You can’t grow as a musician unless you grow as a person.
First learn the structure and then you can deviate from the form.
Feeling deeply is a blessing and a curse.
Music expresses what words cannot.
You can’t grow as a musician unless you grow as a person.
One of the best things about music is that you can express everything that you are and not say a word.
Only play music because you love it and you’ll never be bitter.
Music is the one thing I can love without fear.
Care a little less. It frees you up. No ego. It should only be about the music.
You can only convince others when you believe it yourself.
“You’re doing the best you can for where you’re at.”
- Ellen Ritscher
“If you’re prepared, there’s no reason to be nervous.”
- David Steffens
Quiet your mind. Go through the motions. Observe your mistakes, but never judge.
50% is in the head the other 50% is in the body. Sometimes the process is difficult and tedious, but don’t cut corners. The highest art deserves that.
“There is no magic pill. Just practice.”
- David Steffens
“Fix your head and you can fly.”
- Lucile Lawrence
“Don’t do it unless you love people.”
- Alice Chalifoux
My hope is that all my students surpass me.
People are wonderful and complicated with all different road maps.
One of the greatest observations of a teacher is a student’s well-earned success.
It can be a powerful position. Be careful with your words.
Leave your ego out of it. Only the humble are open to learn.
“How soon we breast the tape that we realize the joy was in the running.”
- Mother Teresa
Accept that people will never be perfect. Only art has that ability and even that is subjective.
Learn from others. Only compete with yourself. We all have enough weaknesses to last a lifetime.
Good and bad. Good – You can outlast the rest. Bad – The end result can often take much longer.
“Stupid and stubborn both start with the same 3 letters.” - Alice Chalifoux
Don’t abuse yourself. You’re a gift to the world if you believe it.
Play YOUR music, not the notes. Sing through the music everything that you are.
Let it happen. Nothing inspired is forced.
Listen to where the beat is and reinforce it. Don’t create a new one.
Be a team player. Help the whole group shine. Play out when it’s your turn and get out of the way when it’s not.
Sometimes the most mentally challenged individuals are the most alive.
What we need is often what we push away.
