To a Young Jazz Musician: Letters from the Road

by Wynton Marsalis, Selwyn Seyfu Hinds

In To a Young Jazz Musician, the renowned jazz musician and Pulitzer Prize—winning composer Wynton Marsalis gives us an invaluable guide to making good music–and to leading a good life.
Writing from the road “between the bus ride, the sound check, and the gig,”

Marsalis passes on wisdom gained from experience, addressed to a young musician coming up–and to any of us at any stage of life. He writes that having humility is a way to continue to grow, to listen, and to learn; that patience is necessary for developing both technical proficiency and your own art rather than an imitation of someone else’s; and that rules are indispensable because “freedom lives in structure.”

He offers lessons learned from his years as a performer and from his great forebears Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and others; he explores the art of swing; he discusses why it is important to run toward your issues, not away; and he talks about what to do when your integrity runs up against the lack thereof in others and in our culture. He poetically expresses our need for “All of it tracks back to how you heal your culture, one patient at a time, beginning with yourself.”

This is a unique book, in which a great artist offers his personal thoughts, both on jazz and on how to live a better, more original, productive, and meaningful life. To a Young Jazz Musician is sure to be treasured by readers young and old, musicians, lovers of music, and anyone interested in being mentored by one of America’s most influential, generous, and talented artists.

Genres: Music, Jazz, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Biography Memoir

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Wynton Marsalis has been described as the most outstanding jazz artist and composer of his generation. He has helped propel jazz to the forefront of American culture through his brilliant performances, recordings, broadcasts, and compositions as well as through his leadership as the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC). Wynton Marsalis is the music director of the world-renowned Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, which spends more than half the year on tour. He also hosts the popular Jazz for Young People concerts and helped lead the effort to construct JALC's new home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, the first education, performance, and broadcast facility devoted to jazz, which opened in October 2004.

Wynton Marsalis was born in New Orleans in 1961. He began his classical training on the trumpet at age twelve and entered the Juilliard School at age seventeen. That same year, he joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the acclaimed band in which generations of emerging jazz artists honed their craft, and subsequently made his recording debut as a leader in 1982. Since then, he has made more than forty jazz and classical recordings, earning nine Grammy Awards. In 1983, he became the first and only artist to win classical and jazz Grammys in the same year and repeated this feat in 1984. His rich body of compositions includes the oratorio BLOOD ON THE FIELDS, for which he was awarded the first-ever Pulitzer Prize in music for a jazz composition.


Wynton Marsalis is an internationally respected teacher and spokesperson for music education and has received honorary doctorates from dozens of universities and colleges throughout the United States. Britain's senior conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Music, granted Wynton Marsalis honorary membership, the Academy's highest decoration for a non-British citizen. In France, the Ministry of Culture awarded him the most prestigious decoration of the French Republic, the rank of Knight in the Order of Arts and Literature. He also was appointed as a U.N. Messenger of Peace by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1991.


JAZZ A B Z is Wynton Marsalis's first book for children. A resident of New York City, he is the father of three boys.

Reviews

[Mitch Albom · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparing my latest novel, which is set in the world of music, I read dozens of music-related books. I found Marsalis’s take on the life of a musician out on the road to be a master class of what it really means to be an artist. You needn’t play a note to appreciate it. That may be the most artistic part of it.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5-star little treasure. Marsalis writes from the road to a young musician he is mentoring. His style is engaging, candid, and has deep truth and insight. He starts with a thought that can sum up what he addresses in the rest of the book - "See, that's the main thing younger people want to know - is it okay to be themselves, as musicians, as human beings?" I think we are all asking that question - Is it ok to be me? Marsalis is a great companion for the journey for any musician, artist, or deep soul.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"...you have to believe in your own expression, and you can't look around for the answer. How would anyone else know? ...Be yourself."

"Start good. Finish good."

"You have absolutely no choice but to question all the bullshit and pursue the truest truth you find."

