One of the Most Inspiring Quotes about Being a Musician

January 24, 2019 In: Sound Bits

Karl Paulnack, currently the Dean of the Ithaca College School of Music, was previously the Director of the Music Division at Boston Conservatory.  In a welcome address he gave to the parents of an incoming Freshman class at BC (and in an address to the students as well) he said:

“If we were a medical school, and you were here as a med student practicing appendectomies, you’d take your work very seriously because you would imagine that some night at two AM someone is going to waltz into your emergency room and you’re going to have to save their life.

Well, my friends, someday at 8 PM someone is going to walk into your concert hall and bring you a mind that is confused, a heart that is overwhelmed, a soul that is weary. Whether they go out whole again will depend partly on how well you do your craft.” – Karl Paulnack (used with permission)

Paulnack’s full speech is available here – a highly recommended read that is sure to inspire!