Practicing for Others

July 2025

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how different it is to practice for other people—whether it’s for a chamber group, a rehearsal, or even a house concert—versus practicing alone, for myself.

When I’m alone in the practice room, the focus is often internal. I chase clarity, beauty, control. I refine, listen, adjust—mostly for my own sense of artistic satisfaction or growth. But when I’m preparing music with others, something shifts. The work becomes a shared effort, and every choice I make has a ripple effect.

You can’t just play your part “well.” You have to listen, shape, and respond—and sometimes, you have to let go of what you thought something should sound like, in order to meet someone else halfway. Practicing becomes a form of generosity, not just discipline. It’s not about being right; it’s about creating space for others, and holding up your end of a larger structure.

This mindset shift hit me during our recent quintet concerts. Knowing my friends were depending on me—to bring energy, to breathe with them, to help ground the rhythm—completely changed the way I approached the piano. My role wasn’t just about expressing myself anymore. It was about supporting, connecting, and trusting.

There’s something incredibly humbling about that. It reminds me that music isn’t just about perfection or control. It’s about relationships. It's about showing up for others and making something together that none of us could do alone.

Warmly,
Cecilia