[Joshua Zeitlin]

I’m not gonna rate this book but it was very good. He writes really beautifully. Sometimes he makes arguments about culture that I don’t buy, or that I flat out disagree with. But I don’t care that much, I think he does it out love. It’s not a bible for musicians or anything, but definitely worth the read.

[ella luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in preparation for an essay and i really liked it. i wish i could have read the letters from anthony for more context. but i love the wisdom that marsalis gives for both music and for life. the combination of art with race and america and capitalism and family.

[May Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Solid book that does what the title says it is going to do. Amazing how much of this book is applicable whether you're a musician or not. It's a 4.5 for me, but I'm upping it b/c this does not deserve a sub-4 rating off of 20 reviews.

[Vlog Review available no later than Feb 20th. I'd be thrilled if you have a look, like, share, or comment on Instagram: WhereIsMayLing]

I first heard about WM when I was only a teenager in the 90s. (Yeah... I don't age as physically, I'm Asian). My bro was playing piano at a very fancy restaurant in Tampa and he stopped by for dinner. My brother raved FOR WEEKS b/c, this guy is OG legendary.

This book is letters he wrote (his wisdom and words ) to a young musician about music, not about the music business, not about life itself, but just about the art. The Music. The Jazz. Some just didn't see fit to give it 4 stars or better. It's def later in life so maybe they were expecting earlier points on the road.

But you know... I love to do a bit of response to the haters, and here's what I have to say: ARE YOU NUTS??? IT'S WYNTON MARSALIS!!!

I mean... Marsalis explaining his own brilliance... you can't give it less than 4 stars! Maybe if you're like Einstein, you a pro-ball hall of famer, you have run more than 1 successful company taken it to 1 trillion dollars.... Otherwise... dude... I have no idea how you do that and look yourself in the mirror and justify a sub-4 star review! My notes below should explain.

Notes:
Fwd Loc 67 (Seriously Kindle. I know you and goodreads are both owned by Amazon. Stop this lack of page number nonsense. It's like a 5 minute script for an intern to write.). This whole page, though is SOOOO amazing....
"Of course it's all right to be you. And not only is it all right to be you, but you are also your greatest creation."
You got to take a minute to breath in the power of what he's saying. We are creating ourselves everyday. The jazz, the music, all of that is just a representation of our own manifestation. I mean... wow, right? This feeds right into the self-manifestation world we're coming into in modern times. Then he says:
"That's why the deeper you go into an art, the more you learn about yourself and about living and ... Jazz speaks to a certain truth of the soul of our nation. And it will speak to the truth of your soul as a human being." I mean, this is the whole book. That's why the 1 dude who gives this 3 stars, possibly he missed this b/c he read half waited a year and read the other half.

p. 3 - This chapter is called the Humble Self. It's dope. "I wonder sometimes if saying "practice" is enough. Practice what?" Then he goes into a conversation that he had with Coltrane about playing vs. practicing! It's such a great story. Paraphrasing...he's like you got to know what you're trying to do when you start to play b/c until you're Coltrane, you're practicing my friend.
I mean... ain't that true. If you're not the Coltrane of what you're doing, then you're exercising your craft, that's practicing, my friend. And let me tell you, Coltrane was not lazy and neither is marsalis, 14 hour days practicing.

p. 5 - He's describing book vs. experience learning. Now, mind you, a lot of people going to get this wrong. Marsalis is straight-up super knowledgeable about the classics and he studied his tail off. But he's still saying, that diploma doesn't make you a musician. It's that other stuff that you got to get in there and be/do/fully integrate into your being.

I'm going to tell you now. There are so many fresh out of school people that come to me with all that book learning and I got the same response as Marsalis, "Huh?" You gotta learn, but it's got to come from a different place IN EVERY FIELD. The mistakes you will make if you take that book learning and never integrate it into your soul. It's just not jazz or whatever is the jazz of your field. And if you're confused, also read the book that I had the fortune of reading next, the Physics of Jazz of Physics (or check out my Vlog review on Insta). That dude feels similar to me on this but is more articulate.

