Audience Quote by Barbara Harbach
“In some ways, it is difficult for contemporary composers to find an audience. Both men and women would love a culture that embraced and hungered for new music, as they did in the Classical period. I tell my students that they should just keep writing, write what pleases you, and don't worry about what people or critics may think about your music.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music Education Podcast, 2022
Emerging composers should focus on personal expression rather than external approval, fostering authenticity in their work.
In simple terms: Write for yourself, not critics.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal artistic truth.
Themes
creativity
authenticity
resilience
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- composition workshops
- self‑publishing
- grant applications
- performance planning
Key Concepts
artistic integrity
audience expectations
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How can composers balance personal vision with career sustainability?
- What strategies help maintain creative confidence?
A Different Perspective
Market pressures can still impact opportunities.
![“How can you worry about pleasing people [critics] and what they're going to think? How can you do anything creative if the whole thing is motivated by trying to please somebody else? To me, the whole idea of what I thought art, or music, or anything creative was about pleasing yourself and hoping…” quote by Elliot Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/510/elliot-easton-79776_amount_how-can-you-worry-about-pleasing-people_278949.jpg)
