Practice Makes Perfect
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A dramatic ballad singer studied under a strict teacher who
insisted that he rehearse day after day, month after month
the same passage from the same song, without being permitted
to go any further.

Finally, overwhelmed by frustration and despair, the young
man ran off to find another profession. One night, stopping
at an inn, he stumbled upon a recitation contest. Having
nothing to lose, he entered the competition and, of course,
sang the one passage that he knew so well. When he had
finished, the sponsor of the contest highly praised his
performance. Despite the student's embarrassed objections,
the sponsor refused to believe that he had just heard a
beginner perform.

"Tell me," the sponsor said, "who is your instructor? He
must be a great master."

The student later became known as the great performer
Koshiji.