From The Etude Music Magazine:
Half the time, when people ask for advice, they do not really feel the need of it. They perhaps think they do, until they obtain it and find out how worthless it is; sometimes they are disgusted because the advice is contrary to their own fixed determination. Sometimes, indeed, their asking is prompted by conscious or unconscious curiosity. People do not like unsolicited advice on any subject; but it is positively insulting to offer them suggestions concerning musical matters. If there is anything in this world that everybody knows all about, that thing is music. Some people can endure any other taunt under the sun; but they will not submit to the least suggestion that is humiliating to their musical pride. The wise musician, therefore, will make it a rule never to volunteer suggestions of any kind.
