Issac Stern
by Molly-Ann Leikin

I love to read biographies of successful people, especially successful artists. I always learn something important and powerful from each. Here's something Isaac Stern said in his autobiography, "My First 79 Years", recently published by Knopf.

Stern writes: "To be a musician in the service of music is not a job. It is a way of life. Two things are necessary for a life in music: a clear idea of what you want to be, and the arrogance to pursue it. You can't walk on stage and say to the public "excuse me, I'm here." You must believe in yourself and make immediately clear to everyone, "I'm going to play. LISTEN."

"For me, the art of making music is a highly personal affair that involves the performer, the instrument, and the public. It's all too easy to be ignorant or feign ignorance, of the basic rules of music, and to say or think, "this is the way I feel. I will do whatever I like. I don't need to recognize the boundaries of good taste or know the historical development of musical composition or have some rudimentary idea of the history of music performance." But to abide by the strict disciplines of music, and accepting these limitations, develop an individual voice, to become perceptive and honest, and above all, to recognize how to convince the listener, not to go to the listener, but bring the listener to you - THAT is the mark of musical artistry."

Think about it as you write today. And I suggest you read the rest of the book, too.

Used by permission.

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