Profile of an amateur musician

The New York Times has a fascinating article today about Condoleezza Rice’s love of music.

The article was timely for me, as Alex is wanting to start violin lessons, and I’ve been thinking of getting back in practice, perhaps playing chamber music with friends, or the local community orchestra. The balance of work, family, hobbies (including music) is something I’ll be thinking more about in the coming months.

I entered college on a music scholarship, and intended to make a career as a professional musician, as did Ms. Rice:

At 17, she attended the prestigious summer school at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado and came to believe that though she was a very good pianist, she was “not great,” she said. “That was the really the revelation,” she added. “And it wasn’t just that experience. You start noticing prodigies, and you realize that I’m never going to play that way.” There is “just some intangible” in music, she said. Whatever it was, she said she felt she didn’t have it. She decided to major in international relations instead, focusing on the Soviet Union.

Of course, she’s now one of the most powerful people in the world, incredibly brilliant and talented, so she made a good choice. While my life has nowhere near that notoriety, I’ve been lucky to have a great family, personal and business experiences, and a full life that continues to be interesting. Certainly no regrets on my choice of career.

She’s arguably one of the most capable Secretary of State ever to have served, and her love of music, and making music, shows her to be incredibly well-balanced. And she’s got a great fitness ethic also.