Name: Improvising on piano, aged 14
Uploaded: 2006-08-08T00:11:00Z
Duration: 23 min 51 s
Description: Pianist and composer Jennifer Lin gives a magical performance, talks about the process of creativity and improvises a moving solo piece based on a random sequence of notes.

Pianist and composer Jennifer Lin gives a magical performance, talks about the process of creativity and improvises a moving solo piece based on a random sequence of notes.

Improvising on piano, aged 14

Creative breakthroughs often arise in moments of playful, unforced concentration, not just disciplined practice. A young pianist illustrates this by improvising a moving piece onstage using five random notes chosen by an audience member. She compares composing music to drawing anime, highlighting the importance of structure, detail, and the elusive state of 'flow.' Even the most skilled artists cannot force inspiration, but when it comes, the results can surprise and move an audience.