It was the end of a long and beautiful summer of traveling. The friendly dog, quiet house, and calm suburb of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, provided the perfect space for much needed quiet contemplation. I was house-and-dog-sitting for Joe Robinson, former Principal Oboist of the New York Philharmonic, and my oboe teacher for four years as an undergrad at Duke. He has also been an inspirational mentor, parental figure, and life guide.

Sneaking into his vacant home studio and sitting in the chair by his own, where I had always sat while he made reeds, taught music, and shared stories...