The Butterfly’s Awakening
Sometimes a piece of music arrives with its own image.
The Butterfly’s Awakening is light, graceful and full of movement, with a delicate waltz rhythm and a melody that seems to dance above it.
It evokes a sense of transformation and freedom, as if something were emerging into the world for the first time. There is a sense of joy and release in the music, as though the dancing never needs to stop.
Behind the piece:
Released • July 25 2025
The Butterfly’s Awakening is unusual for me because I had a very clear image in my mind while I was writing it.
As the music took shape, I could see a Buddhist monk I know, twirling barefoot on a beach, her robes gently swirling around her in the breeze. I have never had such a strong visual image arrive while writing a piece, and it stayed with me throughout the composition.
The image of her twirling, together with the sense of freedom and transformation it evoked, led me naturally to the idea of a butterfly emerging into the world. The title came to me from there. Afterwards, I discovered that the butterfly carries strong associations with transformation and awakening within Buddhist thought, which made the title feel even more fitting.
This piece is dedicated to my dear friend, my spiritual mother, Reverend Master Mugo White.
Listen on:
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Sheet Music:
Key
F Major
Tempo
140 BPM
Level
Grade 2
Duration
1m:10s
Find it in:
Summer by the Sea
The Butterfly’s Awakening is one of the pieces in Summer by the Sea, a lyrical collection of original piano solos inspired by sea breezes, sunlight and quiet moments along the shoreline.
Ideal for players around Grade 1–2, the collection brings together gentle, imaginative pieces that balance beauty with playability. Each includes a performance note to encourage interpretation and creative expression.
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