It was interesting, talking with high school students over Zoom yesterday about being a composer. I got to read a few of their reflections afterwards, and—out of an hour-long discussion—all of them mentioned this one thing, so I’m taking it as a sign more people need to hear it.

Your life in music is not a race, it’s a hike. You have to plan to be in it for the long haul. That means taking breaks, drinking water, and enjoying the view. It means there are some paths that won’t get you where you want to go, and some that are closed to you entirely.

There will be times you’re okay with just sitting to enjoy where you are—that doesn’t mean you’re not hiking! It’s YOUR hike, your life in music—the important thing is that you’re out there, on that journey. Don’t let anyone tell you that yours is less worthwhile

I guess I’m just throwing out into the universe that you can love music—be truly passionate about it—even if you aren’t obsessively making it every day. Your life in music is still valid if you take breaks. If you enjoy where you are. If you don’t like it all the time.