Oh, how I would like to do nothing all day, bask in the sun, go to the beach, come back to grill a few things on the Barbie and spend the evening reading a book that’s both easy and entertaining.
I remember the summers of my youth. I used to do just that: nothing. And I was happy. I didn’t got to the swimming pool, though. I did nothing. All day I would be yawning. It was great. The sun would be heating up my dad’s apartment and I would spend most of my time in front of the TV. I would eat whatever my stepmom would cook, usually something like sautéed liver or white asparagus (didn’t like it but made me a good strong boy). I would have the afternoon for myself with not much to claim for. The truth is I was slowly dying of boredom is what I was doing. My body and brain on idle 24/7. Nothing to do, nothing to think. I hated every minute of it. It was terrible.
Now, my summers or part of it are what you receive every business day in your email from me: blogs. That’s what’s immediately visible to you guys because I spread it around. The second part is the preparation of lessons. I write new pages every week for my students, accompanied by play-along songs, of course. That never stops. There is always an angle I haven’t considered yet, something I’ve not done. I can’t take a break because I am catering to two instruments: Piano and Drums. That’s a lot of work. A lot. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though. Fun!
I also have to practice. That’s another eternal one. I bet you that on my deathbed I’ll be bothered because I would miss practice once I’m dead. I am on the horse every day. Right now I am pushing my skills in piano. Got to do a couple hours on them keys. Can’t skip. I am pushing the scales, arpeggios, interpretation, harmony, improvisation, reading. And although I am doing a lot, I live with the guilty feeling I could be doing more like reading biographies of famous musicians, developing my ear or working on arrangements. There is always something to discover, to dig in music. It’s unbelievable. Some people, but that’s rare, accumulate a lot of knowledge about it like Nadia Boulanger or Quincy Jones. I can’t imagine the amount of data stored in their brain. My goal is to keep at it my whole life, not to catch up with them, I never will, but just keep studying. What a goal!
These days I am also working out. And, let’s not forget the house chores like cooking or doing the laundry. I am busy, let me tell you.
These are my summers. I am going from early morning to night. Now, I am not stressed about it. Quite the contrary, this is my normal pace. I am very relaxed. It’s a pleasant cruise.
Wait! Did I forget something? I think I did. I forgot my load of students! A full schedule, no less. I teach many hours every week. I enjoy that too, immensely.
So, let’s resume. If I compare the summers of yesteryears to the current one, my preference go to today’s summers hands down. Not bored anymore, I’ve been cured of that for good. Now, I take care of music, the greatest friend anybody can have.
