Some musical memories are unforgettable—not only because of the music itself, but because of what they teach us about ourselves.
In October 2012, I had the pleasure of appearing with Patavinas Jazz Club on Programa Instrumental Sesc Brasil, one of Brazil's best-known television programmes dedicated to instrumental music. Broadcast on free-to-air television across the country, the programme has introduced audiences to many outstanding Brazilian musicians and original musical projects.
For this performance, our group presented eight original compositions: five of my own and three written by the exceptional pianist Mário Martins, whose creativity and musicianship have always been a tremendous source of inspiration.
Performing original music on national television was already an incredible honour. Even more special was the opportunity to introduce our compositions to a wider audience and to share the artistic identity that Patavinas Jazz Club had been developing over many years.
There was, however, one small challenge…The programme began with an interview featuring Mário and me.
At that stage of my career, I was still extremely uncomfortable speaking in public—especially knowing that the interview would be broadcast to viewers across Brazil. Oddly enough, I had no problem performing challenging music in front of an audience, yet speaking into a television camera felt far more intimidating!
Looking back now, I can smile about it.
Can you spot the exact moment when I stop worrying about the cameras and simply start enjoying talking about music? I certainly can!
Like so many things in music, confidence comes with experience. The more opportunities we have to perform, teach and communicate, the more natural it becomes.
By the end of the programme, we took part in a live Q&A session with members of the audience. Something changed during that conversation. Without the pressure of a formal interview, I found myself relaxing, enjoying the interaction and speaking much more freely about music, improvisation and composition.
It was an important lesson.
Music is, after all, a form of communication. Whether we are playing a solo, explaining a musical idea or answering a question from an audience, the goal is always the same: to connect with people.
That experience has stayed with me throughout my teaching career.
Many students tell me they are nervous about improvising, performing or even asking questions during a lesson. I completely understand, because I have been there myself. Confidence is rarely something we are born with—it is something we develop through encouragement, practice and experience.
Today, I genuinely enjoy speaking about music, leading workshops and teaching students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Looking back at that television interview reminds me just how much we can grow when we step outside our comfort zone.
And, of course, I remain incredibly proud of the music we performed that day.
If you would like to watch the complete programme—including the interview, the performances and the audience Q&A—you can find it on YouTube. I hope you enjoy it, and perhaps you'll even notice the moment where I finally begin to relax!