Meaning: This quote by Itzhak Perlman, a renowned violinist, offers insight into his approach to teaching and practicing music. Perlman is known for his exceptional talent and skill as a musician, and his words shed light on the balance between demonstrating and allowing students to discover their own path in learning music.

Perlman's statement, "Another thing that I don't like to do is show too much how it goes," suggests that he prefers not to overly demonstrate or prescribe the exact way to play a piece of music. This approach aligns with the idea of fostering creativity and individual expression in music education. Instead of providing a step-by-step guide, Perlman seems to value allowing his students the freedom to explore and interpret music in their own way.

The phrase "I do it once in a blue moon" indicates that Perlman only demonstrates or shows the "how it goes" on rare occasions. This could be interpreted as a deliberate choice to encourage his students to develop their own problem-solving skills and musical intuition. By not constantly showing the exact methods, Perlman may be encouraging his students to think critically and develop their own unique approaches to playing the violin.

Perlman's statement "Sometimes there are lessons when I don't pick up a violin at all" is particularly intriguing. It suggests that Perlman's teaching methods are not solely focused on technical instruction and demonstration. Instead, he may incorporate lessons that emphasize other important aspects of music, such as music theory, interpretation, and musical expression. This approach reflects a holistic view of music education, acknowledging that there is more to learning music than simply practicing with the instrument.

In addition to the specific insights into Perlman's teaching philosophy, this quote also offers a broader perspective on the nature of learning and mastery in music. By emphasizing the value of not always demonstrating or picking up the violin, Perlman highlights the importance of reflection, mental practice, and internalization in musical development. This aligns with the concept of deliberate practice, where focused mental rehearsal and analysis play a crucial role in skill acquisition and refinement.

Itzhak Perlman's words can be viewed as a reminder that the path to musical mastery is not solely paved by imitating a teacher or following a rigid set of instructions. Instead, it involves a combination of guidance, self-discovery, and personal interpretation. Perlman's approach to teaching and practicing music encourages students to cultivate their own musical identity and develop a deep understanding of the music they are learning.

Overall, Itzhak Perlman's quote provides valuable insights into his teaching philosophy and approach to practicing music. His emphasis on allowing students to explore and interpret music in their own way, as well as the importance of holistic music education, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the art of learning and mastering music.