Marsalis's point is personal power. The technical stuff is the basic stuff you need to show up. If you're going to be advanced, that's the next level stuff. It's real. It's truth. I would say in EVERY industry.
p. 11 - He talks about being present for the music, own it, become it, give it to others, but know who you are in all of it. Wow...

p. 17... I LOVE This story where he gets schooled by Tom Browne. I mean, that's what it's like when you play with people who know their craft in any field. It's just like.. yup... you think you're great.. cool. Show me your cards. Let's see it. That's what separates the Women from the boys.

p. 24 - Dude was a nerd about his craft. He read manuscripts from Joplin, etc.. He took it so seriously. This is what you have to find and be to achieve greatness. Chase it like Marsalis.

p. 46, Never thought about it, but he's so right. Europeans look at Jazz and are like, this is a great American Innovation. We got a real problem accepting jazz an american nation, possibly b/c of our own history and reality. It's sad.

p. 48 - He talks about Latin music, jazz, swing how they all mesh together and are a part of identity. It's just beautiful and deep.

p. 54 - OMG. Now I really want to know how bad my blues are... "And always remember what Lester Young said: "If you can't play the blues, you can't play shit."

p. 59-60. Everyone needs to read this page. He talks about the arrogance of the self and how that won't let you get deep with yourself. It's amazing what he's writing.

p. 64 - Wow... Jazz to him about the pain in the soul... it's the music of that... even Swing my friends, not just the blues...

p. 69 - The failure of Jazz to define itself means a failure for those that want to come up into it and be it.

p. 74 - He's deep man... He's deep cause he's trying to pull that into the music.

p. 78 - Jazz people going to pop and making crap music b/c they treat it with condescension. It's not necessary don't do that. It's also kinda rude and it ruins you. Right, for him Jazz is the deepest expression of your soul. Why would you do this sort of behavior? It's so amazing.
p. 94 - You do your best work when people are being real with thier art. It's not about sell out. It's about touching your soul.
p. 95 - Music is not a race, it's an idea. This is what he's saying to people who are trying ot be better than someone specific. It's stupid. I mean, this is why I love music. You don't win by competing with someone at their game. You got to express your game.

p. 111 - He talks about how playing with other musicians is like a gift b/c [my paraphrase] you conjoining at that soul level to create together. I TOTALLY agree.

p. 116 - He talks about his bro and how he thought he sold out to do pop music, but that was so wrong to think in those terms. Maturity let him know that we are only ever on this earthy doing our own thing.

[Lynn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters written by Marsalis to a young man he is mentoring, this book is full of wisdom about life beyond music. Full of advice about staying true to one's authentic self while contributing to the culture. I would recommend this book to everyone who is venturing out into the world, and to those who have questions once out there. Well-written, heartfelt, a keeper.

[L. Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynton Marsalis’s novel ‘To a Young Jazz Musician’ teaches us what goes into making a jazz musician, how a balance of discipline and freedom are essential to one's development. Firstly Marsalis stresses the importance of discipline, how consistent practice is what makes a consistent musician. This is what every music teacher will say, but it seems to mean more coming from Marsalis. He talks about practice as more than a musical routine, but a test for one's character. He says that “When you play, make sure you're honest enough to confront your own deficiencies. That's why practicing is a sign of morality in a musician. It means that you're willing to subject yourself to self-scrutiny of the highest order.” So practice is not only a display of discipline through routine, but display of discipline through honesty. Practice doesn’t just require lots of scales, it also takes the ability to look at yourself in your most vulnerable state. You need mental fortitude to look at your flaws, and get better.

