Revising my motto
‘Serve the Song.’ That’s been my motto for as long as I can remember, both as a musician and a music teacher. In fact, I’ve had it printed right on the back of my business card, and it’s prompted many conversations over the years. Students, fellow musicians, and even clients sometimes ask, “What do you mean by ‘serve the song’?” And my answer is always straightforward:
If what you’re about to do doesn’t make the song better, don’t do it.
This principle has guided me through countless performances, rehearsals, and teaching moments. It's simple, really, if the notes you’re adding aren’t enhancing the music, let them go. It’s served me well, and I’d say it’s served my students pretty well, too.
Music reflecting life
But over the years, I’ve realized that "serve the song" doesn’t just apply to music; it’s a metaphor for life. In any situation, if what you’re about to say or do won’t improve it, maybe it’s best left unsaid or undone. If it won’t strengthen a relationship, don’t push it. This idea has shaped how I’ve handled conflicts, conversations, and big decisions alike.
Yet, lately, I’ve had to revisit this motto as I’ve embarked on a new chapter: learning to speak up, especially after hitting the milestone of 50. And here’s the revelation: sometimes, the best way to “serve the song”, in both music and life, isn’t to stay silent. Sometimes, it’s about stepping up and sticking your neck out.
Take that chance
As a musician, that might mean taking a solo I wouldn’t have dared before or leaning into an idea even if it’s risky. In life, it means finding my voice and saying what I feel, even if it stirs the waters a bit. Sure, speaking up might not make every situation smoother in the moment, but down the road, it will make things better -more genuine, more real.
For most of my life, I trained myself to stay quiet, especially in tense moments. I’d think, “What I’m about to say isn’t going to make this better,” so I’d swallow the words and hope the situation would simmer down. And it would, for a while. But recently, I’ve realized that avoiding these moments hasn’t truly been serving anyone.
Same words, new meaning
So, I’ve decided it’s time to redefine my motto. "Serve the song" still stands, but now it has a deeper, broader meaning. It’s about making things better, not by holding back, but by choosing when to step forward. Because sometimes, making life better requires saying what needs to be said.
This change hasn’t come easily, but it’s been worth it. I’m grateful I still have plenty of life ahead -past 50, sure, but with so much more left to experience. And I’m excited about living that life with a stronger voice.
There will be moments when I’ll have to decide: Is this a time to speak up or stay silent? Just like in music, there are gray areas, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But if I try and it doesn’t work out, I’ll learn from it. And if it does work? Well, that’s when something really cool happens.
Being good is fine, but…
Reflecting on how I’ve lived up to now, I can say I’ve done well. I’ve been a good musician, a very good sideman, a very good children’s performer, a good student, and a very good employee. I’m proud of those things. But I also realize that by keeping my voice quiet, I may have kept myself from being GREAT.
And that’s the goal now. I want to be great at what I do. I believe everyone should aim for greatness, and I finally know what it takes for me. It’s never too late. The best time to start something new may have been 20 years ago, but the second best time is right now.
And so, here I am, ready to see how far this path will take me. That’s how I’m going to serve the song -by speaking up, stepping out, and embracing the journey.