So who are you playing for?

So, when you walk on the stage to perform, you're definitely focusing on doing the things you practice so diligently.

And the audience is there waiting to hear and see what you're going to share with them. It's a great moment, but think about it for a second.

Just who are you playing for? Are you playing for the public? Or playing for yourself and the public happens to be there. So, who are you playing for? Are you playing for someone close to you that first suggested you learn the violin? Maybe a friend? A family member? Someone who saw potential in you? Through the years, they've been wonderful cheerleaders, but that said, would it be a good idea to play for them? Would that mean that you were playing for their approval? And if you did, would it be a good thing? Well, perhaps getting this approval means that you're special.

But even if you are, didn't you need a teacher to teach and guide you? Wouldn't playing for them be an important way to pay them back? Or would you simply be trying to win their approval as well? Alright then, so maybe you're not playing for approval, but what if you're playing for the applause you get at the end of the performance? Getting that applause proves you're a really good violinist. I mean, you have to be to get that kind of applause, right? But you know what? Would the applause be a kind of approval as well? Okay, so having said all of that, when you pull back the curtain, isn't one of the reasons you played to show that you are the best? I mean, you wouldn't go out onto the stage if you thought you were mediocre, would you? So when you go out there, isn't it to prove to the audience what you already know? That you are the best. And be recognized as such.

Well, all this brings on the feeling of accomplishment you have, as you know that the brilliant performance you just gave will be remembered by all in attendance.

I mean, isn't having your performance remembered important? So when you walk out onto that stage, you're chasing approval, recognition, and that feeling of accomplishment.

And you know what? It's true that we do need those things.

But doesn't it feel like something's missing? Is there a reason for stepping onto that stage that's been overlooked, that hasn't been mentioned? You know what? I can think of one thing that hasn't been mentioned.

We haven't talked about the music.

I mean, isn't playing the music the biggest reason to go out onto that stage in the first place? Isn't sharing your feelings about the music through your performance the most important thing worth playing for?

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