Daniel Schnyder: The Anatomy of an Opera: Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Suite

DS: The philosopher Immanuel Kant said, "You can be told in a book that a candle flame is hot, but you don't know what that's like until you stick your finger inside the flame." It's the same thing with music. You can practice from books all you want, but until you stick your finger in the flame and experience the music as it really is in all its aspects, you can't express your own idiom. As a young musician, you should be open, and try to get as much first-hand information as possible. Go out to concerts, listen to many different types of musicians as you can. For instance, I love the Indian musician Ravi Shankar. He plays different from anyone else. You have to go and explore. John Coltrane did it. Miles did it. Everyone did it who achieved special results. In order to mix your own unique special cocktail you need many bottles on your shelves.

Photo Credit: Thomas Cugini