But what is discipline for without a destination? For most jazz musicians, practice is a mechanism for better improvisation. Although what is improvisation without freedom? The passion of music is what drives a solo. Discipline without passion is like sharpening a pencil but never writing a word. The novel teaches us about passion, and tells us to utilize it. When talking about passion, Wynton Marsalis tells us to "Remember when you were a kid, you really, really wanted something... Remember the way you begged and pleaded for it? Imagine playing with that passion, that desire, as if this was the most needed thing in your life. When we get older, we learn how to temper our wanting, our desire. Well, tap back into that childhood fervor and freedom of expression." Jazz is rooted in oppression and the enslavement of the African people. So it’s fitting for jazz to revolve around improvisation, with the player having absolute freedom within their playing. So Wynton Marsalis enforces the importance of expression, of passion, because that is what makes a great jazz musician.

So ‘To a Young Jazz Musician’ demonstrates how both discipline and creative freedom are essential for a young jazz musician, and how they each compliment one another when it comes to an improvised solo. Marsalis discusses how the art of practice is a skill that will prove your discipline. He also demonstrates how it contributes to your character. Marsalis also asks us to tap into our passion, the passion that has laid dormant since childhood. The discipline of self reflection and the freedom of expression is what makes a jazz musician, so Wynton Marsalis reflects this in the novel, to help budding musicians on their journey through jazz.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. In fact, I believe I said it in my last book review. Wynton Marsalis is a national treasure. Not only is he one of the greatest musicians ever to walk the planet, but he is also a brilliant author and educator. He is the planet’s premier promoter of jazz music, and a voice desperately needed in music education today. While I was slightly disappointed that at no point did Wynton acknowledge his relationship to the recipient of the letters enclosed, the words therein are nuggets of wisdom that can be useful not only to the young jazz musician, but to all of us. Though he regularly regards the recipient with the name Anthony and its various variations and truncations, at no point does Marsalis discuss who Anthony was or how the relationship came about. It is clear that Marsalis and Anthony had a regular correspondence with one another, in which Marsalis gave Anthony tips on life and music, but it is also evident that each correspondence was in the form of a hand written letter, which suggests that at some point Marsalis had to reach out to Anthony to get copies. So… Who is Anthony? Despite this odd omission, the letters are fascinating, and filled with life lessons that all musicians, both young and old, can learn from. Wynton is wise beyond his years, and the world would be a better place if we all took some time out to listen to him, both his music and his words.

[Frida Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 'To a Young Jazz Musician' Wynton Marsalis won my heart. Having loved seeing him in concert, I decided to read his book hoping to get some perspective of a person who is so thoroughly enthralled and in love with his work. This book is wonderful for any artist looking to pursue their craft. Throughout the book, Marsalis talks about the ins and outs of being a musician, practicing, and the myths and lies that surround what it is to create art. Particularly when pertaining to jazz, he complies and vocalizes many of the things we understand but never really put together as a part of the origin and purpose of the art form. The book is essentially a compilation of letters to a young musician (Anthony), permeated with Marsalis' love for his profession which rings clearly in each and every letter. The letter format of the book makes it a more personalized read and helps the reader digest these increasingly complex ideas and suggestions much more easily. Furthermore, Marsalis writes with a clear and captivating tone and informs the reader with a tender care that is enticing to read. He is very articulate with the notions in the book, but still makes it clear that he has not got it all figured out either. A swell read for anyone into jazz, art, or looking for some music-related books to gain insight into musicianship.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thoughtful assessment of jazz education and the place of culture in a society. Parts of it made me think of Louis Armstrong's thoughts: "If I have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know." I read the first 2 chapters, found them difficult to understand. Later, I thought about their content for a couple of days, then went back to start the book again. On my 2nd attempt, I would read only one short chapter in a sitting, then take some time to digest some of the deep thoughts that Mr. Marsalis was dropping.

Not a book for just anyone, nor an entry-level introduction to jazz. These are heavy topics than need to be considered, discussed, and in some cases, can't be answered with words. As a master educator, Marsalis doesn't walk us through each baby-step of his life's experience. His explanations are personal, profound, and complex.

My takeaway: one person's contributions to jazz must express their lived experience. Jazz as an artform isn't just about the sounds you might hear, it's about the lives behind those personal expressions through sound.

