So earlier this year, I quit taking piano lessons, mainly because I felt stuck in a slump and didn't think I was getting anywhere with it. 

This wasn't the first time it's happened, actually. I took from the same teacher for about eight years and never understood how much she was holding me back, till I realized, one day, that all my recital pieces for the last three years had been about the same level. 

Then I realized I wasn't learning anything. Absolutely nothing. I had learned more from a semester of music theory with a music director than an entire year of piano with my piano teacher. 

And it all went downhill from there.

I switched teachers the next school year and it worked out for a little while. He was fun and knowledgeable about music theory, something in which I struggled. But last year, I realized the same thing was happening again.

I wasn't motivated to practice. I was playing the same pieces week after week, with no variety. I was stuck in the same slump I'd tried to escape three years prior. 

So I quit. But I was still conflicted about it. Music had been a part of my life for so long and I still wanted to purse it. 

And now we get to the reason I'm writing this. These two men. Oh my goodness, they inspired me and made me want to play like them. 

One, I'd been listening to for years; the other I'd listened to since October 2017. But they both play music that speaks to my soul and inspired me to find ways to learn what I wanted to learn. 

Kyle Landry

https://youtu.be/jgjeFEQRg-0

Okay, his improvisations are amazing. The range of expression he has, the emotion in each, and my word, somehow, you can tell them apart. They're so different, yet have a distinct sound. AND HE'S CREATED OVER 170 OF THEM. HOW? HOW? 

Oh, he also does covers of basically anything nerdy. That's actually how I found him. But seriously, listen to his original music. It's amazing.

And just for kicks, here's my favorite cover of his. :D

https://youtu.be/puAuDt6aNsw

Jonny May

https://youtu.be/cdCz5eAS6MI

AHHHH

So I love this guy. He clearly loves what he does and it shows. His smile is contagious, let me tell you. 😂

I've loved basically every cover he's made. He even has a series: "Songs You Should Never Play in Ragtime," which, as many people have pointed out, should be "Songs You Should Only Play in Ragtime."

Case in point...

https://youtu.be/nUQOYG13fVY

Also, he's my piano teacher now. Yep, I've joined the group of people who do online music lessons.

But here's the thing, it's working out for me. 

I've learned more about the piano in a week then I have for the past year. Honestly, this guy is an amazing teacher and I highly recommend his courses. Now, I've only had access to the lessons for a couple weeks, so my opinions /may/ change, but first impressions? I'm loving it. 😁

Annnnnd, you have no idea how much I fangirled when this showed up in my subscription box. 😂

https://youtu.be/FFACaZijbkU

So yes, I've gotten back into piano. I'm motivated to practice every day and I've learned more about improvisation and the blues. My goodness, it's fun and I'm finally enjoying what I'm learning. 

So please, check out their channels. They're amazing musicians and deserve more support. 

What are some of your favorite musicians? I need more people to listen to. 😂