The death of imagination in aging adults

Finchcock's Piano Retreat UK

An ever-present danger. Giving up, settling early. This past year has been unprecedented. Most people have been inconvenienced. Some though have been deeply affected by job loss, illness, or death.

Assuming you are in the first group and not the second how do we proceed and stay engaged in a world of imagination and action?

1. Take steps to stay healthy. You know the drill. Find an accountability partner. Mine is my wife.
2. Practice your instrument, address shortcomings during this lull. I meet twice monthly with my classical piano coach. Prior to that with a jazz coach.
3. Take some online classes with a younger musician. Engage with another perspective. I meet my drum coach twice weekly. It’s been fantastic. A reason to practice and stay sharp. Embarrassing myself in front of a musician half my age is unthinkable.
4. Network like crazy, this won’t last forever. I believe that the post-pandemic world will explode in creative activity and opportunities. It is time to prepare. I recently played piano for an online big band performance. It will be posted soon.
5. Complete a new certification if your area of music provides those opportunities. I’m completing my online teaching certification with the Royal Conservatory of Music here in Canada.
6. Create projects that work online. I’ve had the privilege of working on new works with Fade/Dissolve cinematic noise trio. What a blast.
7. Dream of a musical future and prepare to meet it head on. 

David

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