | | | | with a bang. |
| musicians who know how to improvise. There is no | | | | There can be a struggle between creating a music |
| planning - only spontaneous invention. | | | | that comes from spirit or making music that pleases |
| Zen music in particular has an ethereal quality that | | | | the crowd. We can be torn between pleasing the ego |
| seems to grow organically. It starts and ends yet there | | | | or pleasing ourselves. To play piano in the "new age" |
| seems to be no starting or ending point. The music just | | | | style is to understand a music that isn't planned but |
| is - like a living being it just is there. It's like a fine | | | | allowed to become. Once this concept is understood, |
| perfume in the sense that it lingers in the air but does | | | | the music will flow. |
| not overwhelm or grow tiresome. | | | | |