Maintaining your creativity.

As a musician and educator, creativity is my lifeblood. But let’s be real: it’s not always easy to maintain that spark. Between teaching, composing, and performing, it’s easy to fall into a routine that stifles my creativity. So, how do I keep the flame alive?

First, I make a date with my creativity—no distractions, just me and my music. I schedule time to play without any goals. Sometimes, I’ll pick up a saxophone and just play whatever comes to mind, even if it’s a silly tune about my breakfast.

Second, I embrace variety. Different genres, instruments, and collaboration styles keep my musical brain buzzing. I might swing from jazz improvisation one day to composing a classical piece the next. Each style enriches my creativity, providing fresh perspectives and new challenges.

Lastly, I remind myself that creativity isn’t always a lightbulb moment. Sometimes it’s the slow burn of exploration and experimentation. So, when I hit a wall, instead of forcing it, I’ll take a step back, breathe, and let ideas simmer.

Creativity is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the twists and turns, and trust that inspiration will find you in the most unexpected places.