“If you cannot compose new music, simply perform what already exists.
If performing is beyond your reach, then teach someone else.”

This is a motto that resonates with prestigious music schools like Eastman School of Music, where I, as a classical pianist, first started teaching others.

Composer, performer, teacher—each role carries equal importance and necessity. Your unique talents and strengths determine which path suits you best, whether it’s creating, performing, or guiding others as an educator. However, the idea of ‘If you’re not a creator, be a performer. If you’re not a performer, be a teacher,’ isn’t limited to music alone. It’s an inspiring principle that could be applied across many fields.

create, perform, teach