“If, while at the piano, you attempt to form little melodies, that is very well; but if they come into your mind of themselves, when you are not practising, you may be still more pleased; for the internal organ of music is then roused in you. The fingers must do what the head desires; not the contrary.”

“When you play, never mind who listens to you.”

“You will be most readily cured of vanity or presumption by studying the history of music, and by hearing the master pieces which have been produced at different periods.”

“Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.”

“From a pound of iron, that costs little, a thousand watch-springs can be made, whose value becomes prodigious. The pound you have received from the Lord,--use it faithfully.”

“By means of industry and perseverance you will rise higher and higher.”

“You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.”