I could be wrong.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Never quit. Because whether or not you reach your goal as a musician, you can always participate significantly in this music. Always act in accordance with what you know. Don't adjust your philosophy to your limitations or failures. Never quit. Focus on becoming a good musician. I want you to want that. Invest in your discipline, your practice, and your personal growth. Develop your soul by participating in the lives of other people in a positive way, through giving... Activities must also have an objective of the soul. And that's what can heal our nation. We need soul objectives on a high level, a level higher than the pursuit of money and one-upmanship over another person. "

[Michael Patton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the importance of stories, because what I now "keep" from the book are two stories. That number may be the sum total of stories in this slim volume. The rest is talk. Interesting talk sometimes, but little of it stuck in my memory. I wanted to learn about jazz. And I think Marsalis wanted to teach me. The student tried, I swear he did. But I believe the teacher made an error in judgment.

[Isabelle Rieser · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading it, I wrote two articles as " Being jazz", with the chance as a volunteer in the festival of Marciac, to be at his concert in company of his brother Branford, and father Ellis : a true dynasty that I propose read more, in my enclosed author's blog. http://www.isabellerieser.com/blog/?b...

[Jacob Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wynton Marsalis writes letters to a young jazz musician and includes many tips on how to improve his playing. He talks about stories in his life that shapes the way he plays. He encourages to be more engaged and expressive with all the jazz music we play.

[Carlo Moldez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful messages by the author. He offers a perspective for young musician on how to look on the road that they are taking. He talks about the totality of how a musician should see music, not just music but music as a way of life.

[Ricardo Bravo · Rating 5 out of 5]

is really oriented for the young musician. Is a compilation of conversations and tips that he received from other jazz artists.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

wynton marsalis is NOT cool

[Mike Barat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had teenage son or daughter I would give them this book to read, even if my son or daughter no interest in having a career in music. This is due to the fact this book has a lot of good of advice for living life regardless on what anyone wants to do for a living. This book is a series of letters from a musician named Antony who is asking Wynton Marsalis for advice on how to have a successful music career as jazz musician. And the advice Antony gets is often unexpected, that comes with twist of an interesting history of American race relations, and Wynton Marsalis makes it work without beating you over the head with it. One thing did bother about this book though, that's the fact that the reader never sees any of the letters that the letter writer Antony had written.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love jazz so I thought this book would be interesting. I read about 2/3s of it and then went on to other books for a year or so. Recently, I picked it up again and finished it. He did have a lot of good things to say about life that would apply to anyone, musical or not. I liked the last chapter the best. Maybe because it was more about his life.

[Andreas Steffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no short-cut to jazz improvisation. Marsalis preaches that it's all about hard-work, constant reflection and finding the right way of practising. I enjoyed the intimate form of a letter exchange!

[Chuck Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the opening contains language that younger teens may be surprised at, the letters address real topics in a real way. He is supposedly writing to a 19 year old who moved to NYC to play music so some of the specifics may not relate to kids I know but it is nonetheless worthwhile.

[Josh Giunta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. Wynton possesses and shares the dignity that all musicians & artists should aspire to carry. A great read for any creative person in any field, and those interested in American ideals and culture.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that considers themselves a musician of any genre whould READ THIS BOOK. It causes you to question your motives, actions and your charater.

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books! A truly inspirational book that focuses on the inner journey of becoming a true musician.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of thoughts on life and jazz. I picked this up at the same time I started the Ken Burns "Jazz" series and hadn't realized Marsalis was interviewed for the series too.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.

Review to follow.

"And that's the soulful thing about playing: you offer something to somebody. You don't know if they'll like it, but you offer it. " P 110

[Devin Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm certainly not young, but I found it inspiring nonetheless

[Warren Benton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty neat book. Marsalis now as the old dog is writing to a young musician like he once was, He talks of things you need to really learn to be a great musician.

[Hector Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like being inside Wynton's head. Highly recommend! You no longer wonder what it would be like to have a conversation with Wynton. You can very well imagine these letters being addressed to you.

[Babi Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for jazz musicians and enthusiasts.