Uncovering the Diamond Within: A Journey with Hip Harp Academy

I received something yesterday that touched me so deeply I wanted to share it with you. It’s a beautiful reflection from an Academy member that offers an intimate glimpse into her journey with music and creativity.

Reading Patrizia’s words, I was filled with a deep sense of relief and gratitude. It was a moment of relief that all the years of work — both in building the Academy and in my own personal growth — found their reflection in someone else’s experience. Years ago, my coach asked me to describe what I am living for. After much thought I said, “To step out of my own darkness with a light that illuminates in others.”

This week, through Patrizia’s message, I saw that light shining back. In fact, I see that light many times each week in the Academy but to have it put into words so beautifully and to be able to share it means so much to me.

It’s a reminder of the Academy’s purpose: connection… not perfection. To provide a way for people to connect with their own creativity, presence, authenticity and joy, so they can share it with others — and experience it in themselves.

Patrizia’s message is so meaningful and personal that part of me wants to keep it close like a precious secret — but it’s so moving that I asked her if I could share it. And she said yes.

Before we dive into her beautiful reflection, I just want to remind you that Hip Harp Academy “Structure is Freedom” $400 registration discount ends at midnight tonight. You can still join after midnight, but the discount will be gone. I hope you’ll join us.

Patrizia’s Reflection on the Academy

“I started in April, after the Baroque Flamenco challenge that Joke brought to my attention. I love improvising and putting my own twist on everything I’m involved in, playing the harp, cooking, baking, photography… so the way Deborah teaches fits my learning style very well. I wanted a kind of toolbox to be able to use ‘building blocks’ to create my own arrangements, improvisations and maybe pieces. And the academy is a great resource for that. Discovering all the courses and musical ideas felt to me like a mix between a candy store and an exciting journey.

But the academy is much more than that. What I have learned so far goes far beyond the music. They are life lessons, which slowly but surely radically change your attitude toward music but also toward yourself and your relationship with music and with others. Music is a common thread in my life (my mother once said I sang before I even talked!). But from my adult years there has always been an element of achievement that clouded the enjoyment of making music and often turned to frustration: I always set the bar too high and forgot to enjoy myself.

This semester in the academy, I have re-experienced the joy of making music as a child. This is an indescribable feeling that completely opens the door to my own creativity.

I am convinced that inside each of us there is a shining diamond. The only problem is that we build so many walls of judgment, lack of self-confidence, fear of failure, competitive behavior around it that the shining is no longer visible. The academy teaches you to tear down all those walls one by one. And for that I am incredibly grateful to Deborah, the crew and the community.”

I can’t say how much I’m moved by Patrizia’s words and grateful for her permission to share them. If her words speak to you, I invite you to come join this community which has become a place of deep discovery and joy as I see and hear the music that each person IS tumble out like the laughter and the joy of childhood.