Questions for Musical Introspection

This blog post originally appeared as a digital clarinet studio lecture for the Iowa State University clarinetists.

The last few months have been a whirlwind of emotions for everybody. I’ve been feeling a bit introspective lately (and I’m sure I’m not alone), so I thought I’d share some of the questions I’ve been asking myself and my students. While the world feels like it’s temporarily on pause, now is a great time to take a step back and consider your role as a musician and how you can use your music and your experiences going forward.

Here are a few questions I’ve been musing over the last several weeks. Feel free to add your own or share your answers in the comments:

What role can your music play during this time?
How can you use your music to help others?
Why do you love music / your instrument?
What have been your most meaningful performances? (Follow-up questions: What made this particular performance more meaningful than others? How did you prepare differently? How can you recreate this experience in future performances?)
What experiences have helped you develop into the musician you are now?
What was the most profound thing a teacher said during a lesson?
Who are your musical muses?
What obstacles have you overcome, and how did you surpass these?
What is the purpose of music in society?
Why do you want to be a musician (in whatever capacity you choose)?
How will the role of music in society be different after the pandemic?