Piano lessons began at age six and continued throughout high school. After the excitement of learning a new instrument wore off, I found myself experimenting with the piano, as my fingers curiously explored the keys and their sounds. It wasn’t long before I discovered that it was possible to create an unlimited number of melodies and harmonies that went way beyond the notes found within my piano books. The piano suddenly became a magical device as I realized it was a powerful tool that could be used to weave an infinite amount of stories and emotions.
I began turning to the piano as a way to express myself. It became my outlet. When I was excited, angry, or confused, I would be drawn to the piano and release my emotions through its keys. I began composing. The songs were simple, yet sincere. The compositions became my journal and the piano keys were the pen. My songs burst from my heart, almost uncontrollably.
My family and friends loved my music and encouraged me to play whenever possible. They said I inspired them, but I never believed them. My background in music had trained me in the theory and ‘rules’ of music, and I knew that my compositions didn’t follow many of them. When I write songs, I need to feel completely free to release my emotions without feeling “boxed in” by structure or theory. I don’t restrict myself by paying much attention to the ‘grammar’ of music or composition.
It was because of my “lack of rule following” that I never believed my music was “good enough”. How can one be inspired and fall in love with music that doesn’t follow the rules? It was this seed of self-doubt that continued to inhibit me throughout my education and even through the first few years of marriage. People would ask me to play for them and I would oblige, but the reality was, I felt embarrassed of my songs. People would try to convince me to make a CD, and I would immediately respond with a resounding refusal. A CD?! Besides for my family and close friends, who would be interested in it? My songs were definitely not “perfect enough” to share with the world. I was sure of it.
“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
And so, my music remained in my immediate social circle and may have remained there forever had I not happened upon a quote by famed lecturer and teacher, Leo Buscaglia. A quote which elicited a complete paradigm shift regarding my music ad life in general. Dr. Buscaglia once said, “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
And that is when I realized I had been disillusioned. I had fallen into society’s destructive mentality which suggests that only those who are “perfect” can be successful, respected, and valued. One has to look perfect, dress perfectly, and produce perfect results, and anything less than that is simply not good enough.
Each person is given unique capabilities and leanings for a purpose. I realized that God gave me a specific talent and I was keeping it to myself as if I was unappreciative of His unique gift to me. My fear of imperfection suddenly seemed silly.
I soon discovered that it is not necessarily perfection that people want, but rather sincerity and genuineness. My songs may not always follow the proper ‘grammar’ of composition, but they all come from the heart, and like the Torah teaches us, what comes from the heart enters the heart.
I now understand that I may not be able to do everything, but I can do something. As Jews, we are taught that every single person has a part of God that shines within. The Torah compares the Jews to stars. From a distance, stars appear to be tiny and insignificant; pinpricks of light. However, in reality, each star is an enormous globe of fire with immense power and energy.
Every one of us is a star – someone who has incredible power to make a difference in the world. We may sometimes feel insignificant compared to the rest of humanity but in truth, every single person deserves to be cherished, valued, and respected. You are not only surrounded by stars, but you are one as well. You are brilliant. You have the power to have an impact on the lives of others through your own unique qualities and skills. You matter.
With that inspiration in mind, the process of creating my CD began. After several years of work, together with support from family and friends, “Finding Forever” has now been released and will hopefully inspire others to believe in themselves and utilize the talents that God gave them.
Listen to Star Catcher, a song from Sarah Dukes CD, in the video below.
Click here to order a copy of her CD Finding Forever, featuring world-renowned pianist, Yaron Gershovsky.
(23) Geri, January 4, 2021 10:04 PM
Powerful message, relaxing, happy, beautiful music! I thank you so much!
Growing up with the message of "be a little bit better, always be perfect," etc. I identify with your thoughts then. Thanks so much for sharing. Love you music and look forward to more.
(22) Joey, April 6, 2014 7:35 PM
Thank you!
This is just the sort of lesson I need to keep in mind. Thank you and God bless!
(21) fanny, January 30, 2014 4:04 AM
Such beautiful piano! I'm happy you shared your talent with the world! Enjoy it and continue to love your music!
(20) Chaya, January 13, 2014 2:24 AM
The beauty and honesty of your music
Your music is so pure and flows so naturally it feels soothing and healing. Your honesty and the way you write depicts the clarity and beauty that I feel when I hear your music. THank you Sarah!!!!
(19) Erez, January 9, 2014 7:13 AM
awesome
I have no idea what rules were broken or what structure in music is, but your music is wonderful.
(18) Rivki, January 9, 2014 4:26 AM
Inspired
Sarah you are such a blessing to those who know you. Thank you for sharing your gift for Gd with us. I love you and your music and your wisdom is refreshing. Mwah
(17) E. Dian Cantrell, January 9, 2014 1:44 AM
Inspiring
Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring...
