In this reflective episode of Your Creative Chord, I share my ongoing journey of practicing the very tips I offer on finding light in dark times. Like you, I’m a work in progress, and together, we’ll explore how to turn life’s challenges into sources of strength and creativity, drawing from my personal experiences and Buddhist practice.

I’ll also be sharing two special lyrics from my poetry and lyrics collection, Kaleidoscope of the Heart. You’ll hear my performance of “Freedom,” where I both sing and play the song, as well as a reading of “Sunshine Over Rain.” Both pieces echo the episode’s theme of transforming adversity into hope, serving as a reminder that even in our most difficult moments, we have the power to ignite our inner light.

If you’re facing struggles or just need a bit of encouragement, join me for an honest, uplifting conversation. Together, we’ll find ways to bring more light into our lives and the world around us.

And as always, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a review, share your comments, and sign up for more inspiration at YourCreativeChord.com/getinspiredhere

Additional Music/Lyrics: Freedom © 2007 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Sunshine Over Rain lyrics © 2001 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

Welcome to another episode of Your Creative Chord Podcast! In this episode, I share my personal journey of overcoming obstacles while juggling multiple roles and caring for my 84-year-old Mom. I explore the power of embracing and sharing our struggles as a way to practice authenticity and self-compassion.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How sharing mistakes and failures can deepen our connections with others and inspire more authentic interactions.
• Insights from Louise Penny’s book inspired by Leonard Cohen’s lyric, illustrating the beauty found in imperfection.
• The impact of resilience and persistence through personal anecdotes and the metaphor of a determined little girl trying to mount a pony.
• My practical approach to managing multiple roles and creative projects, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability and the lessons learned from setbacks.

Tune in to discover how to turn your obstacles into opportunities for growth and maintain your creative spark through life’s challenges.

Additional Piano Music:

• "Moonlight In My Heart" © 2018 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Listen now!

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

Note: There is a minor wording error in the show intro. It should state 'author, poet, and hobbyist nature photographer' instead of 'author, poet, hobbyist, and nature photographer.' Thank you for your understanding!

In this episode of Your Creative Chord, I explore how to transform painful experiences of betrayal into opportunities for growth and self-empowerment. Drawing from personal stories over the past eight years, I discuss the lessons learned about setting boundaries and reclaiming personal power.

Here, I offer practical steps for navigating betrayal, empowering you with tools like reflection, safe emotional expression, and using creative writing as a healing tool.

To illustrate the transformative power of creative expression, I read my poem "Rocked" from my book Kaleidoscope of the Heart, accompanied by my original piano composition "Karmic Thread" (2014). This combination demonstrates how creative outlets can help navigate challenging scenarios and foster personal growth.

Additionally, I introduce my two books with the soothing backdrop of "Moonlight in My Heart" (2018), another original piece. These examples highlight how using creative tools can support you in transforming difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and inspired living.

Additional Music:

• "Karmic Thread" (2014) by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
• "Moonlight in My Heart" (2018) by Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Engage with Us: How have you used creative outlets to navigate your own challenges? Share your experiences and insights with us!

Resources:
Better Help
Learn To Live
Grow Therapy

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

In episode 54, Launching ‘Start Piano!’ Unveiling Benefits & Essential Insights, Jenny Leigh shares her personal journey of overcoming performance anxiety and how it transformed her piano playing. She discusses practical tips and strategies for new and returning piano learners, highlighting key points from her book, 'Start Piano: What You Need for Successful Learning,' launching today.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to reignite your passion for piano, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your musical goals.

For more information and to get your copy, visit YourCreativeChord.com/books.


Join our piano community on Facebook, "New and Returning Piano Learners," to interact with me and other enthusiasts.

Additional Piano Music Improvising Heart © 2008 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

In this episode, we explore how the concepts from my new book, Start Piano: What You Need for Successful Learning, help us turn our musical challenges into strengths. I'll share book excerpts from the section 'How My Musical Challenges Became My Source of Musical Progress,' discussing how my personal struggles with music theory, repertoire, piano technique, and performance skills deepened my empathy for others and my understanding of piano learners' motivation to succeed.

I'll recount my journey through learning gaps, performance anxiety, and classical music elitism, which fueled my self-determination and lifelong learning philosophy. These challenges led to growing confidence and success as a piano player, composer, and educator.

In 'How Having Music Credentials Affects Your Piano Progress,' I share insights on what truly matters in piano study: a genuine connection with music, a solid foundation, and effective tools. I've discovered that a strong foundation is the key to overcoming struggles and gaining momentum in piano progress.

Personally, I've used and shared these strategies with thousands of students, helping them build a solid piano foundation, maintain progress momentum, and transform performance anxiety into successful energy.

Many aspiring piano players face recurring issues due to a lack of foundational knowledge. I'll highlight that my book includes effective practice methods and confident performance strategies designed to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Join me to learn more about creating a heartfelt environment where you feel confident in your musicality and self-expression. Want to achieve consistent, long-lasting progress and tap into your confidence for a flourishing start to piano playing and continuous advancement?

Tune in to discover the keys to unlocking your musical potential.



For more information and to get your copy of 'Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning,' visit YourCreativeChord.com/books.

