“Try to avoid being overly self-critical; it's an easy habit to develop and doesn't help in the long run.”

“Enjoy playing! I understand that playing an instrument can sometimes be stressful, which can make us forget or stray away from the reason why we chose to pursue music.”

“Keep loving music and don’t quit because of school.”

“The best way to guarantee that your goals and dreams can come true is to work hard. And along with that hard work also come consistency, perseverance, determination, and passion and with that there is nothing you can't achieve.”

“Occassionally take the time to find pieces you genuinely want to play. Learning how to play my favorite movie soundtracks on my own time was a great way to remind myself of the joy that music offers.”

“Find what motivates you in your music making. Find music that interests you, and ways to stay active in the music community, and love what you do! If you find that spark and help it to grow, your potential is literally limitless.”

“My advice would be to keep setting goals for yourself in order to encourage progression. I always had a piece that I dreamed of playing; it encouraged me to work harder and learn the techniques needed to play the piece. It also kept me listening to new music and artists.”

“Enjoy your time playing in orchestras and other music ensembles.”

“My advice for young musicians is to practice a lot, but more importantly enjoy the people and music making more than anything else.”

“Don’t forget to enjoy the quiet moments of music. Beauty is found in well-defined shapes, which are created through dynamics and phrasing.”

“Find genuine passion in playing, that's where the joy in music can be found.”

“Practice and idolize your section leaders.”

“My TJ orchestra conductor, Ms. Bailey, because she is incredibly hardworking and organized, and her passion for music is contagious.”

“AYPO has been a huge part of my life for the past 8 years and I've been able to experience and learn so much about music and being part of wonderful orchestras. I made wonderful friends, played amazing pieces and performed at beautiful locations. I'll always cherish the memories that I made. I'm very thankful to AYPO for giving me this opportunity. I'm also thankful to all the conductors, volunteers, and staff who put in so much energy and care in to teaching us and helping us grow as musicians. I've always felt like they truly cared and were always there for help whenever I needed it.”

“Consistency beats short burst of energy a million times. Slow productivity wins. Practice just 20 minutes a day effectively is enough to beat 2 hours of intense practice twice a week.”

“Appreciate the time you have with the people around you right now because you might not ever see them again.”

“Figure out what playing music truly means to you. Find a love for it outside of winning auditions or competitions, and that will ensure your love for music will never die. And don't compare yourself to other musicians; every musician brings something different to the table, so lean into what makes YOU special as a musician and be proud of yourself.”

“Patience and consistency is vital.”