55 Quotes by Charlie Parker

Don't be afraid, just play the music.

First you learn the instrument, then you learn the music, then you forget all that s**t and just play.

I realized by using the high notes of the chords as a melodic line, and by the right harmonic progression, I could play what I heard inside me. That's when I was born.

If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn.

Don't play the saxophone, let the saxophone play you.

Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.

They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.

You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.

Don't play the saxophone. Let it play you.