Attend early to the tone and character of the various instruments; try to impress their peculiar sound on your ear.
Do not neglect to attend good Operas.
Highly esteem the Old, but take also a warm interest in the New. Be not prejudiced against names unknown to you.
Do not judge a composition from the first time of hearing; that which pleases you at the first moment, is not always the best. Masters need to be studied. Many things will not become clear to you till you have reached a more advanced age.
In judging of compositions, discriminate between works of real art and those merely calculated to amuse amateurs. Cherish those of the former description, and do not get angry with the others.