Double Keyed Wins Classical Crossover Album of the Year Spot Award

Some days I wonder if all the effort of writing, rewriting, practicing, crafting, stretching and even straining my music muscles will ever pay off. I argue with myself about what a payoff even looks like. Is it financial, emotional, physical, musical?

One of my songwriting heroes, Molly Leikin, encourages writers to reward themselves for small accomplishments along the way – even writing just one good phrase deserves a reward, in her experience. She believes that the creative five year old inside of us is encouraged to show up more often when we pause to celebrate.

So in the spirit of Molly's advice, last Thursday, I put down my pen, closed the piano lid for an afternoon, got a frilly hair do and went to celebrate at the Hershey Theater where Kirstin Myers and I walked the red carpet at the Central Pennsylvania Music Award Show.

Highlights . . .

Classical Meets Rappers and Rockers

On Thursday, March 30th, Double Keyed felt proud (and to be honest–a tad shy) to mingle with rappers, rockers, country, jazz and pop artists (and the list goes on) . . . at the Hershey Theatre in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We were excited to be part of the parade of artists who were nominated for their creative projects and artistry. These are the moments when an artist can take a deep breath and feel grateful for not giving up on making music.

Piano Teacher Shows Support

Kirstin and I were hustling to get to our seats and voilà...there she stood, at the bottom of the steps, about to ascend to the balcony of the Hershey Theater to watch from above. Donna Houser, my 7th - 12th grade piano teacher (who turned 80 in February), surprised me by coming to the show!

As a young pianist, I'd sit at Donna's beautiful Kawaii grand piano for my weekly lessons where she challenged me to be more than I thought I could be, insisting that I learn to read the notes and not just play by ear! If it weren't for her, I'm sure I wouldn't be part of Double Keyed, and that would be sad.

Double Keyed Wins Classical Crossover Spot Award

Kirstin and I keep trying to get back to our regular music life, but Midwinter's Gift keeps tugging at our skirts. It was fun to give the project a bit of attention.

Double Keyed was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year and won a Spot Award in the Classical Crossover Album category.

Thank you for your votes, cheers and encouraging words.