The tortoise and the hare

and what slowing down can do for music and creativity

He bursts through my door, up the stairs two at a time despite my protests.

‘Kate, I practiced it slowly, just like you said, and it worked!’

We high five, do a little dance, and get on with the piano lesson, but inside I’m buzzing.

Students think the goal is to play as fast as possible, like a race to the end. But when that’s the goal, there’s no room for choice.

Speed takes over, all agency goes, and creativity has no space to breathe.

This week’s Creativity Helm newsletter is about the power of slowing down, no matter what you’re creating, and allowing space for skill, confidence, and creativity to grow.