In this continuation of our in-depth conversation, drawing from her extensive performance experience at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, Your Creative Chord Podcast guest  Ashlee Young emphasizes that the highest level of piano performance is not about perfection or technique. Instead, it's about tapping into the music's beauty and connecting with the humanity of both the audience and the performer. She shares invaluable insights on how to transcend the pursuit of perfectionism and truly engage with the emotional core of music.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- The importance of connection in music: How to connect with the deepest parts of yourself, the music, and your audience.

- The pitfalls of perfectionism in high-level performance and how to maintain the beauty of music.

- Strategies for forming a strong emotional bond with a piece, including the use of storytelling and creative imagination.

- Practical tips for adult learners on building confidence and expression through effective practice and performance.

- The role of community in fostering musical growth and how to leverage support from fellow learners.

Join pianists and educators Jenny Leigh Hodgins and Ashlee Young for this inspiring dialogue that sheds light on the transformative power of music and the steps needed to achieve expressive, confident piano performances. Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate player, or a piano teacher, you'll find valuable takeaways to enhance your musical journey.

Catch Part 1 of this wonderfully inspiring discussion with Ashlee Young in Episode 49:

Musical Expression: A Dynamic Chat With Piano Expert Ashlee Young Pt 1

 

CONNECT WITH ASHLEE YOUNG:

YouTube

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Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

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Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to Your Creative Chord Podcast, where creativity and inspiration meet transformation. In this episode, I'm pleased to introduce Ashlee Young, a pianist, educator, content creator, and business coach who champions the philosophy of practicing smarter, not harder. With a master's degree in classical piano performance from USC's Thornton School of Music and performances at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, Ashlee has shifted her focus from competition to connection and expression in music.

Ashlee's dedication to helping others achieve their musical goals shines through her free YouTube tutorials, courses, programs, and her engaging Facebook group. Her approach is reminiscent of the teaching strategies I've employed in my 30-year career, emphasizing effective and efficient paths to confident, skilled musical expression.

Inspired by Brene Brown's vulnerability and relatability, Ashlee has reached a significant milestone: balancing her music education business with quality time spent with her young daughter. Ashlee's commitment to fostering a love for piano learning aligns seamlessly with Your Creative Chord's mission.

Join us in this vibrant conversation as Ashlee shares her insights on practical piano techniques, the importance of a positive mindset, and the power of recognizing patterns in music. Whether you're a new or returning piano learner, a teacher, or an aspiring online entrepreneur, Ashlee offers a wealth of knowledge that resonates deeply with the Your Creative Chord community.

Tune in to explore how mastering foundational skills like chord recognition and melodic expression can lead to long-term success and a more connected, expressive musical journey.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this wonderfully inspiring discussion on piano progress, in episode 50!

CONNECT WITH ASHLEE YOUNG:

YouTube

Facebook Piano Group

Instagram

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

CelebratIng the launch of my new book, Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics! I share the personal story behind this collection, spotlighting themes of friendship, self-belief, and the transformative power of authentic expression. Despite a whirlwind of responsibilities as a solo entrepreneur, Board President, and caregiver, I dedicated four intense months to creating this book as a tribute to a dear friend who stood by me during challenging times. Hear my personal readings from the book, reflecting on shared experiences with nature, relationships, loss, and hope. Each poem is a testament to your resilience and the boundless potential within you.

Explore the profound insights woven into 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart,’ a celebration of an individual voice and the power of words to heal and inspire. Listen in to experience the depth of emotion and wisdom that lies within each verse.

Spread the word about this exciting personal project by forwarding this email to a friend or family member!

If the transformative power of poetry resonates with you, consider supporting my work by purchasing 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart' for more inspiration and connection. 

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to a Special Bonus Poetry Episode of Your Creative Chord Podcast, where we benefit from the transformative power of poetry. Join me as I share inspiring verses from my latest book,Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics, exploring themes of connection, inner strength, and resilience. 

Through  personal expressions, poignant words, and reflections, I invite you on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Tune in to discover the beauty of interconnectedness and the power of forging belief in oneself. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this poetic exploration of life.

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

In Episode 47: A Poetic Path To Finding Hope, I take you on a personal exploration through the transformative power of poetry. Inspired by personal experiences and my book, 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Poetry & Lyrics Collection,' I share readings of three poems centered around the theme of finding hope. 

From the vivid imagery of 'All About Hope' to the resilient message of 'Hold On' and the empowering call-to-action in 'Power In Your Heart,' each poem invites you to reflect on your own experiences and discover the profound strength that lies within. 

