Over the years, many quotes have caused me to stop and reflect. But the ones that hit with the most impact are always those that speak to me as a teacher. Here are a few that guided my career.
1. “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” (Mark Twain)
I taught in the same band room for 36 years, and this quote was taped to my conductor’s stand for three decades. It served as a daily reminder of the power of encouragement. Legendary basketball coach Don Meyer captured a similar sentiment: “Shout praise and whisper criticism.”
2. “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11, NIV)
This reminder was also taped to my stand, inspired by an early wake-up call. Years ago, I read an online critique from a student who claimed I talked too much in rehearsal and was too infatuated with my composing career. Though it stung, it was accurate. From that point on, I rededicated myself to an efficient, student-centered podium. Instead of explaining musical concepts, I began demonstrating them on my trumpet. In music, words often just get in the way.
3. “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” (Mother Teresa)
These saintly words bring the ultimate social and emotional instruction to teaching. Over the years, I found this was the best way to unite an ensemble—especially when conducting an honor band. I would tell the musicians that their job was to play and behave in a way that made their stand partner a better and happier musician. When we focus on the welfare of our neighbors, the collective performance flourishes, and we are blessed in the process.
4. “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” (George Washington Carver)
George Washington Carver’s words are deeply necessary today. In a world increasingly focused on division, music classrooms buck the trend. Music is the perfect vehicle to unite people. In a tender, compassionate, sympathetic, and tolerant rehearsal hall, there are no dividers and no outsiders—only individuals treating one another the way we all wish to be treated.
5. “Gladly we Learn and Teach” (Illinois State University’s Motto)
My first alma mater’s motto comes from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, originally written in Middle English: “And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.” Chaucer was describing a poor, book-loving Clerk who, despite his poverty, had two invaluable gifts to offer: glad instruction and genuine joy. Like Mother Teresa, Chaucer reminds us of our core directive: to leave our students better than we found them.
6. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)
This scripture is the foundation of my second alma mater Northwestern University’s motto: “Quaecumque Sunt Vera” (“Whatsoever Things Are True”). When we focus our rehearsals on what is true, noble, right, and pure, our teaching is blessed. In return, we leave our students with an excellent and praiseworthy education.
As you ponder your own favorite quotes, I hope you take time to reflect on how they shape your classroom. Whatever your circumstances may be, remember that you have been called to serve. Thank you for being a music teacher. You matter more than you could ever know.
P.S. If you believe that ensembles achieve their best when they lift each other up, consider programming my piece, STRONGER TOGETHER. It is a work designed to musically embody the spirit of these shared quotes.
