Quotes from musicians to etch in your heart: words that reveal hope from setbacks
Music heals and empowers our hearts, and the words left by musicians also have great power as signposts in life.
Because they have faced music by pouring their talent and passion into it, their words carry deep weight and persuasiveness.
When we face setbacks and difficulties, when we are filled with doubt and anxiety, the soulful words of musicians light a lamp in our hearts.
Here, we present a selection of gem-like quotes from musicians that resonate with the heart.
Quotes from musicians to etch in your heart: words that reveal hope after setbacks (1–10)
Regret the past. Hold hope for the future. And never be satisfied with the present.Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer who gained popularity for ballet music such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
The famous quote “Regret the past, hope for the future, and never be satisfied with the present” encapsulates Tchaikovsky’s life.
Its message—reflect on the past, give your all to the present, and as a result, look forward to a brighter future—may be a lesson everyone should keep in mind as they live their lives.
It is a maxim that teaches that living the present to the fullest is what leads to tomorrow.
Break through agony and arrive at ecstasy.Ludwig van Beethoven
In Japan he is also called the Saint of Music and is counted as one of the most important figures in music history: the German musician Ludwig van Beethoven.
His famous quote, “Through suffering to joy,” teaches us the resolve needed to achieve our goals.
No matter what hardships or difficulties stand in our way, if we overcome them, a bright future awaits.
That message can give us strength when we feel on the verge of breaking.
It is a gem of a quote that will resonate especially with those who have dreams and goals.
Because we dream, life shines.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mr.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a musician who began to display a prodigious musical sensibility at the age of three and became a leading figure of Classical music and the Viennese Classical school.
His famous quote, “Life would be dull without dreams” (or literally, “Because we dream, life shines”), may inspire some to broaden their sense of possibility.
A life spent idly, with time simply slipping by, may not be boring, but it’s hardly enjoyable either.
Even if it isn’t a grand dream, having a goal can change the way the world looks—this is the message it conveys.
It’s okay to make mistakes—you’re not a machine.Fuzjko Hemming
Fuzjko Hemming, the pianist renowned for her performances of “La Campanella,” has worked across the globe, including in Japan, Europe, and the United States.
Her famous quote, “It’s okay to make mistakes—we’re not machines,” reminds us of a sense of humanity we should recall in today’s society, where perfection and spotless purity are often demanded to excess.
Even if a machine would call it an error, for a human it can become a unique flavor and individuality that only that person can express—an insight that seems characteristic of a performing artist.
It’s a saying that makes us reflect on the very human qualities that come from being human.
Practice is pursuit. And it’s preparation for enjoying the real thing.Sadao Watanabe
Sadao Watanabe, affectionately known as Nabe-Sada, is a saxophonist active in the worlds of jazz and fusion.
From his quote, “Practice is pursuit, and preparation for enjoying the performance,” you can sense the philosophy of Sadao Watanabe, who continues his tireless efforts even past the age of 90.
The message—that no matter how much you practice, you keep pursuing without ever being satisfied, and it’s precisely that time spent that allows you to enjoy the performance without unnecessary thoughts—seems universal, not limited to music.
These are words I’d like to share with those who struggle with practice or effort; they teach the importance and value of preparation.
I kept telling myself that everything I was studying was for my goal.Miles Davis
These are the words of Miles Davis, a man who left his mark on jazz history and kept pushing the boundaries of what music could be.
He embraced not only technical skill, but also everyday experiences and even failures as part of learning.
The same is true for studying: times when things don’t go smoothly, or efforts that feel like detours, are never wasted.
As long as you stay mindful of your goal, every experience accumulates into strength.
In the toughest periods, there is often the most to absorb.
It’s a quote that affirms the process of effort and supports forward movement in life.
Pierce through suffering and reach ecstasy.Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, the German composer, is known for creating numerous masterpieces even as he lost his hearing.
Though his life was filled with profound suffering, he never let go of his passion for music.
If we keep looking forward even in hardship, joy surely awaits beyond it—this strong conviction comes through.
In exam study as well, there are times when results don’t go as hoped or when anxiety feels overwhelming.
Even so, by not giving up and continuing on, you can discover not only success in passing but also a great sense of accomplishment in having persevered this far.
It’s a powerful message that inspires faith in the growth that emerges from works born out of painful times.
