Late Nights, Quiet Hours, and Finding Time to Create

While editing this series, I was reminded—again—of just how many late nights went into this studio transformation. It brought back something I’ve always known about myself: there’s something special about working late into the night in the studio.

The lights are dimmed. The house is quiet. No dogs barking, no lawns being mowed, no phones ringing, no unexpected knocks at the door. Just silence and focus. Those late-night and early-morning hours have always felt like the most relaxing and creative time for me.

When Late Nights Were Easy

This rhythm was much easier to maintain back when my teaching studio was local and in-person. Lessons typically started around 1:00 p.m. and sometimes ran as late as 11:00 p.m. That schedule gave me plenty of time to come home, grab a bite to eat, and head into the studio afterward. I could work late, sleep in a bit, and repeat the cycle without much trouble.

Things changed dramatically once I moved my studio online and international. I’m currently teaching students in seven different countries, and that shift reshaped my entire day. Suddenly, my teaching hours ran from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., five days a week. I didn’t schedule formal lunch or dinner breaks—just fifteen minutes between lessons all day long.

Unsurprisingly, that schedule took its toll. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, and finding the time—or energy—to work on my studio or create music became difficult. This was one of the major reasons the studio redesign slowed down for a while.

Reclaiming the Night

Eventually, I adjusted my schedule. Starting my teaching day closer to 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. gave me just enough breathing room to reorganize my week and reclaim a few late nights in the studio. That small change made a big difference—not just in productivity, but in how connected I felt to my creative work again.

One unexpected benefit of teaching online is what happens when there’s a cancellation. Instead of losing that time, I’m already in my studio. I can sit down and work on a track, a score, or a studio project until the next lesson begins. Those pockets of time add up.

Finding Your Creative Window

It got me thinking: when do you feel most productive?

Are you someone who thrives late at night, like I do, or are you an early riser who enjoys working in the quiet of the morning? Do you set aside time on weekends, carve out evenings, or rely on a flexible schedule that lets you create during the day?

Once you factor in work, family, and everyday responsibilities, finding time to create music can be surprisingly difficult. It’s something many of us struggle with, regardless of how passionate we are about it.

However you manage to find that time—whether in short bursts or long sessions—I hope 2026 brings you plenty of quiet moments to sit down, focus, and create.

Here’s wishing you all the best in finding space for your music in the year ahead.