Creativity is often described as fun, energizing, or inspiring. And sometimes it is. But sometimes, creativity asks something deeper of us. Sometimes it requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to listen.
Recently, I had a conversation with my fiancé that brought this idea into sharp focus.
We were headed out to dinner one evening when he asked about my day. I told him that I had written a song, something I hadn’t done in almost a year. He smiled and said, “That must have been fun!”
I paused before answering. “I guess so?” I said. But I wouldn’t have labeled it as fun. Writing that song required me to dig deep. It pulled from a place inside of me that felt vulnerable and honest. It was meaningful, but not light or easy.
After sitting with that for a moment, he shared a realization of his own. He said that this might be the difference between creating for yourself versus creating for other people.
When I asked him to explain, he talked about his own creative experiences. He has always created for others, according to their needs, their expectations, and their timelines. For him, creativity has often been a heady pursuit, rooted in problem-solving and delivery, rather than something driven purely from the heart.
It was an interesting realization for two very different types of artists to share.
This photo was taken during a splatter paint session we did together, a completely different way of making art side by side. No expectations, no outcome, just showing up and creating together in the moment.
That experience helped illustrate something important. Creativity doesn’t always look the same, and it doesn’t have to. Sometimes it’s structured and goal-oriented. Sometimes it’s messy, playful, and completely free.
🎵 Create Through Music, Your Way
At Metro Music Makers, we believe music lessons should be a place where creativity feels safe, personal, and meaningful. Whether a student is learning their first notes or rediscovering music later in life, our teachers meet them where they are and help them create with confidence.
If you’re curious about music lessons that prioritize expression, connection, and growth, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 https://www.metromusicmakers.com/contact/
When I write music, I often feel like a conduit for something greater than myself. That’s the best way I know how to describe it. It doesn’t always feel controlled or intentional. Sometimes it feels like listening, receiving, and allowing something to move through me.
This conversation also reminded me of a book our Metro Music Makers book club read together called Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book explores creativity not as something we force or perfect, but as something we allow, protect, and nurture. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity doesn’t belong to just artists. It belongs to anyone willing to show up with curiosity and openness.
If this idea of creating from the heart resonates with you, you can find the book here:
👉 https://amzn.to/4qnfzSg
At Metro Music Makers, we see this every day. Music becomes a bridge between teacher and student, between expression and understanding, between who someone is and who they’re becoming. Creativity invites connection, and connection gives creativity a place to land.
As we continue moving forward, we remain committed to creating space for meaningful expression and honoring the role music plays in helping people connect more deeply, both to themselves and to one another.
Ready to Create Through Music?
If you or your child are interested in music lessons that focus on creativity, confidence, and connection, we’d love to help you get started.
Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way.
Allison Jarrell 🎵
Founder & CEO