We in the Western world suffer from too many categories and classes; we've forgotten that we all still have diapers on. We've separated music from life.
Ornette ColemanRead
So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask, 'Do you want to write? Do you want to improvise? Why do you want to play this instrument? What do you want to do?'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal motivation and intent in artistic expression.
Ornette Coleman's quote highlights the essential questions that every artist should consider regarding their passion for music or any creative endeavor. It encourages self-reflection about the reasons behind one's artistic pursuits, whether it be for writing, improvisation, or playing an instrument, suggesting that understanding one's motivations leads to a deeper and more fulfilling connection to the art form.
Themes
ArtMusicImprovisationSelf-ReflectionMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop for budding musicians, this quote could inspire participants to explore their artistic motivations.
More from Ornette Coleman
All quotes →You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three. Numbers don't have anything to do with placement. Numbers only have something to do with repetition.
Ornette ColemanRead
You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what title the music is, it's all played by the same notes.
Ornette ColemanRead
That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think that every person, whether they play music or don't play music, has a sound - their own sound, that thing that you're talking about.
Ornette ColemanRead
It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you do. I find that labels are the worst thing in the world for artistic expression.
Ornette ColemanRead
I decided, if I'm going to be poor and black and all, the least thing I'm going to do is to try and find out who I am. I created everything about me.
Ornette ColemanRead
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