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