I've always considered myself a lifelong student.

But this month, I put that belief into action and had my first cello lesson in over a decade.

As exciting as it was, I have to admit I was terrified. As with many lapsed classical musicians, I have a lot of baggage around my formal study.

I still vividly remember my teacher telling me that I had too much fun when I played. That I felt too much emotion. She told me in no uncertain terms that I was allowed to play with feeling only after I could play with technique.

But now that I find myself actively pursuing the goal of recording strings for the best artists in the world (I'm looking at you Taylor Swift) I find myself wanting to close the gap between what I hear in my head and what comes effortlessly through my instrument.

So I put out into the universe that I wanted a cello teacher.

Not long after that I was sitting in a coffee shop when a cellist walked in and sat down to practice. I listened for a while, introduced myself, and as we talked I began to realize we had similar history with the instrument. So I asked her on the spot, if she would be willing to teach me.

That's what led me to having a local symphony cellist sitting across from me in my living room last week picking apart my technique.

As terrifying as this was, it was 10 times more liberating.

And it’s already paid dividends. My body feels better when I play. My bow responds more readily to the thoughts that I have. I am less sore after a long recording session. I feel like a kid again. It's allowing me to explore, try new things, and change patterns that I thought were set.

Lifelong learning is challenging, but I can't imagine a more worthwhile journey to be on.

What I’ve Been Reading

I just finished rereading the entire Enders Game and Ender’s Shadow series. Well, 9 of the 11 books I guess.

I skipped Ender’s Game itself because it feels like a standalone YA novel that I still remember well. Ender in Exile I forgot existed, but oh well.

I started the adventure back in June, and it was the perfect way to get me back onto my 5 book a month reading habit that I had dropped for the preceding year. Feels good to be spending my time in a more intentional way again.

But whether or not you’re a Sci-Fi person, these are a fantastic and addicting read that have taught me a lot about what it means to be human.

One of the reviews of the series said that it is one of the only series that attempts and succeeds in dealing with the evolution of human morals. I think that sums up why I find it so compelling. It’s got great plot, characters, and action, but the core of these books is the unflinching examination of our shortcomings as a society and how we can grow.

If you’re looking for an engaging Sci-Fi meets Philosophy, these are a great read. Affiliate links incoming.

Ender Sextet: https://amzn.to/45CNU4A

Shadow Saga: https://amzn.to/490HwXI

64 by J.B. Boone

I produced a folkey dance track. This is exciting.

The fact that J.B. Boone convinced me to produce this for him after I said it wasn’t a service I offer anymore means a lot to me. It was wonderful to realize that my taste was something he wanted guiding this process, and that he trusted me enough to take a chance in letting me lead the way. I love how this turned out.

Most of the sounds in it are from the cello sample pack that you can get by referring a friend to sign up for this email list. Scroll down to the bottom of this email if you want more info on how to get it yourself.

We’re working on a few more songs together, so stay tuned.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3XfM0tSf2olsGLzPES5yht?si=ff0c4572bc934655

Shadows by Cujo Moon

This might be one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever gotten to work on. I had been wanting to work with Trevor (Cujo Moon) for a couple years now, and when he sent me this track I was stunned. His writing conjures the feeling of peace and surrender that I have been working to cultivate in my life.

The chorus gets me every time:

Shadows will follow

But soon you’ll be in the ground

So don’t hold your head so low

Gotta look up to see what’s shining down

https://open.spotify.com/track/239ypmlUkPrCXH43bnfiRJ?si=7ad721723cf44ff1

I would love to hear what you think about both of these tracks. They’re very different, but they both mean a lot to me.

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As always, it means a lot to have you here. I’m beginning to work on growing this email list so that I can keep in touch with people better. If you know anyone who might be interested in having strings on their music, reading these little vignettes, or getting music / book recommendations, it would mean a lot if you could share this with them.

You’ll notice a new referral link down below, and I’ve got some stuff I’m giving away to anyone who brings a friend. I appreciate you.

Talk soon,

Harley