To be a musician is to be a linguist. Every acoustical setup is a different language root--strings, brass, wooden flutes, voice. The piano, while its own acoustical setup, is also an excellent ventriloquist's dummy, admirably suited to imitate attributes of other sound sources.

I have noticed that string players who play exceptionally well in tune with other instruments have invariably studied other instruments: their ears are open to the differences, therefore they can meet.

It was remarkable at one moment to hear an adult student's touch suddenly improve in subtlety. It turned out he had been working with singers on a daily basis.