Among those who study the fundamentals of musical performance, some strive for tone
and others for technique. Neither tone nor technique is enough. Some believe the mood
is important and others aim for precision. Neither effect nor accuracy is enough.

Some set great value on method, while others pride themselves on having no method. It is said that to be without method is bad, but to depend entirely on method is worse. If you aim to dispense with method, learn method.

If you aim at facility, work hard. If you aim for simplicity, master complexity.

You must learn first to observe the rules faithfully, afterwards modifying them according to your intelligence and capacity. The end of all method is to seem to have no method.

Among the great musicians, some seem to attain inspiration through methodical work and analysis while others play brilliantly relying on instinct alone. But first however, you must do what they have done--you must work hard. Focus on the basics.

Give up worrying about "when" or "how soon" you will be able to do something. It takes
many years to master scales and arpeggios. It takes years more to master the basics of
rhythm and articulation. Play ten thousand scales and study a thousand etudes. Learn
to sing, flow and soar. Learn the large and the small, the fast and the slow, the high and the low. Later, try Mozart's "Concerto" or Brahms' "Sonatas."

No matter what your level of ability, it is of continuing importance to have tasteful
individuals who have your best interest at heart listen critically to your playing and
then advise you tactfully. Shedding defensive ego, consider their words carefully.

Learn from the masters but avoid their faults.

As much, or more, about playing music can be learned by the careful observation of
nature, for nature is the finest teacher.

Learn to play with originality, but never disregard the essential nature of the music.

Learn to play powerfully but with control.

Learn to play simply yet with refinement.

Learn to play with delicacy of skill yet with vigor of execution.

Learn to play gracefully, with subtle nuances of tone, by doing as little as possible. Less is more.

Learn facility but never be glib. For the acquisition of technique is not so that you will play in a superhuman way, but rather to allow you to play in an intensely human fashion.

It is of the utmost importance to have the perspective to realize the value of what your instrument can and should do in relation to what you must do physically and artistically.

The ability to play your instrument is a prerequisite for musicianship. Musicianship is a prerequisite for artistry. For all artists are craftsmen, but the reverse is certainly false.
Artistry is having the outer craftsmanship coupled with the inner vision to do the seemingly impossible.

To play an instrument is merely a matter of patience and determination. To play music
is a matter of soul and intelligence.

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