"That was one of the big problems when I was at Harvard studying music. We had to write choral pieces in the style of Brahms or Mendelssohn, which was distressing because in the end you realized how good Brahms is, and how bad you are"

This quote by Elliott Carter speaks with the problem of studying music at Harvard. He expresses his distress at needing to write choral pieces in the style of Brahms or Mendelssohn, as it made him recognize just how much better Brahms was than him. This quote reflects the challenge of studying music at a high level, as it can be hard to measure up to the greats. It likewise talks to the value of having an excellent instructor, as they can assist direct students to reach their complete potential. Carter's quote likewise speaks to the significance of having a good work principles and dedication to one's craft, as it can be tough to measure up to the greats without putting in the hard work. Eventually, this quote speaks to the importance of having an excellent instructor, a great ethic, and commitment to one's craft in order to reach one's complete capacity.