サマンサ麻里子さんのインスタグラム写真 - (サマンサ麻里子Instagram)「(日本語は↓) I think for the last couple of years, I was in a state of “denial” - having studied music/piano pretty much all my life and even graduating from university with a B.A. in piano performance, you’d think I’d continue on that path. Well, things happen & new opportunities spring out in life and that’s what happened to me, hence my being in Japan for the last 7 years or so. I completely changed my career path with the big move, and with that, pretty much stopped touching the keys that were a big part of my life, minus the occasional practicing for memorial service tributes over the years (sad, I know). People who would find out about my degree and the level at which I used to play would always ask me, “Why don’t you play anymore?” or tell me, “It’s such a waste you’re not playing anymore, you should keep it up!” not knowing my circumstances or why, as a classically-trained musician and knowing hands-on the kind of diligence and sacrifice is necessary to be a good pianist, it’s so hard to just “get back into it.” Not having a piano, not having the kind of time set aside to really practice the 3-4 hours I used to back in the day... to me, it didn’t feel worth getting back into piano-playing in general. It took a long time and COVID-19 to slap me in the face to remind me how much I do love music (not just classical) and seriously what a waste of all those countless hours I spent at home or holed up in the practice rooms at UCLA. I finally found it in me to face these unnecessary fears and purchase a weighted keyboard for the time being so at least I can practice something, but for fun this time, since I now have a bit more time at home for leisurely practicing. I suppose I put too much pressure on myself, having a piece of paper that shows I have a degree in it and remembering all the repertoire I used to be able to play and probably never will be able to. But music is one of my joys in life and I guess I’m not about to toss a huge part of my life to the curb anytime soon 😇 If you’ve read this far into my caption, thanks for reading. And if you’ve been watching all the crap Instagram stories of me singing/playing covers, thank you as well. Much love ❤️」4月19日 12時54分