Advice for Young Musicians - Sonny Rollins responds to the New Yorker article

[@jessarnold2769]

I was the young woman who asked this question on Twitter years ago. Man, how times have changed. I thought I was going to go to college to study Jazz Performance. I still play piano in an ensemble at college- which is fine by me- and seeing this video two years after really reflects how I've changed as a musician and individual as well. Great advice. Ya gotta follow the heart regardless of the tangible rewards. Music is someplace else- and it always will be.

[@cofftps67yago94]

So did you enter a musical college or something another ? And 5 years past... any updates ?

[@rogerleosmexico]

Happy 90th birthday, Sonny Rollins !

[@vincentm614]

I see young people into hip hop and pop and contemporary music and if they dont get things immediately they freak out. They are after instant fame and its sad. Rollins has the right idea. His advise is the most honest Ive heard from any musician. Just play and keep getting better thats the real reward.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

It's a process and it doesn't happen overnight.

[@waynehicks1969]

I dreamed of being a musician as a young man and had all of the negative thought that Sonny Rollins described. I didn't do. I went to college and got a few degrees. I am 62 close to retirement and still dreaming about making music. I play at home, I have played in church and am now working toward going out to jam sessions and moving forward a bit. I am still full of self-doubt, but can't let it go.

[@rillloudmother]

I love to hear Sonny talk. He reminds me of when NY was populated with NYers.

[@dingoswamphead]

'Music is someplace else': he shows us in the most practical way. Thanks Sonny and JVG.

[@FerriniProductions]

Bret, your bringing Sonny's light, love and perspective to our little glowing devices around the world is such a powerful and moving thing. Congrats to you and thank god for Sonny Rollins music and his words.

[@dhadleyray]

That was some of the best advice I've ever heard.. Thanks for that Sonny.. and JVG.

[@y34r]

Reflecting what i have been through as jazz musician in my 20s , now that i’m in my 30s. What sonny said here has always been so true. Once you have given your life to music, it will devour and demand all your energy that if you want to truly enjoy it at highest level. In my 20s, i will always be worried of jobs , relationship , acceptance or fame. still i was not practicing and not developing my music enough. If Music is truly your life , you will never get tired of practicing. It’s just constant discovery and learning.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Well said. Good luck in your musical pursuits.

[@Handle2point0]

Wow. Honest and useful advice. Thanks Sonny!

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

Love and appreciation to Sonny Rollins even more.

[@lineialquantum]

“Music is someplace else” indeed

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@kameyrhett5573]

Today I was in a thrift store just walking around and a lady brought your picture to me I seen it and liked it and I brought it didn't even know that it was your birthday 🎉 happy birthday Mr music from Brunswick Georgia

[@pik1andlik1]

this is amazing

[@Lucia-kk4kn]

Ryan Kisor YOU are amazing too ! Love your tp sound and phrasing !

[@FYMASMD]

I’m so glad my music “career “ went nowhere. I’m happy and after playing 45 years, so happy with the musician I am.

[@matteostanzani375]

After all his life dedicated to music he reached this mindset and now he is sharing it with us, this is pure gold and one of the best description of what music and art is.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

If you have a chance, check out the new Sonny Rollins bio. It's full of fascinating details.

[@matteostanzani375]

@@JazzVideoGuy i will thanks,

[@Pensivata]

Play music for love, not for money. And best to have an alternative source of income. That way you can always play what you enjoy playing - not what "the house" wants you to play. Whihc is kind of what Sonny is saying, I suppose.

[@russellpedersen1773]

Sad but true, I studied jazz right out of high school and gave up after a few semesters and went back in my late thirties and it’s tough. So competitive, just gotta ignore all that and keep your head down and practice.

[@N1CK_B]

Astounding …well said

[@JazzVideoGuy]

He has a way with words.

[@derekbullock708]

Preach!

[@louisgreen3915]

Sharp of mind as ever.

[@wridley110]

Yeah I just play for a hobby I suppose for now. Went to school for jazz and the pretty much took all the fun out of it

[@dereckvon]

School us, Sonny. Respect.

[@JorisPosthumus]

hero!

[@saintbees2088]

As Bob Monaco said, "It's much easier to PRETEND you are a rock star "

[@sfmag1]

You do it because you have to. It takes your whole life to get somewhere.

[@cbparker44]

for people that aren't familiar with the article, could you please put in the info what the article was about? thank you. I clicked on the video because I feel like this man has some wisdom to drop on me.

[@Firebrand55]

Wheatleigh Hall with Dizzy Gillespie, 1957.....a Rollins tour de force!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

That record with Stitt and Rollins is too much.

[@lincolnrossmusic]

art was not invented as means to riches

[@milo8796]

Music is really something for the dreamers. Regular people just listen to whatever the radio plays. The pop station, not the jazz station ...

[@Evazan-uw2vn]

😢

[@stevedomenico5933]

😭

[@stephenmorton8017]

is America the best place to be an artist?

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Depends....

[@stephenmorton8017]

@@JazzVideoGuy all my favorite musicians wind up playing europe. i would say no, it isn't.