From Performer to Poet: Ian Robertson's Journey into Creative Writing After Hearing Loss

When a lifelong passion suddenly becomes impossible, it can feel like the end of a story. For Ian Robertson, founder of Robertsons Court in Session and a seasoned performer, 2024 marked a turning point. After 15 years performing alongside bassist Gordon Kingsford Smith, Ian faced a difficult reality: hearing issues forced him to step away from the stage. Yet, this challenge opened a new door. Over recent months, Ian has embraced creative writing, poetry, songs, and short stories, as a fresh way to express himself. This post explores Ian’s journey from musician to writer, highlighting how creativity adapts and thrives even when life changes course.

Ian Robertson’s notebook where new poems and stories take shape

Facing the Silence: When Hearing Loss Changed Everything

For a performer, hearing is more than a sense, it’s a lifeline. Ian’s career was built on the subtle interplay of sound, rhythm, and collaboration. Working with Gordon Kingsford Smith, a bassist known for his rich tones and improvisational skill, Ian experienced music as a living conversation. When hearing loss began to interfere, it wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was an emotional upheaval.

Many musicians face similar struggles. Hearing loss can disrupt timing, pitch recognition, and the ability to connect with fellow performers. Ian’s decision to stop performing was not easy, but it was necessary to protect his well-being. This moment of change forced him to reconsider how he could continue to create and share his voice.

Discovering New Ways to Create

Creativity often finds a way forward when one path closes. Ian’s transition to writing was gradual but intentional. He began by jotting down thoughts and feelings that music once expressed. Poetry became a natural outlet, its rhythm and imagery echoing the musicality he loved.

Writing songs allowed Ian to blend his musical background with new storytelling skills. Short stories expanded his reach further, letting him explore characters, settings, and emotions in depth. This shift did not erase his past as a performer; instead, it enriched his creative palette.

Practical Steps Ian Took to Embrace Writing

• Set a daily writing routine: Ian committed to writing every morning, even if only for 15 minutes. This consistency helped build momentum.

• Read widely: Ian explored poetry and fiction from diverse authors to learn different styles and techniques.

• Used music as inspiration: Many poems and stories draw on memories of performances, rehearsals, and the emotions music stirred.

  
  

The Power of Words When Sound Fades

Writing offers unique strengths. Unlike music, which unfolds in time and depends on sound, words can be revisited, reflected upon, and shared silently. Ian found that poetry and stories allowed him to capture moments and feelings with precision.

That’s where the line, in one of his poems, “from silence in the shadow of light” comes from.

In his words "It’s my way of describing what hearing loss feels like when I try to translate it into language. The world around me is full of sound, bright, energetic, always moving. But I often experience it from just outside that brightness. It’s like standing in the shadow of something luminous. The sounds are there, but softened or incomplete, and that quiet space becomes the place I write from.the sensation of fading sound as a “soft retreat into shadows,”

His short stories often feature characters navigating change, resilience, and rediscovery, mirroring his own experience.

Challenges and Rewards of the New Creative Path

Transitioning from performer to writer brought challenges. Ian had to develop new skills, such as mastering narrative structure and refining language. Writing also requires solitude, which contrasted with the collaborative energy of performing.

Yet, the rewards have been profound:

• Renewed sense of purpose: Writing gave Ian a fresh way to connect with audiences.

• Emotional healing: Expressing his journey helped process loss and hope.

• Community building: Through writing groups and readings, Ian met fellow writers and readers who share his passion.

  
  

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ian Robertson

Ian’s journey is ongoing. He plans to compile his poems and stories into a collection that reflects his transition and growth. He also hopes to collaborate with musicians and artists to create multimedia projects that blend sound and text in new ways.

His story shows that creativity is not limited by circumstance. When one form becomes difficult, another can emerge, offering new ways to communicate and inspire.