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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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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Bridging the Gap Between Taste and Skill as a Musician: How to Work Through Frustration
Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck Creative Process & Growth Sarah Stumböck

Bridging the Gap Between Taste and Skill as a Musician: How to Work Through Frustration

As musicians, we often face a frustrating gap between our taste and our skill – our ability to create doesn’t always match the music we admire. This disheartening phase is natural, but it’s also where growth happens. Learn how to manage your expectations, quiet your inner critic, and turn frustration into motivation as you work through this crucial stage of your musical journey.

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