Today, we're celebrating Michael, Educator and Amateur Violist! 🎉

Here's Michael's inspiring story, shared from correspondence I had with him a few years ago:

“Hello and thank you so much for all your support. I am in my late 40s now and thought I was too old to start learning viola.

However, I watched a woman in her late sixties learning to play on a TV program one day. I thought to myself; I have a twenty-year head start on her, and I became serious about playing.

I first rented and then purchased a viola about four years ago and found a viola teacher that could tolerate all my terrible noises and poor techniques.

As soon as I started seriously learning to play I ran into the typical stumbling blocks. I did not feel like there was enough time in the day to practice, and I was tired.

I discovered your YouTube channel one night while I was procrastinating from practicing my weekly assignments. I watched a session that concentrated on telling myself that I have enough time and that I want to play.

That lesson psychologically shifted my attitude towards curiosity about practicing. I started to enjoy practicing again and celebrated when I overcame a difficult piece or a challenging technique.

The following lesson was on mindfulness, and being in the now helped tremendously. I suffer from anxiety, and after 25 years working in corporate consulting, I have accumulated quite a few stress-related health issues.

Your lessons taught me to calm down, relax my body (especially my bow arm), clear my mind, and concentrate on the instrument and the music. I learned to enjoy playing again and practicing with a purpose.

Unfortunately, I injured my left thumb a year ago, and it took a year of physical therapy to regain range of motion.

One Friday afternoon, I picked up my viola and played it again for the first time in a year. The sound of the instrument, the smell of the varnish and rosin, and feeling the instrument vibrating in my hands and against my shoulder was touching. I had to close the door to my office because it seemed I had dust in my eyes or something.

You have made a tremendous impact on my life. I can tell you with 100% certainty that I would have given up on learning the viola if I hadn't discovered your YouTube channel and the great information you provided.

As a fellow educator earning my Doctorate in Education, I find that your lessons are always exceptionally well-thought-out, and your presentation is always first-rate. I will contact you soon about joining your classes!”

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Curious about how The Art of Freedom® could work for you?

Whether you're dealing with physical limitations, performance anxiety, or simply seeking to unlock greater ease and freedom in your playing, there's a path forward that inspires hope while honoring both your artistry and your well-being.

Send me a private message and ask me about my current offerings for private and group coaching. I look forward to connecting and exploring what's possible for your musical journey this fall!

With love,
Jennifer ❤️

*Michael is not his real name. Some details have been altered to preserve privacy.