To the class he said, "Technique is difficult, and you have to take time in mastering a given piece. Try to learn the background of every selection you play and what kind of life its composer led." Stern had further words on the nature of his art. "Music is more than notes correctly played.
對於少年們拉奏技巧艱深的曲目，大師要他們放慢腳步，試著去瞭解每一首樂曲的背景、歷史，和音樂家想要表達的故事，「然後，教你的提琴說說話」，他說：「音樂不只是無瑕地傳達音符，美妙的音樂往往出現在音符與音符之間銜接而成的故事！