(16) Nancy, January 8, 2014 8:17 PM
To Eli--A big yasher koach!! What you are doing now is nothing short of wonderful!!
(15) Ed Stott, January 7, 2014 5:43 PM
Thank You for Sharing
Sarah, Thank you for sharing your beautiful music and for sharing your story. You are a true artist, spoken from the heart!
(14) Dvorah, January 7, 2014 8:01 AM
Late has other advantages
I'm also a musician. I turned down a job with an orchestra at 18 because I chose to raise a large family (which I was, thank G-d granted) and did not want the rehearsals and tours to interfere.
With my youngest in school, at 50, I returned to music with all the advantages of the depth of motherhood et al, and my music, arrangements and now compositions are far richer than they could have been without life's depth and expression included in them. And now they burst forth as though from a bottle stopped up for all those years.
I wish you tremendous joy and growth in your lovely music.
Dvorah,
The Shevet Achim Jewish Family Ensemble
shevet-achim.tk
(13) Rachel, January 7, 2014 1:47 AM
Wow
I am inspired by your journey, your strength, and the soul within your music. Thank you for sharing.
(12) Hal Levine, January 6, 2014 8:11 PM
A gift to be cherished....
Your writing is as professional as your playing...and both obviously come from the heart. You are a gifted young lady and one who makes all of us so proud of you.
(11) Inbar, January 6, 2014 7:00 PM
beautiful, touching and inspiring
Baruch Hashem that you kept making music, and thank you for sharing your music and your story with us!
I agree with your friends and family, and hope you will record more. Kol tuv!
(10) Anna, January 6, 2014 6:03 PM
Notes from the heart
Thank you, a warm and inspiring article, and beautiful music. Keep playing and writing!
(9) Suzanne, January 6, 2014 5:59 PM
Terrific article
Your piano playing and creativity are lovely. I especially liked the part in your article where you mention sincerity and genuineness as it comes forth in the delightful melody you are playing. (It sort of reminds me a little of George Winston). So glad you decided to share as you have a unique ability to bring joy to others!
(8) Grumps, January 6, 2014 4:36 AM
The moment of epiphany, needs to be cherished. Sometimes it comes from within. We spend years working to make ourselves better, more sensitive, more aware, kinder. Your article epitomizes a journey of so many of us. We too often second guess ourselves and judge ourselves unfairly or even harshly. "Seeing the light" can arise after years of commitment and hard work, or can occur in a flash as a consequence of words of kindness and/or wisdom from another. Your music is unique and special; and I feel fortunate to benefit from listening to it again and again. Thank you for sharing your story. It is truely an inspiration for many.
(7) sandy, January 5, 2014 10:48 PM
Sarah,
Not only does your music touch the soul but your words are beautiful and go straight to the heart and mind. No matter what our talents are they are Hashem's gift to us and a blessing to all who we touch. Thank you.
(6) Rivkah B, January 5, 2014 8:49 PM
Your journey
Is an incredible inspiration. You are right--no need to be perfect before we start. We just have to start.
(5) Daniel, January 5, 2014 6:29 PM
Music From the Heart
Sarah,
I love your philosophy. I am a professional violinist who has many years of education under my fingers (literally!). I know that there is a big difference between being "just a technician" and an "artist". Ideally, the artist needs to be a good technician in order to allow the neshama to shine through his or her music.
Your talent has been to forge your own path, and therefore, your own destiny. No teacher can instruct you how to do this. The best artists are communicators who learn to ask all the right questions of their technique so that they can speak from the soul and develop their own unique sound. This is a very special gift and I wish you much success in your endeavors.
Daniel
www.maestromusicians.com
(4) Anonymous, January 5, 2014 5:16 PM
Wow
Beautiful, beauiful, beaufitul.
Thank you so much.
(3) BP, January 5, 2014 4:39 PM
Beautiful
Thank you for sharing your musical composition with us. It's very beautiful and moving. Please keep composing.
(2) Eli, January 5, 2014 3:44 PM
Never to late, either
I've enjoyed singing all my life, but never thought I had the talent it takes to sing in public. Finally after retiring, I signed up last year for a voice class at a nearby university. By the end of the semester, the professor asked me to enroll in the senior opera workshop this semester despite the fact that all the other students will be 4th-year voice majors. By underestimating my talent, I missed out on half a century of performing and the possibility of making my living in music.
I would encourage everyone to pursue your dreams and, at least, give it a try. It's far better to try and fail than to spend your life wondering if you could have done it, and you might surprise yourself with success. I certainly never thought that right now, I'd be preparing to sing Mozart's "Non piu andrai" in a recital.
(1) Em, January 5, 2014 10:50 AM
Beautiful and moving music!
I don't normally enjoy listening to instrumental music (i.e. without lyrics), but from the first note, Star Catcher had me hooked. Sarah, I'm glad you chose to follow what is in your soul.