With reflection prompts interspersed throughout the episode, you’re encouraged to engage deeply with the themes of hope and empowerment, fostering a sense of connection and inspiration. Join me as I guides us on a poetic voyage toward finding hope in the midst of life's challenges.

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Ocean Waves music ©️ 2013 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

In this bonus episode of Your Creative Chord Podcast, I offer a special preview of my book, Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics. Enjoy an intimate reading of three poignant poems—Symbolism of Fruit and Tea, Building A Life, and Lifelines. Through themes of love, loss, and personal growth, these poems provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of relationships.

Get more of my verses for nurturing your creative soul with my FREE Poetry Sampler!

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

I welcome back Jill Hodge, the creative force behind Let the Verse Flow Podcast, for part 2 of our enlightening conversation. We explore the transformative power of poetry, personal growth, and creativity. Drawing from our shared experiences as caregivers, poets, podcasters, and 50+ women, we discuss creative self-care, nurturing creative flow, navigating life's challenges through poetry, and the role of diversity in fostering creativity and personal growth.

Connect with Jill:

• Website: Let the Verse Flow
• Me-Time Mixtape newsletter: Newsletter Sign-Up
• YouTube channel (affirmation meditations and music playlists): Let the Verse Flow on YouTube
• Jill's article, Hope For The Grieving: You Will Make It Through  on TINY BUDDHA

Additional Resources:
Tupac Shakur
Kendrick Lamar

Get inspired with my FREE Poetry Sampler!

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

Join my guest Jill Hodge, the creative force behind Let the Verse Flow Podcast, as we explore the transformative power of poetry, personal growth, and creativity. Jill shares insights into how caregiving has shaped her approach to creativity and personal development. 

Together, we delve into the role of creative expression in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We highlight the importance of welcoming diverse perspectives in fostering creativity and enriching the collective dialogue within the creative community.

We explore the impact of music on enhancing emotional resonance in poetry. 

Connect with Jill:

• Website: Let the Verse Flow
• Me-Time Mixtape newsletter: Newsletter Sign-Up
• Let the Verse Flow on YouTube
• Jill's article, Hope For The Grieving: You Will Make It Through  on TINY BUDDHA

Get more of my verses for nurturing your creative soul with my FREE Poetry Sampler!

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

In Episode #44, I conclude the two-part exploration of how to RESET your creative energy. Based on my Inspirational Bookmark Trio, I explain the "SET" aspect of RESET and provide practical strategies to elevate your creative energy. This episode marks the culmination of a 4-episode series on creative flow, focusing on empowering you to prioritize joy, authenticity, and holistic well-being in your creative endeavors. Drawing from my extensive experience as a creator, I emphasize the importance of staying true to yourself, nurturing your spirit through intentional activities, and fostering a supportive community for accountability and encouragement. You’ll get actionable insights on replenishing energy, reigniting creative flow, and cultivating an inspired life. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a seasoned creator, or simply  creatively curious, tune in for invaluable guidance to help you thrive creatively.

Find the music and nature video mentioned in this episode here:
"Beautiful Nature Scenes and Piano Music by Jenny Leigh Hodgins—Simply You"

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to part 3 of my 4-part Creative Flow series! In today's episode, we're exploring the first of the core principles within my RESET Your Creative Energy framework: Regular Rest and Essentials Only. I understand the struggles of managing multiple responsibilities. By prioritizing rest and focusing on essentials, we can prevent or overcome burnout and rediscover our creative flow. 

If you missed them, check out episode #41, where we explored my Creative Exploration Formula, and episode #42,  the research and experience-backed Keys for Nurturing Creativity. 

Today, let’s RESET your creative energy with practical strategies to incorporate regular rest into your routine and identify the essentials in your life that deserve your focus.

And remember to grab your FREE Inspirational Bookmark Trio at YourCreativeChord.com/getinspiredhere  My IBT set includes my Creative Exploration Formula, Keys for Nurturing Creativity, and RESET Your Energy and Creative Flow bookmarks to help you align with your creative purpose.

For visual encouragement, watch my YouTube nature and music video, "Beautiful Nature Scenes and Piano Music by Jenny Leigh Hodgins—Simply You"

💡 Join our Creative Flow & Inspired LivingFacebook group for more insights, updates, and support at facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving.

✨ Ready to Explore or Reconnect with Your Creativity?✨
 Whether you’re creatively curious, facing blocks, or ready to build lasting momentum, my 3-month Creative Empowerment Coaching Program offers focused, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Apply now at YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme to take the next committed step toward empowered, inspired living.✨🌻

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
• ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

💖 Support the Creative Mission

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.