From Fear to Fortissimo: Embracing the Piano on Stage

Taking a leap of faith into the unknown can be daunting, especially when it involves something you have never done before. As a stage performer, I recently found myself in this situation. For the first time, I am taking on the challenge of accompanying myself on the piano while I sing, deviating from my usual practice of hiring a pianist. This journey is not only about music but also about personal growth, facing my fears, and ultimately believing in my own potential.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

When the suggestion to accompany myself was first made by someone involved in the upcoming Seattle Cabaret Festival, my immediate reaction was to say no. It felt impossible and far too intimidating. I had always relied on someone else to play for me, and the thought of being vulnerable on stage by performing all on my own sent shivers down my spine. However, I remembered my personal motto: "there's nothing you can't do, unless you decide not to do it."

This simple statement became my rallying cry. I began to reflect on the fact that every time I’ve faced a fear, I came out stronger. So, I decided to embrace the challenge and dive into this new endeavor.

The Importance of Believing in Yourself

As more people step forward to unveil and explain the secret—or the law of attraction—the phrase "I'll see it when I believe it" is gaining traction, contrasting the old adage "I'll believe it when I see it." I'm a staunch advocate of this new perspective because it holds a profound truth: you are only as capable as your beliefs allow you to be. Ultimately, it's up to you to unlock your own potential.

Embarking on a new adventure can feel like navigating a terrifying, Stranger Things-esque realm. You have a choice: focus on the shadows of fear that surround you, or turn your attention to the glimmer of light in the distance that beckons you forward, guiding you as long as you persist. Throughout my 45 years of life, I've achieved many things by embracing this principle, often without even realizing it. Now, as I embark on the journey of playing the piano while singing, I feel like I'm rediscovering that magic all over again.

Facing your fears is following the light.

Belief in oneself is crucial, especially when taking on challenges that push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Dr. Joe Dispenza teaches that doing something different and new can cultivate new thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By committing to this musical venture, I am not only learning to play the piano; I am also rewiring my mental framework.

I started slowly only about five weeks ago, practicing short excerpts of a few songs. This kind of incremental progress can instill confidence. Setting smaller, achievable milestones allowed me to celebrate each victory and build upon it. Progress does not happen overnight. It took me weeks to reach a point where I could play an entire song. And every time I had a tough time, I just kept looking for the light...

Navigating the Learning Curve

Every new skill comes with its learning curve. There were days filled with frustration when the notes didn’t come together as I had hoped. I'm not used to playing off of just chords and I've had to put my music theory hat back on again (after all, I did minor in music theory while slaving away at my Engineering degree). Additional anxiety arose from the Cabaret Association's requirement of memorizing my music, without any sheet music or lead sheets to fall back on. However, I chose to persevere.

One of my newest tattoos, a reminder of what got me to where I am today in many aspects of my life.

Every practice session involved making mistakes, stumbling over notes, and even questioning whether I would ever be able to perform as I wanted. But instead of fear, each of these experiences became an opportunity for growth. Over time, my familiarity with the melody and chords increased. I developed a sense of rhythm and connection with the piano that I had never experienced before. It feels so liberating!

From Doubt to Confidence

Eventually, what once seemed impossible began to feel within reach. Three weeks into my journey, I successfully memorized my first complete song. The exhilaration of this achievement was unparalleled. Next thing I knew, to further challenge myself, I decided to add another song to the performance! I've been working on that now for about a week and it's coming along.

Don't get me wrong; every now and then doubt will come back and linger, particularly as the date of the show approaches. Yet, looking back at my progress encourages me to keep pushing through the fear. I remind myself of all the milestones I've achieved and the numerous mistakes I had overcome.

Today, I can confidently say that what I initially perceived as an insurmountable challenge became a source of pride and confidence. I transformed my apprehension into enthusiasm, allowing my passion for music to shine through.

Juts go towards the light, and growth will come.

The Power of Encouragement from Fellow Artists

Many artists I know have shared their own experiences with the fear and trepidation that comes with playing the piano while singing. They have encouraged me to take the leap, reminding me that they too faced similar challenges when they first attempted to merge these two skills. Once they pushed through that initial fear, they found it to be an incredibly freeing experience that fueled their passion to perform even more. Their stories of triumph have inspired me to embrace the same journey!

Aiding Hands and Bold Encouragement

In addition to the encouragement from my peers, I have received invaluable coaching from a colleague who generously took the time out of his day, free of charge, to offer tips on one of my songs. His guidance not only helped refine my skills but also reinforced the idea that collaboration and support are key to growth as an artist.

Moreover, my friends and husband have consistently encouraged me to be bold in my pursuits. Their unwavering belief in my potential has been a driving force, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new musical horizons. With this collective encouragement, I feel empowered to take risks and embrace the joy of performing.

The Journey Continues

I encourage anyone facing a similar fear or challenge to consider taking that first step. Reflect on what you want to achieve, break it down into smaller parts, and embrace the discomfort. The only way to truly grow is to put yourself out there and try something new. And remember -- follow that light. If you don't see it, trust that it's there.

Check out the video of my progress below. Remember, the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.

Just as Dr. Dispenza emphasizes, taking action toward our goals can create new experiences and, ultimately, a new version of ourselves. So, what will you try next?

See It Come to Life in May!

Come check out my cabaret show in May at the Seattle Cabaret Festival. Click here for details and links to tickets!