Music is such a powerful force in my life, I hardly know where to begin. Should I describe the way my fingers ache to touch piano keys when I'm away from a keyboard for more than a day or two? Or the complete fulfillment I experience when I'm playing with my handbell group and the 14 of us are like one big instrument, totally connected, and the music flows effortlessly toward the audience? How about the chills that run down my spine when the high school choir I'm accompanying achieves a perfect blend on that last chord, sending the final note soaring into the air? I love making music more than anything else I do.
But it isn't just the act of playing music that has been so life changing for me. Music has helped me face down my fears - of performing, of traveling, of speaking in front of people - and in doing so, has given me the confidence to pursue so many other avenues in my life. Through making music, I have met some of the most remarkable, inspirational people I have ever known, and made lifelong friends of all ages. And, most importantly, music led me to my true love. I met my husband when I was 13 and he was 15 - we were piano duet partners then, and have been partners in life for the past 30 years.
So you see, I could write a book about the importance of music in my life. It would be a book full of lyrical melodies, exciting rhythms, and fascinating harmonies. It would be a book that never ends, because for me, this song will go on forever.