The Letter That Knew Me Before I Knew Myself: Martha Graham to Agnes De Mille

Hi there,

There’s a quote I first read over 30 years ago that blew my mind.
Not because it was poetic or inspiring—but because it knew me. Like, inside-out, read-my-mail, pull-the-curtain-back knew me. And it didn’t flinch.

It was a letter Martha Graham wrote to choreographer Agnes De Mille in the 1940s. I was living in New York City at the time, trying to make sense of my creative impulses, my self-doubt, and all the mixed messages in my head.

I printed the quote on butcher’s paper and taped it to the wall of my lopsided railroad apartment.
I still have it up—A new version of it - in my studio now—where I teach and sing and write and record to remind people (and myself) why we make things in the first place.

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A Bit of Context

Agnes De Mille had just experienced a huge success with Oklahoma!—but she didn’t feel proud of it. She thought her earlier work, which hadn’t gotten much attention, was better. That’s when Martha Graham, modern dance pioneer and creative force-of-nature, wrote her this now-famous letter.

Here’s the part that hit me like a freight train the first time I read it:

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique... It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly... You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."

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Why It Mattered So Much

At the time, I was full of longing and doubt. I wanted to make music, to sing, to write—but the voice in my head was constantly saying:
Who do you think you are? This isn’t good enough. That person is better. You’re too late. You’re too weird. Too much. Not enough.

And then here was Martha Graham saying—none of that matters.
The only thing that matters is keeping the channel open.

It was like someone had handed me a permission slip and a flashlight.
You don’t have to be sure. You don’t have to be impressive.
You just have to stay connected to the current.

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Why I Still Keep It On My Wall

I’ve moved a lot since then. Different countries, different seasons of life.
But that quote’s stayed with me.

Now, I teach voice and songwriting to people who’ve been told they can’t sing, or who feel stuck in their creative work, or who are trying to reconnect with something they lost along the way. And this quote? Still true. Still vital.

Because here's what I know now:
Most of us don’t need more polish—we need more permission.

Permission to be raw.
To be honest.
To make art that’s not for approval but for expression.
To make anything at all, really.

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So if you’re reading this…

And you’re wondering if it’s worth it.
If your voice matters.
If what you’re making is any good.
If you should bother.

Let Martha remind you. Let me remind you.

It’s not your job to judge your voice.
Your job is to use it.

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Want to work with someone who lives this?

I offer private lessons and creative coaching (in-person in Canberra and online), focused on voice, songwriting, and expression—not perfection. I work with people at all stages of life and experience, including folks returning to music after years away. You’re welcome here.

Stay open.
Keep the channel clear.

Warmly,
Lisa