Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
Nina SimoneRead
I have to be composed; I have to be poised. I have to remember what my first piano teacher told me: 'You do not touch that piano until you are ready and until they are ready to listen to you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Preparation and readiness are key to effective performance.
This quote by Nina Simone emphasizes the importance of being composed and poised before showcasing one's talent. It highlights that true performance requires not only personal readiness but also an awareness of the audience and their engagement, suggesting that timing and preparation are crucial elements in any artistic endeavor.
Themes
PerformanceReadinessPreparationMusicPoised
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a music workshop to inspire students about the importance of being prepared.
More from Nina Simone
All quotes →Jazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
Nina SimoneRead
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Nina SimoneRead
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
Nina SimoneRead
I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
Nina SimoneRead
This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
Nina SimoneRead
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