Step 6: What I Learned After My First Performance

Before my first hospital performance, I assumed that once I finished, the nerves would vanish. 

I thought I’d walk out feeling victorious, accomplished, and proud that I had finally overcome my fear of performing in front of others. And while there was definitely a bit of that, something else lingered too — something quieter. A subtle shift in mindset that I didn’t fully notice until days later. Because after the applause died down, after I left the hospital, and the stress (for now) wore off, I realized something: I wasn’t just performing. I was connecting. Giving. Receiving.

One of the biggest takeaways I walked away with was that playing music in that kind of space wasn’t about being perfect. No one cared that I stumbled on a few notes; heck, most of them couldn’t even tell. What mattered was that I showed up with something to offer. Not because I had to. But because I wanted to. And honestly, that felt more impactful than any flawless performance ever could.

I also learned that service doesn’t always have to be big or complicated. These days, we often see people launching huge campaigns, organizing charity events, or flying across the globe to volunteer. And don’t get me wrong — all of that is incredible. But for many of us, it’s just not realistic. Through this performance, I realized that impact can happen in quieter, simpler ways. Sometimes, service is just you, a piano, and a room full of strangers who are willing to listen. No spotlight. No headlines. Just music. And sometimes, that’s enough to make a real difference.

It reminded me of something I’ve mentioned in past posts: you never really know what someone else is going through. We get so caught up in our own lives that we forget others carry their own weight, every single day. The best we can do is offer what we have — no matter how small — if it can bring even a moment of comfort or peace. For me, that offering was music. And that day, in that hospital, it felt like exactly what someone might’ve needed.

So if you’ve ever thought about sharing what you love — whether that’s music, art, writing, or just your time — DO IT!! Even if you’re scared. Even if you feel unqualified. You never know who might need exactly what you have to give.

And who knows? You might be just one performance away from discovering that for yourself.

In the next blog post, I’ll discuss my second and third hospital visits—this time in a completely different hospital! I’ll compare and contrast the experiences, exploring how different environments, audiences, and emotions shaped my journey as a volunteer pianist.

You won’t want to miss it.

Here’s a little teaser of what the second hospital environment looked like:

Stay tuned,

– Team