After a recent concert, and for those that don't know, my main gig is a composer and concert pianist,

a pseudo-sarcastic music opinionator, otherwise known as critic, gave me some feedback that my performance lacked the usual showmanship of a live show.

I was waiting for the bravado.

I wanted to see sweat pouring from your brow, your hands flying to and fro.

They said, you know, I wanted you to wow me.

At first, I was a little taken aback, but then something inside me just clicked.

I realized that this critic had already decided what they wanted to see and hear before my performance even started.

They were looking for a spectacle of flashy displays and showmanship, rather than being open

to experience something different than their expectations.

It was in that moment that I realized your critic wasn't really listening at all,

but just watching, judging,

judging, waiting,

as if less concerned with the substance

and waiting for the chance to pounce on any perceived

flaw or deviation from their preconceived notions of what a music performance should be,

at least in their opinion.

They had already made up their mind about what they wanted to see and hear.

Sure, my music is meant to be enjoyed, just not necessarily judged according to certain standards. You know, at the end of the day, as a musician, my goal, my hope, is to connect with people through my music. My role is to impact the heart,

not to impress the mind. Of course, I want people to enjoy my performance, but it's not about

meeting some standard of what a music critic thinks a live show should be. Because, as you are well aware,

each person has their own expectation already. It made me feel grateful for those in the audience

who came up with an open heart in mind and ready to experience the music in the moment, without any preconceptions or judgments, those are the people I want to connect with through my music.

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