In the very end of 2014 I started to incubate the idea of the Forward Music Project. It took me some time to gain the confidence to turn this idea into the full project that premiered in 2017. I had so many desires, but sometimes you have to allow yourself to move at a natural pace.
Last March I received an invitation to perform at TEDxMidAtlantic in partnership with The Canales Project. Speaking at a TEDx conference had been a dream of mine for many years, so I eagerly jumped at the chance. Now a year later, I am noticing how much I learned and will continue to learn. I would approach the talk differently today, but I am glad I mustered the courage (saying I was an anxious wreck is a severe understatement) to stand on a national stage and identify major issues in classical music education, performance, and programming. I didn't have much time to prepare for this conference, which added to my nervousness, but sometimes you just have to say "yes" and jump.
Keep on trying. Keep on growing. Keep on moving. On to the next adventure.