"This is cool" . . . In the zone with black key Improv!

This afternoon during the 2:00 adult RMM class, we were improvising with voices chosen by the students. One of the ladies in class always groans when we get ready to improvise. After a few minutes, I suggested we try some voices: shamisen, koto, pan flute, shakuhachi and harp. I said, "Let's listen carefully to each voice and decide how each of our instruments fits into the orchestra." The shakuhachi (a toned bamboo instrument) kept the beat. The harp plucked 2 notes at a time and played occasional glissandos. The pan flute played long sustained tones. We were all transported to a different place - we were in the zone. This improv sounded like a soundtrack from a movie. As I was observing smiling faces, obviously caught up in the moment, totally enjoying themselves, I happened to glance at the lady who usually complains about improvising. She caught my eye and I read her lips, she whispered, "This is cool." Did I mention, I love my work!

The RMM Journey for Facilitators

I just returned from MTNA National Convention at Disneyland. We were so fortunate to have had a dedicated track for RMM on Pedagogy Saturday. It was wonderful to hear inspiring and heartwarming stories of how music had changed the lives of students. And how the experience of facilitating RMM classes had changed the lives of teachers. As I visited with many talented professionals who had been touched by the message of Recreational Music Making, I was reminded of my own journey. The transformation doesn't happen instantly for most. It seems to start with a resonating message; music has the power to change lives. Did I want to invest my life teaching people to play the piano or did I want to be involved in changing lives. My philosophical evolution took several years - and RMM facilitating has now become my mission. If you're an RMM facilitator on 'the journey', be patient with yourself. There are thousands of people who are just waiting for someone like you to give them permission to play the piano.