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William Vacchiano © 2016 Brian A. Shook

Quotes on Music Careers

William Vacchiano on Music Careers

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“The ideal situation for the musician today is the one with a university position where he can play solos, give quintet concerts, and play in a local orchestra.”

“I advise my students that keeping the job is harder than getting it. Many players deteriorate because they sit back and go along for the ride. You have to keep in good shape all the time.”

“Max Schlossberg told me that everyone can be helped if you find the answer to his weakness. This problem reminds me of the race between the fox and the turtle.”

“In order to achieve greatness you must have two things: talent and equipment. One without the other is useless. Even a great teacher can’t help you if you don’t have talent. We are born with talent, but we must furnish the equipment.”

“A natural talent is a great gift to have but only if you develop it. The most fertile soil in the world is no good to anyone unless seeded and cultivated.”

“The first thing a new home owner does is to get insurance on his house to protect himself and his family. The insurance I insist my pupils get is a good degree to guarantee a good living in case of need. I certainly didn’t need this insurance with my secure position at the New York Philharmonic and Juilliard, but nevertheless I went back to school at age 40 and received my master’s degree.”