After my freshman year of college, I told one of my mentors I eventually wanted to be able to accompany my students. I was about 18, and had been playing the piano here and there for a couple of years.

She told me that it was very difficult, and I think I detected some skepticism… or maybe that was my own self doubt, since I knew I was “old” to learn the piano.

Anyway, it’s been nearly 20 years now and while I certainly have technical weaknesses, I’m very proud of my proficiency on the instrument.

So I figure in 15-20 more years, I’ll be a pretty proficient singer too!

Recently I have been having a lot of fun practicing arias from Le Nozze di Figaro.

It’s a super fun challenge where I get to practice piano, singing, and Italian all at the same time.

There are so many skills to be learned from piano, and once you get accustomed to reading multiple notes and rhythms and comprehending harmony and relationships between notes/keys, single line flute music seems very simple.

Of course, the flute has its own challenges, but is more of a physical instrument, where piano is more intellectually challenging.

After learning some of these arias and studying several of Mozart’s operas, I really feel like I will be able to play the flute concerto with a better understanding of the style and character.