The Art of Being a Beginner
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

The Art of Being a Beginner

Learning to be a beginner is harder than it seems, especially in a world that celebrates instant skill and perfection. In this post, I share my personal struggles with starting piano, the mistakes I made trying to skip the beginner phase, and the lessons I’ve learned about choosing the right course, building small wins, and embracing vulnerability.

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The Great Slopification: Why the Future Belongs to Human Artists
The Future of Creativity Sarah Stumböck The Future of Creativity Sarah Stumböck

The Great Slopification: Why the Future Belongs to Human Artists

In an era where AI-generated content floods every corner of the internet, genuine human creativity is at risk of being drowned out. From surreal “Shrimp Jesus” images to AI-generated music flooding streaming platforms, the so-called “Great Slopification” threatens to turn the web into a hollow echo chamber. But there’s hope: human art — flawed, vulnerable, and deeply felt — cannot be replicated by machines. In this article, I explore the implications of AI’s rise for artists, musicians, and creators, and why the future of meaningful art will always belong to those who live, feel, and create from the heart.

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Rebellion: When the Creative Self Fights Back
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

Rebellion: When the Creative Self Fights Back

Some days creativity flows with ease, and other days it feels stolen by endless to-dos and obligations. On those days, anger rises … not as destruction, but as rebellion. In this piece, I explore how that anger is actually the voice of the neglected creative self, demanding space, and how we can learn to channel it into meaningful expression instead of repression.

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The Gig: Redefining Success Beyond Perfection
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

The Gig: Redefining Success Beyond Perfection

When I led my very first Singing Circle in front of a group of strangers, in an unfamiliar setting, I entered it with the idea, that success meant perfection. What I learned instead was far more liberating: success is showing up honestly, learning as you go, and refusing to punish yourself for imperfections. Redefining success isn’t just about music: it’s about building resilience, flow, and trust in your own creative path.

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Painting as a Teacher
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

Painting as a Teacher

Perfectionism is the silent killer of creativity. Great artists didn’t create masterpieces every time—they created constantly, trusting the process. True originality comes not from flawless output, but from curiosity, courage, and the willingness to be imperfect. Today I describe how painting is helping me be imperfect in music.

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Comparison, the Victim Mindset, and the Hidden Work of Art
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

Comparison, the Victim Mindset, and the Hidden Work of Art

Comparison is one of the greatest thieves of creativity. As artists, we slip so easily into the story that others were “dealt better cards”—more talent, more privilege, fewer struggles. But art has a way of reflecting those shadows back to us. It doesn’t just demand practice and skill; it demands that we face the narratives of “not enough” and keep creating anyway.

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You’re Not Behind — You’re Becoming: A Love Letter to the Slow-Burning Musician
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

You’re Not Behind — You’re Becoming: A Love Letter to the Slow-Burning Musician

Feeling overwhelmed while holding onto your musical dreams? This love letter is for the slow-burning, deeply sensitive artist navigating exhaustion, ambition, and the winding path of creativity. You’re not falling behind — you’re becoming. Let this be a reminder that your softness is part of your strength.

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What a Busker Taught Me About Playing the Long Game in My Creative Journey
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

What a Busker Taught Me About Playing the Long Game in My Creative Journey

Embracing the long game is essential for any artist in the early stages of growth. In this post, I reflect on what I learned from meeting an inspiring busker in Freiburg, who helped me envision a life dedicated to music, even if the journey is slow. Discover why “zooming out” and keeping your creative vision alive can help you navigate the ups and downs. Ready to deepen your commitment? Then this read is for you.

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Update: What I’ve Learned from Practicing Music Every Day for 30 Days
Musicianship & Skill Development Sarah Stumböck Musicianship & Skill Development Sarah Stumböck

Update: What I’ve Learned from Practicing Music Every Day for 30 Days

It’s been one month since I began the 365-day music practice challenge, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned so far! From building muscle strength and timing to feeling more confident playing in front of others, I’m already seeing huge changes. Daily practice has taught me so much about resilience, and I’m here to say it’s never too late to join me on this journey.

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Beyond Perfection: How Music in Ceremony Acts as Both Catalyst and Mirror
Ceremonial Music Sarah Stumböck Ceremonial Music Sarah Stumböck

Beyond Perfection: How Music in Ceremony Acts as Both Catalyst and Mirror

Spiritual music in ceremony is far more than melody – it’s a catalyst for transformation and a mirror for inner truths. As a ceremonial musician, I’ve learned that each reaction to the music reflects something needed, whether joy, anger, or deep sadness. Over time, I’ve come to see music as both a tool and a canvas for participants’ projections, teaching me the art of non-attachment and embracing imperfection. Read how this perspective has not only deepened my connection to music, but transformed how I see myself as an artist.

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Musicians and Self-Care: Why You Must Fill Your Cup Before Serving
Self-Care for Musicians Sarah Stumböck Self-Care for Musicians Sarah Stumböck

Musicians and Self-Care: Why You Must Fill Your Cup Before Serving

As musicians, our energy is deeply intertwined with the music we play. When we’re well-rested and recharged, our music becomes a powerful and seamless extension of ourselves. But when we’re drained, the connection weakens. This article explores why self-care is essential for musicians and how prioritizing your well-being improves the energy and quality of your music. Learn practical self-care tips to recharge, so you can offer your most potent, aligned sound to the world.

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