The Spark That Lasts a Lifetime

When I was a baby, my mother noticed something. Music stirred me—deeply. Long before I understood what I was hearing, I responded with either wide eyes and stillness or a kind of animation, as if I knew that something important was happening.

As soon as I was old enough, she did something extraordinary. Out of her grocery budget, she carved out just enough to rent a small piano from the local music store. It was a sacrifice, though she never made it seem that way. I remember the day we went to pick it out—the way the store smelled, the twinkly bright lights, the quantity of pianos, the sound of someone playing in the corner. A salesperson invited me over to one of the instruments. I stood to the side, completely transfixed, watching as each key was pressed and—almost miraculously—a sound emerged.

It was mesmerizing. That was the moment the spark was lit. Not with a concert or a grand performance, but with a single key, a simple sound, and someone who believed that a child should have the chance to try.

Much later in life, after many years of playing piano, I discovered the cello. I’ve come to believe that each of us has a “right” instrument—one that resonates with our soul—and for me, it was this beautiful, resonant, and yes, occasionally (at times, frequently) frustrating instrument.

My long-time cello teacher, who recently passed away, was a guiding light in my musical journey. He took me on as an adult student and never once questioned my ability to learn, to grow, or to create music with authenticity and meaning. His belief in me—patient, consistent, kind, with a healthy dose of humor—allowed me to believe in myself.

This is the power we have as mentors, teachers, friends, and family. The power to say: “Yes. Try. You can.” It doesn’t take much to ignite a lifelong love of music at any age. A single key. A moment of encouragement. An open door.

Let’s continue to open those doors—for future music makers, for passionate learners, for anyone who simply wants to know what it feels like to create sound from silence. The gift of music is one that keeps giving, for a lifetime and beyond.