Friends, This message is for those of us who are about to level up in the musical realms over the next few weeks. I’m genuinely excited to begin learning with you. Can you feel it already? Knocking the rust off old calluses. Rosin meeting bow. Dust lifting from keys. Breath finding melody again. This is a lighthearted 31-day challenge, and there’s only one rule: Show up for yourself each day. That’s it. Now—if you want something tangible to come from this (and I think you might), here’s the fun part: Research shows that setting clear goals and tracking your progress can increase productivity by up to 25%. That means this challenge becomes almost 8× more effective than practice alone—just by being intentional and visible. My invitation: - Set 1–3 musical goals - Commit to them for the next 31 days - Share your progress as you go It makes the process more alive. More playful. More human. We get to witness each other remembering who we are through sound. For transparency, here are my goals: - Learn three vocal ikaros by heart - Deepen and refine my classical playing style If this sparks something in you—even a quiet hum—this message is for you. Let’s begin. 🎶 —Dalton

Music lives through attention. Through hands on strings. Through breath, time, and repetition. ———————————————————— This is an invitation to show up and play every day. For 31 days, we practice a minimum of 15 minutes daily. That’s the only non-negotiable. ———————————————————— The goal isn’t improvement. It isn’t perfection. Its presence. ———————————————————— I’ll be here each day, checking in and practicing alongside you. We’ll keep it simple: a daily log of how long you practiced and what you touched. A few words is enough. 20 mins — Crazy Train solo. Done. Miss a day? You don’t restart. You just keep going. Who this is for? Anyone who wants: - A little structure without pressure - Consistency without rigidity - Community around a shared practice - To remember why they picked up their instrument in the first place ——————————————— All instruments. All levels. ——————————————— Why I’m doing this? Because practice deepens when it’s shared. Because I need this rhythm too. Because it’s all practice. And yes — it’s free. ——————————————— How to join: Comment “I’m in” or message me. I’ll add you to the accountability list. No performance. No proving. Just showing up. Let’s play. 🎶

Quick story: This morning Sophie and I were making breakfast when her dad came in the home with a box of gifts. He sat down and I began to wash dishes. “Would you be mad if I played Christmas music?” She asked. “I might be but you can try.” I have done my darndest to avoid hearing any this season and Christmas snuck up on us. Now here we were, listening to the old voices from the 50s singing about sleigh bells and angels, grandpa is holding the baby, Soph is flipping pancakes, and I had to smile. The music was making Christmas happen! Despite my best efforts to stay grumpy at the music, a wave of relaxation came over me. I let it take me and I was pleasantly surprised. Anyway I think the moral of the story is that you’ll enjoy your in-laws more if you surrender to the moment and just wash the dishes. 🤔 Happy holidays all! P.S The January instrument challenge is coming up, if you want to participate, start thinking of some small goals to work towards!

@Carly Boulton @Jace Gold @Stephen Karafiath I am stoked that you guys took the time to make an account and hop on Melody. I’m excited to collaborate with you all 😁

Chad Adam Stephen Nate Mike Jace Brycen Pepper and Soph For heeding the call. You are amazing Thanks for not making me practice alone 😪🤟