Like my students, I have been looking forward to Fall Break. This is a busy time of year, as we’re prepping for recitals and Music Marathon, finishing up and recording compositions, looking ahead to Cavalcade, and now also adding in January Jazz registration. And like you, DVMTA and piano are not all I do. Add in choir rehearsals and concerts, church responsibilities, ball games and many other family activities, and it can seem overwhelming. The mind side of my Lokahi triangle can get a little overburdened.
Some of my students play very much from the mind side of the triangle. They neglect to add any sort of feeling to the notes on the page. As we approach performance time, I find myself singing, directing, even coloring in dynamics to help them play more musically. Others of my students are already very musical and play with lovely expression, but refuse to take the time to seriously work out the technical aspects of certain passages. They try to cover a lack of consistent fingering by adding creative flourishes, which can be fun but aren’t always appropriate. Helping students find the right balance of mind, body, and spirit in their playing is challenging, but oh, so rewarding when they get it. When my mind is full to the brim, it’s time to tend to the body and spirit sides of my triangle. That will look different for each person. Some may enjoy a strenuous hike or pounding workout at the gym. Others may escape into a pedicure or spa treatment. For me, getting outside for a walk, playing peaceful music on the piano, or taking time to read or sew makes all the difference. My brain clears; I am rejuvenated and ready to dive back in. Whatever helps you stay in balance, I hope you make time for that in the busyness of life. I know I find much more joy when my Lokahi triangle is stable.
I look forward to seeing you at Marathon later this month and at our general meeting on Friday, October 31 at 9:30 am in the LDS church building at 1100 N. Cooper in Gilbert. It will be our Cavalcade read-through, a chance to hear all the fun music on the list for this year. Registration opens that morning, and as a reminder, registration for Original Composition AND January Jazz will be due that day as well. See you there!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full October 2025 Newsletter
Some of my students play very much from the mind side of the triangle. They neglect to add any sort of feeling to the notes on the page. As we approach performance time, I find myself singing, directing, even coloring in dynamics to help them play more musically. Others of my students are already very musical and play with lovely expression, but refuse to take the time to seriously work out the technical aspects of certain passages. They try to cover a lack of consistent fingering by adding creative flourishes, which can be fun but aren’t always appropriate. Helping students find the right balance of mind, body, and spirit in their playing is challenging, but oh, so rewarding when they get it. When my mind is full to the brim, it’s time to tend to the body and spirit sides of my triangle. That will look different for each person. Some may enjoy a strenuous hike or pounding workout at the gym. Others may escape into a pedicure or spa treatment. For me, getting outside for a walk, playing peaceful music on the piano, or taking time to read or sew makes all the difference. My brain clears; I am rejuvenated and ready to dive back in. Whatever helps you stay in balance, I hope you make time for that in the busyness of life. I know I find much more joy when my Lokahi triangle is stable.
I look forward to seeing you at Marathon later this month and at our general meeting on Friday, October 31 at 9:30 am in the LDS church building at 1100 N. Cooper in Gilbert. It will be our Cavalcade read-through, a chance to hear all the fun music on the list for this year. Registration opens that morning, and as a reminder, registration for Original Composition AND January Jazz will be due that day as well. See you there!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full October 2025 Newsletter
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