Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

5/8/09

Inspiring

Someone once asked me in a public forum, whether I waited for inspiration. My answer was: “Every day!” But that does not, by any means, imply a passive waiting around for the divine afflatus. That is exactly what separates the professional from the dilettante. The professional composer can sit down day after day and turn out some kind of music. On some days it will inevitably be better than others but the primary fact is the ability to compose. Inspiration is often only a by-product.

Aaron Copland

What to Listen for in Music

 

                                                           

                                                               

3 comments:

Mark said...

Great quote, John!

Stephanie said...

I love Aaron Copeland. That's a great quote.

Christy said...

The two most inventive creator- friends I know, are also the ones who work the hardest. It is true that they "play" at their work, but both resent any suggestion that they are somehow "lucky", "gifted" or special recipients of inspiration. Such a view would not properly acknowledge the ongoing discipline that has honed their skills and made them available--in the right place at the right time to receive and respond to inspiration.