I know I’m always rattling on about practicing technique and focus and documenting. And all those things are important. So important!

But it is easy to get so focused on those details as to lose track of the big picture – the benefits and rewards of playing an instrument. Like playing with others. Like laughing together over an incredible blooper. Like feeling as one as you play together. The connection that is nearly palpable when you play together – especially when you’re tight, but even when you’re not.

I have spent the last week with my Banrigh ensemble mates. What an incredible week! We played together. We bore down in places to ensure we were trying to say the same thing in the music. We skittered over other places and just got on with it. Sometimes we’d get hot but then we hug it out. And laugh – we laughed a lot, with each other, at each other, at ourselves.

Since we’re not physically located together, we often work alone all the while anticipating when we’ll be together in space again to make music. And it’s the time when we’re alone that we need to remember – to keep front of mind – what we’re doing and why. Through all the drills for technique, learning tunes, forming our expression of the music, thinking through how we’ll fit together, the real focus will always be on the making of music together.

Please don’t lose sight of the brilliant community you are a part of – harpers in particular. Harperists as well. Ensemble members, part of a whole, an important element of the experience. Musicians in general. And don’t forget the connection with the audience and being a part of a mutual happening.

If you don’t have a community within which to make music – reach out. Don’t be afraid to ask someone who plays a different instrument to play with you. Maybe it will work. Maybe it won’t, but you won’t know unless you try. I know some of you live far from other harpers, and there are online groups that would be very welcoming. But keep in mind that there’s probably someone just as lonely holding a guitar, a fiddle, a harmonica, an accordion, or sitting on a piano bench just as lonely and they’d probably love to make music with you.

Are you part of a community already? I’d love to hear about it! And if you are feeling alone and lonely but aren’t sure where to look – let me know. I’m happy to try to help connect you!

PS – I’ll be at the Ligonier Highland Games on Saturday, 18 July at Idlewild Park in PA. It would be delightful to see you there! We could play together for a bit.