I went to a Piano Guys concert today. It was amazing! They were funny, entertaining, goofy, and skilled.
On the way in to the concert, my husband and I passed by the merchandise stand and I saw t-shirts that said “Don’t just practice.” I thought those were awesome, but I thought it meant, don’t just practice, PLAY, which would have been a cool quote, and fitting with the energy and fun that the Piano Guys play with. I was wrong though. During the concert, they put a quote on the background screen, while playing the piece, “Beethoven’s Five Secrets”. It is a quote by Beethoven, but I had never heard it before.
“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine.”
Okay, so I love quotes, but this one, I’m going to print out and frame in my music room. It’s not just about practicing! Force your way into its secrets! Yes!!! That’s what it feels like when you really know a piece, or when you arrange a piece successfully. I want to have this goal in mind when I’m working on a piece in the future.
P.S. I almost bought the shirt, but didn’t want to stand in line. I thought I’d get one online, but they’re not available. Grr.
Perfect Practice 