I was completely surprised to discover during the course of my last composition that there is actually a technique available that ensures that each creative work you make is at or above the level of your previous work.
I would likely have argued against such a statement prior to this, on the grounds that creative work is in its nature not subject to the rule of technique, and must always contain an aspect of 'wildness' that leaves it free from such determination. As Rumi said " The Mystery is not made clear by repeating the question, nor is it bought by going to amazing places."
But it turns out that there is, as usual, a loophole to such a hard and fast rule.
The way to absolutely guarantee that your latest creation is at or above the level of your previous one is to not finish it until it is!
The piece I am have just finished is called The Little Teacher, and it has been nine months in the making. Even though I could see the pace of composing was so slow, with weeks passing before any new element would show up, something in me warned against any worry or sense of need to move it forward. As it was, almost half of the composition arrived in the final month (along with the understanding that it was a piece reflective of my eldest son, Ariel).I had been so taken with the previous composition, The Farmer's Cathedral, that I secretly doubted I would hit those heights anytime soon, but by the time The Little Teacher was finished, I could see that it had built on the strengths and gone even deeper in some areas.
So now, of course, I am aware that the next composition may have to be five years in the making! Who's in a rush?
Since the large majority who have remained on this list must at least be serious ( or newly listed, and will remove when they wish by clicking the link on the banner) about the subjects I am writing about, next month I will start to describe a deeper layer of awareness that can be part of giving life to the creative embers that may be awaiting a spark....
Gina will tell you it is no big deal, but she spent a year as the lead vocalist for the Cirque de Soleil and knows songs in 23 languages.
That is the kind of signal to look for when considering how deeply someone has understood music (or any other art) If they really have plumbed its depth, the resulting insight includes just how superficial social accolades really are - not that they should be dismissed, since they are very important in their context. But in the context of where the art can lead you, they are no big deal.
Gina joined Kinobe and I for an amazing evening of music on Whidbey Island, video below. She shares so many sensitivities with Kinobe, the four pieces we did together were absolute bliss! And we want more!
THE NOMAD TOUR
JUNE 24, 26, 27
See a video of the Victoria show with 'Sara' playing...
Created
by the Sara of the song!
Kinobe's five-piece African Roots band will make a special stop in Victoria to hold workshops and a special performance.
For information on the workshops check here.
The performance will be held at:
Unitarian Universalist Church
234 Menzies St, James Bay
7:30PM , tickets are $15 at the door.
