“Practising is not forced labour; it is a refined art that partakes of intuition, of inspiration, patience, elegance, clarity, balance, and above all, the search for ever greater joy in movement and expression.” Yehudi Menuhin, violinist

“It isn’t where you came from, it’s where you are going that counts”
Ella Fitzgerald, singer

“Our goal is to be able to ‘experience our experience’ fully, without classifying it as either bad or good.”
Barry Green, bassist

“It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something”
Ornette Coleman, saxophonist and composer

“It’s not about playing well by being comfortable and wiping out nervous energy. It’s about finding the right channel for all that energy.”
Don Greene, psychologist & performance coach

“I will cast this spell: I know I can open this door and show you something unforgettable & transforming, and I’m determined to take myself there and to take you with me.” Jeffrey Kahane, pianist

“My strength is my enthusiasm”
Placido Domingo, singer

“When a problem is complex, you become tense, but when you break it down into basic components, you can approach each element without stress”
Yo-Yo Ma, cellist

“I suppose that when I play in public it looks easy, but before I ever came on the concert stage I worked very hard. And I do yet – but always putting the two things together, mental work and physical work.”
Jascha Heifetz, violinist

“There must always be a sense of progression or movement towards definite landmarks”
Tobias Matthay, pianist

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking down your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Mark Twain, author

Quotes from ‘The Musician’s Way’ by Gerald Klickstein
A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness

Classical Music