We were lucky to catch up with Stefan Kijek recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stefan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My name is Stefan Kijek. I am a jazz pianist and music teacher based in Edmonton, Alberta. I make the mainstay of my living teaching piano lessons, but also play professionally for various projects in the Edmonton area. I became a professional musician because I wanted to make art.

I’d like to talk about the risk of becoming a professional musician and artist.

I think being an artist, or specifically a musician, is a popular fantasy- just as being a professional athlete, a professional actor, writer, or performer often is, and therefore can often be relegated to unreality as a sort of fever dream. That being said, I also believe that, for most, pursuing one’s personal inspiration, whether it be music, art, sports, acting, business, trading cards, or maybe something esoteric- whatever it may be: this pursuance finds itself to be a worthy endeavor, despite any ambitions of wealth, despite cult of personality, and despite popularity. So then, what is the difference between pursuance of an artist’s career and pursuance of the art itself?

The reason I think pursuing art of most kinds, for any length of time, is a worthy risk, is exactly because it is difficult.

I chose to become an artist first and foremost because it was an option. My own background is very middle class, featuring many lessons as a kid: piano, violin, swimming, soccer. I did from a young age want to be a professional piano player, and, moreover, a jazz musician. It did not occur to me as a young man that walking the walk, as it were, is particularly difficult, other than as a peripheral of the usual feelings that young people have about everything being difficult.

Since, I received post secondary education in jazz performance, travelled somewhat, played abroad, learned but did not master many genres of music, played other instruments, sang, recorded, performed. There was and continues to be a deluge of experiences, places. people, and of course, memories: jazz, pop, country, classic rock, folk, blues, producing, writing, rehearsing, studios, bars, festivals, parties, and more, all of which sort of reflecting a particular lifestyle, for better or worse.

That’s all great, but what has been most valuable to me throughout the last twenty years of working in the music industry is, how, over time, I began to notice the a choice often made apparent: take a risk and discipline oneself to do the difficult thing, or be comfortable.

Even now I can’t brag about worldly success or satisfaction. I am not even comfortable for that matter- probably what most people would call a starving artist, and certainly there are times when I compare my lifestyle to others’, resent people who have more, or consider the gravity of sacrifices and mistakes I have made. When I play the piano, though- for myself- that all disappears for a while as I become engulfed in the moment. That moment is what has been created.

If I had never been willing to pursue the difficult thing, the profundity of its nature would have never been made evident. I appreciate that realness now, especially in this era, and especially as I grow older, even realizing that I am and will be without many other things.

This, to me, is the value of risk. Not in the gamble, payout, or victory, but in the inertia of courage. To try, without knowing. Things fade, music remains.

Personally, I believe I took that particular risk with music- in pursuing my first love. Ultimately, I think that such pursuance is inevitable for everyone, within the explorations of things they are truly passionate about. At least, I hope so.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

If I were to summarize what got me a good start in music, it would be teaching and practice. Having great teachers and opportunity is a boon, learning how to practice is about discipline. Those are two great ingredients.

I am most proud of my own album, entitled “Overgrowth”, recorded with my trio of the time, “The Temporalists” available for free on my website, stefankijek.com. I wrote the music, rehearsed the band, and, with a lot of help, applied for and received a grant to record the album, which I feel expresses some of the deeper latent feelings I’ve had in my life.

I do have a message for people seeking inspiration: Do the difficult thing. It’s worthwhile to fail and try again.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to know what’s real. I think risk, courage, struggle, and love are the ways to truth. Not much room for sustained luxury or wealth there, but I could be wrong. I grew up pretty comfortably.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creating is universal; performing is a career; appreciating is art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stefankijek.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stefankijek
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefan.kijek/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-kijek-433a61364