Music is my Passion and Stress Relief

1.       1. Since starting Converse, I have often wondered what in the world I am doing. I absolutely love playing the piano but it has been a little overwhelming lately. I feel as if I am working on the most challenging pieces I have ever played, which is both terrifying and exciting. Lately I have been having trouble working on the music in small chunks. I have just been trying to push through the entire piece because I feel like I am running out of time. Some days I just sit in the practice room and wonder what I have gotten myself into. One of the pieces that helps me get through the times when my new music has me to my wits-end is Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca.” Whenever I get down and out I just start playing this piece and it completely takes my mind away from whatever it is that has me down. This is one of my favorite pieces I have ever played for many reasons. I auditioned to Converse with this piece and before my audition date I had a lesson with Dr. Weeks. In my lesson, we worked really hard on this piece and I felt like I had a lot to improve on so I went home and for the next two weeks I tried my best to follow exactly what Dr. Weeks had suggested I correct. After my audition, Dr. Weeks came up to me and told me how much I had improved on the piece and how he appreciated how I had made it my own. That was a very exciting moment and I can still remember the conversation with Dr. Weeks! I chose this video because it is from my Senior Recital at Furman University. This piece was the final piece of my 30 minute recital. My Senior Recital was one of the best days of my entire life. It ended ten years of piano at Furman and symbolized a new beginning of piano at Converse!

2.      2.  Another reason I turn to music is for peace in my very chaotic life. I chose the song “Someone Life You” by Adele because it always seems to calm my nerves and help me relax. Actually, I just pulled up a bunch of Adele songs on my Itunes and told my roommate to just pick one. I absolutely love Adele. I think that she is an amazing musician and she isn’t all made up with fame and fortune like most singers these days. I think Adele’s music is very real and most of her songs I can connect to on a personal level. Her music is very soothing and relaxing. I like the fact that she doesn’t have to try and model herself after the stereotypical performer. Whenever I need to relax and chill out I always turn to Adele.

3.       3. One of my favorite hobbies is going to see bands live. I love going to venues like the Channel in Greenville, SC and hearing all of the bands play. I just like going to concerts in general. I have been to many concerts in many different genres from beach, rock, country, and even hardcore. I like to compare the different bands and I like to take in all of the different stage shows. I have learned that every band has a different stage show. Some performers like to connect with their audience more than others and some are just there to sing their music. As a performer, I find it interesting to view and compare many different performances. I chose this song and video because this was the last concert I went to. I saw Andy Grammer at College Fest in Downtown Spartanburg and ever since then I have listened to his music almost every day! I even got to meet him, take pictures with him, and get his autograph! Even though it was a very low-key and chill concert, it was one of my favorites!