Writing/Essay/Journal
Singer/Songwriter, Peter Himmelman, says that growing up Jewish there were three career choices open to him, but he chose a different path and became a musician. Do you feel that your career choices are pre-determined? Are there certain careers you think your family would prefer that you go into? Is that what you want to do?

Activity
Himmelman says that you need to “be willing to sacrifice the songs to the moment” when you are improvising. What do you think he means by this? Does your favorite form of art support improvisation? Create a piece of art that contains some elements of structure but also includes a piece of improvisation. Does the improvisation interrupt or even ruin the piece?