Happy New Year!

This first post of 2016 is my 400^th on Musical Me.  The blog continues to do its job, reinforcing the musical learning I’m doing as I pursue my instrument.  There’s no denying I’ve come a long way on the violin – a richness of detail now informs every practice session – short term goals, such as playing through a new Suzuki song, are giving way to the bigger picture.  I am a violinist.

2016 will also bring a milestone for my other formal learning pursuit – my karate-do.  As March gives way to April, I’ll find myself practicing karate in front of our grandmaster in New York.  These testing opportunities come along only every few years, and I am deeply appreciative of the reminder that I’m on a formal martial path, one that requires constant tending.  I am a martial artist.

It’s going to be a big year.  I’ll also be assuming a new role at work, buying a new condo, suffering through a presidential election with the rest of the US, and turning 40.

What’s with holding onto hats?  I need all the free hands I can get.

Thanks for reading.

Ryan