Ultimately, We want to be understood.

In the midst of an ever-changing world, we want to know that we are not alone in how we feel. Whether hope or heartbreak, contentment or concern; the bottom line is that we crave the ability to connect.

But how can you put in to words feelings that seem to be beyond articulation? When words fail, how can you communicate?

The answer: through artistic expression

Artistic expression has been used for centuries to catalog history, preserve precious memories, and attempt to communicate the deepest desires of the human heart.

I know this is true in my own life

So many of my earliest memories revolve around connecting with different songs in a meaningful way. I remember hearing a song for the fist time and just being transfixed by every aspect of the music. It was almost as if I felt what the musicians were feeling as they performed.

Fast-forward to 7 year old me first learning how to play the piano. As my fingers grew accustomed to the feeling of the keys, I started feeling a connection to that instrument. It wasn’t long until I attempted (pretty unsuccessfully at first) to write some of my own songs using what little I knew about creating music.

I would continue to create music over the years; adding words to the melodies I created. Eventually this creation led to a desire to share what the music I wrote.

At first I was terrified to share these secret, special songs, but then I came to a realization: If one person connected with my music the way that I did, then the fear would be worth it.

And that’s why I have such a deep love and respect for artistic expression: it gives a voice to people, like me, who so just want people to actually listen to what they have to say.

Some people might say that I craved this recognition because I was the youngest child and had intense people pleasing tendencies. That could be true. However, I think the real reason is because everyone wants to be known for who they are deep down in the essence of their soul.

I could continue to go on and on about different situations where musical expression has literally been a lifeline in my darkest moments of life; but that would be way to much to say here.

So this is what I will say, artistic expression is vital to the human experience. You do not have to create art in order to express yourself through artistic experiences.

As a music teacher, this is one of the biggest things I try to teach my students because in finding connection through artistic expression you can give a voice to the innermost parts of who you are.

So, I practiced what I preached. I shared my songs on some streaming platforms; waiting in the scary, uncomfortable unknown of public opinion. My songs did not get a lot of recognition; and I honestly was perfectly fine with that. But now, I have kids in my classroom who come up to me after finding my music and talk about how much the songs I created means to them because they connected with what I had to say.

Expression is truly a gift from our Creator and it is not something we should take for granted.

So listen music you love. Read something you enjoy. Watch a movie that makes you laugh or cry (or both). Look at paintings that bring you peace.

Consume Art…Create Art…Exist.

Whether you express yourself through visual arts, the written word, or music; Your voice matters.

Your perspective matters.

You matter.