Calvin Coolidge quote on persistence | Part Time Musician . com

Quote of the Day: Calvin Coolidge

This quote is one I had heard years ago and recently re-discovered…and I love it. As a Part-Time Musician (PTM), the lack of instant progress (or sometimes even noticeable progress) when working to learn a new technique or overcome a problem spot can be disheartening. I’ve questioned my suitability to even play music on more than one occasion, and I suspect many of you have, too. Whatever you do, though, don’t give up. Persistence pays off, as President Coolidge observes:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Calvin Coolidge

30th President of the United States, from 1923-1929

Whenever you hit a rough patch, take another look at this quote…then remember that every other PTM out there is rooting for you. You can do it, and it will be worth it. The sweetest victories come from the greatest efforts.

Keep playing,

Mark

Tags: Calvin Coolidge, determination, persistence, quote

Quote of the Day | Mark June 29, 2009

2 Comments to “Quote of the Day: Calvin Coolidge”

By Derek Hopper, June 29, 2009 @ 11:54 pm

Good quote Mark. These days I see any improvement in my playing as a bonus: I do work for it and appreciate it when it arrives, but my enjoyment of music as a part-timer does not depend on it.
By Mark, June 30, 2009 @ 6:32 am

Derek:

There are days like that for me, then there are really good days…and sometimes, those other ones. Some days, I’m content to just woodshed it; on other days, I really want to “make some music”.

I think part of it may be what instrument I’m playing at the time. I’m much more content (and better, frankly) with the trumpet and bass than I am the viola. But each instrument challenges me differently, and each one intrigues me in a different way. I just wish I had more time!

You’re right about the rewards, though; just playing in the first place should be reward enough.

Thanks for the great comment, Derek!

All the best,
Mark