Inspiration for Your Music Stand

By Anne Sullivan 

Is your music stand just holding your music? 

What if I told you your music stand could actually inspire you in your practice each day? You’d probably think I’m crazy. It’s only a music stand.

But the magic happens when you add a sticky note…or two, or three, or more. What do you put on those sticky notes? Nothing as blah as a list of what you need to practice. Try writing down a favorite quote about music or the harp on that sticky note. Imagine how you might start your practice differently with inspiration from a quote that truly speaks to you. 

Not sure if you know a good music quote? Here is a list of some of my favorites to get you started.

Where words fail, music speaks. – Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author (1805-1875)

When you play, never mind who listens to you. – Robert Schumann, German composer (1810-1856)

Music . . . can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable. – Leonard Bernstein, American pianist, composer and conductor (1918-1990)

The secrets of the harp are far simpler than certain people imagine, and its possibilities are never-ending for those who have faith. - Marcel Tournier, French harpist and composer (1879-1951)

One should not be satisfied with “perfection,” with everything being in its proper place. One must have generosity, passion, sensitivity and spirit.” – Henriette Renié, French harpist and composer (1875-1956)

The practice of scales solves the greatest number of technical problems in the shortest amount of time. – Andres Segovia, Spanish classical guitarist (1893-1987)

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” -  Bono, Irish singer and songwriter, (b. 1960)

Without music, life would be a mistake. – Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher (1844-1900)

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. – Victor Hugo, French author (1802-1885)

Choose two or three faves (or choose them all, if you want), write them on some sticky notes and put them on your music stand. Just put one on your stand today, then switch it to a different one tomorrow or next week. Then notice the fresh energy they help you bring to your practice.