It was all abut the notes, ‘bout the notes… 🎵
… when I first learned to play the flute. The notes, and how to bring the composer’s intent to life through my interpretation. I also learned to play scales. I hated them. Who doesn’t? Show me a student who loves running up and down scales. Yet, years later, those same scales became a massive help when I added the saxophone to my repertoire.
With the saxophone, a new way of engaging with music entered the stage. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about what was written on the page – it was also about what wanted to be said, right there, right then. It was about conveying your own message – unscripted, reaching the band, the audience, maybe even yourself. There’s something wild about performing in that space: it’s unpredictable, alive, a little scary. And at the same time, it’s the most rewarding space I know.
I love to look at things in life from that creative perspective. When it comes to psychological or organizational topics like communication, leadership, or coaching for that matter, I ask myself: How is this connected to self-expression? How is this related to feeling fulfilled? How does this create meaningful relationships? Where’s the joy, energy, peace, or freedom in this?
Again, this space can feel both scary and deeply rewarding. So how do we engage with it? Through improvisation!
Next up: my improvisational coaching approach. It’s time to let my inner psychologist, musician, and coach step onto the coaching stage together 🎷
Keep reading → (coming soon!)
New to this series? Start here →
Photo credits (right): Christoph Mischke
Christine Paulus
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