Join our piano community on Facebook, "New and Returning Piano Learners," to interact with me and other enthusiasts.

Additional Piano Music Improvising Heart © 20

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

Join Jenny Leigh Hodgins on YourCreativeChord Podcast, where creativity and inspiration meet transformation. Hear empowering stories, insights, and practical tips to fuel your creative life.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Jim Johnson, founder of Grass Roots Piano. Jim's unique approach to adult beginner piano education, infused with humor and a focus on enjoyment, has made learning piano accessible and fun for many. In Part 2 of our interview, we chat about his online teaching methods, his philosophy of integrating enjoyment and a laid-back attitude into the learning process, and how he creates engaging content that transforms his students' piano paths.

Key Highlights:

• The importance of understanding music while enjoying the learning process.
• Addressing the impact of quick-fix mentalities and the value of taking time to learn.
• Jim's unique courses, such as "Adults Can Learn Piano and Read Music" and his rhythm course, are designed to make learning fun and approachable.
• The role of mindset in overcoming hurdles and achieving long-term musical goals.

Connect with Jim Johnson and Grass Roots Piano:

• Website: Grass Roots Piano
• Facebook: Adults Learning Piano
• YouTube: Grass Roots Piano Channel

Connect with YourCreativeChord:

• Website: YourCreativeChord
• Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Available July 16, 2024 on Amazon in paperback!

Subscribe and listen to YourCreativeChord Podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode!

Didn't catch Part 1 with Jim Johnson? Listen now for practical tips on overcoming piano learning challenges and unlocking your creative potential!

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

Today, we have a special guest, Jim Johnson, the creative force behind Grass Roots Piano and the Adults Learning Piano Facebook group. Join us as we explore Jim’s unique teaching philosophy and how he blends passion and kindness to inspire adult piano learners.

In Part 1 of this interview, Jim shares his inspiring backstory, discussing his move from California to Maine, his extensive experience in music education, and the creation of Grass Roots Piano. He shares the profound impact of his mentors, Bobby Bradford and his wife, Bridget, on his musical journey. Jim candidly opens up about his struggles with mental illness, the importance of empathy, and how he uses music as a therapeutic tool.

We also touch on Jim's approach to his creative process, emphasizing stream of consciousness and the importance of serving his audience. Jim’s innovative teaching methods, which prioritize enjoyment and accessibility, make learning music a joyful and fulfilling experience. Tune in to discover how Jim’s philosophy and humor shape his educational content, encouraging learners to embrace their unique musical paths.

Grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and join us for an inspiring conversation with Jim Johnson.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
• [00:00:29] Welcoming Jim Johnson
• [00:01:38] Jim’s background and the foundation of Grass Roots Piano
• [00:02:04] Influences of mentors Bobby Bradford and Bridget
• [00:04:03] Jim’s mental health journey and coping strategies
• [00:09:03] Discussing societal challenges and resilience
• [00:14:54] The importance of kindness and self-care
• [00:16:14] Jim’s creative process and serving his audience
• [00:20:13] Integration of enjoyment and skill development in music learning

Connect with Jim Johnson and Grass Roots Piano:

• Website: Grass Roots Piano
• Facebook: Adults Learning Piano
• YouTube: Grass Roots Piano Channel

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into Jim’s creative process and explore more about his impactful rhythm and adult beginner piano courses.

Additional Piano Music:

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved

In this continuation of our in-depth conversation, drawing from her extensive performance experience at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, YourCreativeChord Podcast guest Ashlee Young emphasizes that the highest level of piano performance is not about perfection or technique. Instead, it's about tapping into the music's beauty and connecting with the humanity of both the audience and the performer. She shares invaluable insights on how to transcend the pursuit of perfectionism and truly engage with the emotional core of music.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- The importance of connection in music: How to connect with the deepest parts of yourself, the music, and your audience.

- The pitfalls of perfectionism in high-level performance and how to maintain the beauty of music.

- Strategies for forming a strong emotional bond with a piece, including the use of storytelling and creative imagination.

- Practical tips for adult learners on building confidence and expression through effective practice and performance.

- The role of community in fostering musical growth and how to leverage support from fellow learners.

Join pianists and educators Jenny Leigh Hodgins and Ashlee Young for this inspiring dialogue that sheds light on the transformative power of music and the steps needed to achieve expressive, confident piano performances. Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate player, or a piano teacher, you'll find valuable takeaways to enhance your musical journey.

Catch Part1 of this wonderfully inspiring discussion with Ashlee Young:

Musical Expression: A Dynamic Chat With Piano Expert Ashlee Young Pt 1

CONNECT WITH ASHLEE YOUNG:

YouTube

Facebook Piano Group

Instagram

Join the FREE 4-day event, P

Support the Show.

• Join Your Creative Chord's Community to get inspired here!
• Get your copy of Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• Get your copy of Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection!

Follow my podcast for motivational insights, practical tips, and stories on creative flow and inspired living. Please leave a review to help me support more people in nurturing creativity and inspiration. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select 'Write a Review.' Share what you loved most about the episode!

Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Finding Spring © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All Content © 2024 Jenny Leigh Hodgins,YourCreativeChord.com
All Rights Reserved