Don't worry about what others say about your music. Pursue whatever you are hearing... but if everybody really hates your music maybe you could try some different approaches.
– Wynton Marsalis
The nerves are a problem on trumpet, because when you mess up everyone can hear it. Just remember most people are too polite to say anything about it. That should calm your nerves.
– Wynton Marsalis
There was one thing Beethoven didn't do. When one of his string quartets was played, you can believe the second violin wasn't improvising.
– Wynton Marsalis
When I auditioned for my high school band the band director was excited because my father was known to be a great musician. When he heard me, he said 'Are you sure you're Ellis's son?'
– Wynton Marsalis
When did we begin to lose faith in our ability to effect change?
– Wynton Marsalis
What I really have in my head, my imagination, my understanding of music, I never really get that out.
– Wynton Marsalis
Through first-class education, a generation marches down the long uncertain road of the future with confidence.
– Wynton Marsalis
There are forces all around you who wish to exploit division, rob you of your freedom, and tell you what to think. But young folks can rekindle the weary spirit of a slumbering nation.
– Wynton Marsalis
People have taken time out of their day and spent their money to come sit down at a concert. And it's jazz music-it's not easy for them to get to it. I don't want them ever to feel that I'm taking their presence lightly.
– Wynton Marsalis
Many a revolution started with the actions of a few. Only 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. A few hanging together can lead a nation to change.
– Wynton Marsalis
I dress up a certain way because I respect the music.
– Wynton Marsalis
I believed in studying just because I knew education was a privilege. It was the discipline of study, to get into the habit of doing something that you don't want to do.