Clouzine Magazine Interview – Soul Improvisations

Soul Improvisations aka Devorah Maho Lewin is a talented pianist, composer, athlete, lawyer and single mother of three. In 2023, after working for 17 years as a lawyer, she stepped down from her position due to her declining medical condition. She received five surgeries from 2022-2024 which enabled her to begin building a new life to focus on her childhood love of the piano and composing.

Devorah began playing the piano at a young age and took private lessons for several years but was unable to continue. She obtained a B.A. in history & political science from the University of California at Santa Barbara, graduating with highest honors, and a law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law (UC Berkeley).

Although she never attended a music school, Devorah is gifted with the ability to play by ear and compose music through spontaneous improvisations.

She is a completely self-taught composer and utilizes what she calls a “stream of consciousness approach” whereby she seeks to be a vessel for divinely inspired musical ideas to flow through her soul. Devorah founded Soul Improvisations with the mission of composing solo piano music to help uplift the spirits of others and foster recovery from trauma. Her music is truly from her soul to yours.

For additional information, please visit www.soulimprovisations.com.

All of Devorah’s music and related merchandise are available for purchase on her website www.soulimprovisations.com and online store www.designsbysoul.com as well as Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Your releases, collabs of importance …
My first release was Warrior Heart, Conquering Life’s Challenges on September 18, 2024, which marked my entry into the music world after 17 years of practicing law. That single was especially meaningful to me because it symbolized not just a career change, but the beginning of a new chapter – dedicating myself fully as a pianist, composer, and recording artist to spreading hope and inspiration through music. Shortly thereafter, I released Ani Ma’amin, I Believe, followed by an EP titled Journeys, which allowed me to explore a wider range of themes and emotions. Most recently, I released my debut album, From the Depths, which I consider a milestone project that brings together much of my artistic vision and life experience.

What is unique in your music?
Listeners often describe my music as new age solo piano with a classical flair and touches of other styles woven in. What makes it unique is that I compose through improvisation, using a stream-of-consciousness approach that allows me to serve as a vessel for divinely inspired ideas to flow through me. I founded Soul Improvisations with the mission of creating solo piano music to help uplift the spirits of others and foster recovery from trauma.

My album, From the Depths, embodies this vision. It is designed as a sequential musical journey inspired by psalm 130 – “From the depths I called you …” each of the ten compositions reflects emotions born from experiences in my own life, with the intention of guiding listeners through various stages of struggle, hope, renewal, and transformation. The titles of the pieces reveal not only some aspects of the composition’s mood, but also of my personality and beliefs.

Ultimately, my music is an offering from my soul to the listener’s soul-an honest outpouring of my heart on the piano, with the hope that it touches, comforts, and inspires those who hear it.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with individuals, organizations and communities that are deeply rooted in health, wellness and spirituality. Music has the unique power to bring one a sense of calmness, clarity and healing, and see collaboration as a way to expand that impact. Whether it is with meditation guides, health and wellness leaders, motivational speakers or faith-based organizations, my goal is to create work that uplifts and strengthens people – helping them find peace, resilience, and inspiration in their everyday lives.

Your thoughts about today’s music industry
The music industry today is both еxciting and challenging. It is amazing that with technology and digital platforms, artists can share their work globally with just one upload, but the sheer volume of new music can make it difficult for individual voices to be heard and appears to require artists to be their own marketers, promoters and entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to learning more about the industry and how to successfully juggle the various roles and navigate as an independent artist.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I want people to know that my music comes from a deeply personal place. Every piece that I create is a reflection of my journey and my hope is that it resonates with others and brings them comfort, joy or inspiration. If my work can make even one person feel strengthened or uplifted, then I feel that I have done my job.