Six Pieces of Musical Advice from Musicians in my Life

It takes a village to raise a musician, since every musician is the product of every musician they have ever crossed paths with. Particularly important to a musician’s development are the musician's teachers and mentors, who shape style, technique, and even musical philosophy. Such teachers and mentors are particularly important to young musicians, who absorb the qualities of those around them like a sponge. Good musical influences can very much make or break a young musician.

I reached out to six musicians who have shaped my musical journey, asking for one piece of musical advice they have for young musicians. These six musicians range from my private teachers to conductors of summer music camps to Stuyvesant’s very own Mr. Tamosaitis. These mentors have given me many wonderful pieces of wisdom over the years, and I hope to spread their knowledge to Stuyvesant’s musicians as well!

What is one piece of advice you have for young musicians?

“Stay curious about everything musical, not only your instrument, and even things outside of music. Because ultimately your instrument does not define you, YOU define your music.”

• Sunny Xia, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony

“In terms of advice on music itself, you'll be able to create at your highest level when you are relaxed and physically comfortable. Most techniques will not happen if you are trying to force them. Of course, you have to have a clear understanding of the mechanics and have to practice diligently. But you’ll go further if you seek to play without tension. Also, don’t get hung up on where you ‘should’ be in any given practice session. Some people will have to spend a lot of time on intonation, others on rhythm, etc., so there are no ‘shoulds’ when it comes to how much you will need to concentrate on a particular aspect of music. Just focus on what type of practice is going to help you to achieve your goals in each moment.

In terms of advice on musical careers, know that it's all possible. It is still possible to be primarily a performer if you really want that. It's definitely possible to make a life with a combination of musical activities, from performing to teaching to various entrepreneurial pursuits. It’s possible to be a scientist or engineer or to have any ‘normal’ job and still play professionally in some capacity or to enjoy music through high-level community ensembles. Each path requires a different sacrifice, so you have to figure out what makes the most sense for you at each stage of your life. And it is okay if this changes in any direction at any point! Just continue to pursue music at the highest possible level for you in that moment, and you will have options.”

• Meghan Williams, Violinist and Educator

“In music, you have to deal with rejection a lot. Those musicians who deal with rejection as a ‘positive learning experience’ inevitably do better than those who take it to heart.”

• Joseph Tamosaitis, Stuyvesant Music Teacher

“My advice for young musicians would be to remember that the goal of practicing is not just to figure out how to give a perfect performance. The most important thing is to find an inspiration in music and share it with others. So don’t forget to step outside the practice room and experience life, nature, everyday moments, books, and your friends’ stories. One of these might become a turning point that helps you find your voice and express it through your performances.”

• Sofiya Levchenko, Violinist; Faculty of Kinhaven Music School

“The best piece of advice I can give young musicians is to stay curious and open-minded. It’s crucial to explore genres outside of your specialty, especially if you are classically trained. Because classical musicians rely so heavily on reading notation—unlike artists in almost every other genre—I highly recommend finding the occasional opportunity to play with groups that don’t use sheet music. Forcing yourself to improvise and create your own parts will make you listen and feel the music differently. Expanding your musical palette in this way will ultimately enhance your ability to interpret the notated compositions you usually play.”

• Tito Muñoz, Conductor

“Music is not about competition or perfection, it’s about connection, expression, and joy. I hope that young musicians aim to lead with empathy and lift others up. When you create a space for yourself and others, you will feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and discover your own voices. That’s how we change not just the musical world, but the world itself.”

• Tanatchaya “Tanya” Chanphanitpornkit, Music Director of Crescendo Orchestra of the New York Youth Symphony; Music Conductor of Manhattan School of Music Precollege; Co-founder of Girls Who Conduct

Given that perseverance, practice, and a strong work ethic are qualities that all musicians must accept to be a musician, it’s natural that my six musical mentors chose to explore qualities of musicianhood that are less strictly technical. These included advice on dealing with rejection, work-life balance, and community-building, which are equally important to the “grind” required to be successful. Many musicians resign themselves to a life locked inside the practice room for hours at a time, forsaking relaxation and precious time with loved ones in favor of tediously working on every minute detail in their playing. By accepting the advice of these six professional musicians and seeing music in a larger, more holistic picture, musicians at Stuyvesant can learn to find even more joy in making music.