Every performance is a risk. We're putting ourselves out there for the world to see.
After every performance, there is that special moment we usually take for granted.
A gap.
That moment of silence between the last note of the piece and when the audience responds.
For the performer, there is an emotional rush. Perhaps the moment is filled with relief. Maybe there is excitement to accept the audience's applause. If a performance didn't go well, it could be a desire to flee the stage.
It's different every time. But that's the thrill of it.
It's not just music that has a post-performance gap. There is a gap every time we give a presentation. Present our report. Publish a video.
Or write a blog post.
The post-performance gap may take different forms. It may even be an eternal gap if it doesn't resonate with the audience. But it is always there, nonetheless.
And the only way we can experience all the post-performance gap has to offer is to keep performing. Again and again. Our audience deserves it.
And so do we.