#recoveringmusician
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samgrabow.bsky.social
For the rusty pianists and orchestra survivors: I turn "missed rehearsals" into watercolor art. 🎹🖌️

Whether you’re a teacher or a "former" prodigy, there’s something for you at RecoveringMusician: etsy.com/shop/RecoveringMusician

#artsky #MusicTeacherGift #artist #QueerArt #EtsyShop #MusicGifts
Watercolor illustration of two hands playing a piano, layered over vintage sheet music marked "Lento." The style is vibrant and slightly fuzzy, capturing the beautiful, wobbly energy of a "recovering musician" rediscovering their craft. Devil's Trill: When the Music Possessed Me Welcome to Recovering Musician, where I turn practice room demons into pretty art. This piece is an homage to the infamous "Devil's Trill" sonata by Giuseppe Tartini, a piece so difficult it was rumored to have been dictated by Satan himself in a dream. We've captured that chaotic, fiery energy in watercolor form. The "I Survived the Recital" Vessel Look, we both know you’re only awake because the neighbor’s kid started their scales at 7:00 AM. Whether you're actually a "God's Fiddler" or just someone who peaked in youth orchestra and now uses their degree as a coaster, this mug is perfect for reminding you that there will always be a Heifetz recording that does it better than you. I'll be honest, that's my viola. Yes, a viola. No one can really tell the difference just by seeing it out of context but I felt the need to be honest. This was sketched over one of my favorite sonatas, by Rebecca Clarke, and if you look closely you can see some of my fingerings and bowings still written in. Not pictured, all the curse words I wrote in my part to encourage me to stop being terrible. The next time you have an extra 5 minutes to quiet the existential dread and horror of your life before going to work or clocking in for the day, consider enjoying it out of this beautiful mug! This mug might not fix your life but at least it is pretty and can remind you that something pretty can come from trauma.
January 25, 2026 at 1:29 PM
recoveringmusician.bsky.social
I’ve spent 20+ years collecting different bowings and I still don’t know what I like or feels best when I’m playing. #bachcellosuites are hard to get perfect.
#viola #violalife #classicalmusic #orchestra #cellosuites #cello #bach #violaproblems #recoveringmusician
February 23, 2026 at 3:35 PM