Last week, I wrapped up what I fondly refer to as “March Musical Madness.” This year, my March musical travels as a visiting artist took me to Kenmore, Mukilteo, Whidbey Island, and Everett.

As a visiting artist for the Washington State Music Teachers’ Association for the past five years, I’ve worked with students and teachers in a variety of locations across Washington state. Each student who signs up for the Music Artistry Event (called MAP) performs two pieces and receives feedback in the form of written comments and a mini-lesson with the visiting artist.

There are several visiting artists working across the state throughout the entire month of March. In all, I listened to, wrote comments for, and worked with approximately 150 students. Although the schedule is grueling – with long days and travel away from home – it is truly a privilege to work with these students and to meet so many dedicated teachers.

With this in mind, you can imagine my surprise when I crossed paths with a former teacher at one of the events. While we were chit-chatting, I asked her, “Are you still doing any playing?”

She flatly responded with a question, “What’s the point?”

I was caught off guard. For once, I had no words. Her question was left hanging in the air as we parted ways. However, I was thinking of a response long after the conversation.

What is the point?

Well, let me count the ways……

The point is connection. Music brings people together – of all ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints – around the shared goal of practicing, creating, and listening to music. Connecting with one another through music makes the world a more connected and humane place.

The point is healing. In my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier, I explore countless examples of how music in the 1800s provided solace, hope, and healing during difficult times. As people fought to hold onto their culture or made their way across the continent in covered wagons and set up homesteads in challenging landscapes, music was a touchstone, a candle in the darkness.

As in centuries past, music still heals. For example, in my own life, focusing on my musical studies and activities provided a comfort and grounding when my dad died in a car accident when I twelve.

The point is legacy. Music is a way of traveling through time. Every song, every piece carries echoes of culture, values, aesthetics, and history—the good and the bad. Music helps us make sense of the world we live in by creating, performing, and listening to works that reflect the spirit of their time.

Consider Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony, composed in 1893, which encouraged other leading composers to draw from homegrown musical traditions. What great musical work will our current moment in history yield?

The point is joy and celebration. Throughout history, we’ve turned to music to celebrate life’s big events as well as the small moments: births, friendships, weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, falling in love, the day to day workweek and weekends. Our lives are enriched by the joy of teaching, practicing, performing, listening, and dancing to music. Music brings laughter, delight, and lightness to our days.

The point is personal growth and discovery. As lifelong learners, teachers, performers, and listeners, music challenges us and expands our minds and hearts. As a devoted music student myself, I’m continually inspired to grow as a musician, teacher, and lover of music. The more I learn the more I realize how much there is to explore.

The point is inspiration. A treasured memory from this past month: I was working with an eight-year-old on Whidbey Island. After she performed her pieces, we worked together on connecting and shaping her legato phrases within her lovely melodic piece. When our mini-lesson was finished, I asked, “How do you think this sounds now?”

She beamed and responded, “I think I sound like an angel.”

Moments like this are the point!

ff you’re curious about learning piano, I invite you to explore my course Play Piano Today: An Introductory Online Piano Course. It’s a self-paced, elegant introduction designed to guide you along your own musical path. Learn from the comfort of home in your own time with an experienced teacher.

This summer, my musical adventures have included the WSMTA Conference (Washington State Music Teachers’ Association) in Spokane, Washington; the OCTA National Convention (Oregon California Trails Association) in Pendleton, Oregon; and The American Road Show Concert – featuring Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and Chris Stapleton at the T-Mobile Stadium in Seattle.

WSMTA Conference highlights included connecting with music friends and colleagues while attending workshops, lectures, and concerts. I reunited with my college piano professor and friend, Steven Hesla, now retired from the University of Montana. I also presented a session on Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier, based on my book of the same title.

Our featured conference artist was Connor Chee, a native Navajo pianist/composer. His evening concert featured a dreamy and emotive program packed with solo piano pieces inspired by traditional Navajo songs and stories. My favorite was a piece called Weaving. Listen to the music of Connor Chee here.

Joe, my wonderful other half, traveled with me to Pendelton, Oregon, home of the confederated tribes of the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla. The OCTA conference took place in the Wildhorse Casino which is where we also stayed. In the evening, and early morning, Joe and I enjoyed walks around the beautiful grassy areas surrounding the Wildhorse as we took in the scenery including the gentle Blue Mountains. We also visited the Pendleton History Museum and the Pendleton Woolen Mill, which is best known for vibrantly colored woolen blankets.

Just a few days after the Pendleton Trip, Joe and I attended the American Road Show with Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and Chris Stapleton at T-Mobile arena in Seattle. Sheryl Crow kicked off the show with her rockin’ band – I loved her music in the 90’s and she’s still going strong. My favorites included All I Want to Do is Have Some Fun, Soak up the Sun, and The First Cut is the Deepest. Watch her tiny desk concert here.

Next up was Willie Nelson (91 years old) who walked onstage with his trademark braids tied back with a bandana while holding his trusty OLD guitar, “Trigger.” He sat down, and instantly launched into Whiskey River Take My Mind. He didn’t stop there! He delivered four more songs in rapid succession before taking a break to address the audience. He delivered incredible guitar playing and seasoned vocals with every selection- all the while backed by his trusty bandmates. The harmonica player, Mickey Raphael, has been with him for 51 years. Now that’s some dedication! My favorite songs were Angel Flying too Close to the Ground, Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys, and Bloody Mary Mornin’. For a short set featuring Willie Nelson, check out his 27 minute concert on NPR.

Just as the sun sank over downtown Seattle, the man of the hour and his band took to the stage with an epic live version of one of his newest hits, White Horse. His searing vocals, musical artistry, and death defying vocal and guitar playing agility came through loud and clear throughout the stadium. The band punched out one hit after another some slow and sultry such as Cold, and You Should Probably Leave. Other selections were raucous and edgy such as a version of Free Bird, and Think I’m in Love with You. He also gave the best band introduction EVER…. improvising a vocal solo for each band member over the chords of Tennessee Whiskey. He introduced his wife and backing vocalist, Morgane Stapleton, last… saving his best improvisation for the love of his life. Be still my heart! I recommend watching Chris Stapelton’s Tiny Desk Concert from 2015 here.

There is nothing like live music in Seattle in the summer, and this concert soared with one high quality performance after another! The Seattle Times wrote a thorough review of the concert which you will find here.

After the trifecta of musical experiences, I’m home for the month of August, teaching, practicing, and preparing for fall performances and events.

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