Processing

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”

― Martha Graham

I was reminded of this quote today and thought it was worth sharing. This so beautifully sums up what I try to tell my students, and how I feel about music personally. And all art, really. It is not about the result, it is about the process! The product does not matter, but if we do not love the act of making art, then the product will not be very good either. But when we take joy in the process and refine the craft, the result is not only better, but more satisfying.