Finding the next note: A path through creative blocks

The composer Leonard Bernstein would complain sometimes about being dry and blocked. During those times, he’d sit for long hours at the piano and just improvise–strum chords or try a sequence of notes.

And then suddenly, he would find one chord or note that “hit.” That one note suggested the next.

Bernstein said that the whole point of composing was not to find one chord or note. It was only when they progressed to another chord or note that something meaningful was created.

So… when you’re not sure what to do, look for the next note.

Change happens when we see the next new connection.

If you feel stuck or confused, look for the next note. That’s all you need.