Gratitude.
Time was I couldn’t think of more than two things I was grateful for. So first, I’m grateful for gratitude.
I mention a few flutists on my “Credentials” page. I would like to expand a little on that here:
Michel Debost taught me a few private lessons. He absolutely revolutionized my approach to the flute. I attended his studio classes while officially I was studying with some of his students, including the marvelous Claire Chase. I caught flute fever while I was there for sure, which launched me into an intensive year of practicing that resulted in admission to Yale.
I did not “study” with Eugenia Zukerman, but she was so kind in encouraging me to persist on my path as a flutist when I played for her at her place in Manhattan. It was not a lesson, so I cannot say I studied with her; but she implicitly taught such kindness, patience, and consideration. (There is information on the web that I studied with her, but it was mistaken and as of now seems to be remaining up due to some technical barrier!) I am so moved to see that she has published a book of poetry recently. I look forward to reading it.
Paula Robison! Grace under pressure! I met her first when I was twelve, I think, at a concert she gave in Stamford, Connecticut, where the foot joint of her new gold flute dropped off shortly into Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits. I haven’t taken a private lesson with her — yet. I recommend The Paula Robison Flute Warmups Book and her delightful YouTube tutorials.
Dianne Spitalny of Chappaqua, New York, who informed me that every teacher wants their student to surpass them.
Harold Jones. I wish I could have gotten to know him more. He showed me fearless style, service, dedication. I was glad to hear Hubert Laws reminisce about him at his memorial concert.
Okay, one could go on about flutists forever, they’re wonderful people. More objects of gratitude:
Good feeling in the mind. Some say it’s “the peace of the Lord”, some say it’s “the blessings of Buddha”; some people take it for granted, and some of us spend long dry periods searching for it. Always appreciated, and the basic thing one would wish for others, isn’t it?
My “essential tremor” in the right hand: Very essential! Slowed down my performance plans, focused me on teaching and composing. Hurrah!
Every moment! You know, they say that musicians develop a finer sense of the divisions of time, so for us, there are even more moments! Hurrah again!
Whoever suggested gratitude lists! This is great. I think I’ll try to pin this at the top of my blog and keep adding to it….