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Bottom Quote by Lennie Tristano

“You could make your fingers reproduce exactly what you felt, if you really worked at it. I achieved it, not only spending a lot of time at the keyboard but finding ways I could make my fingers reproduce my deepest feelings. It meant, when you hit a note with a finger, you sank into that note all…” quote by Lennie Tristano
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“You could make your fingers reproduce exactly what you felt, if you really worked at it. I achieved it, not only spending a lot of time at the keyboard but finding ways I could make my fingers reproduce my deepest feelings. It meant, when you hit a note with a finger, you sank into that note all the way to the bottom of the keyboard until it went pow! Right?...”

Lennie Tristano

About This Quote

Source Interview: Jazz discussion, 1970s

Intense practice and emotional focus allow a musician to translate deep feeling into precise finger movements, achieving expressive performance.

In simple terms: Focused practice makes feelings audible.

Key Takeaway

Practice with feeling to master expression.

Themes

music creativity skill development emotion performance

Mood

introspective inspired determined

Type

artistic motivational

When to use this quote

  • solo piano
  • improvisation sessions
  • studio recording
  • live concerts

Key Concepts

musical expression motor skill emotional translation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions do you aim to convey through your instrument?
  • How does focused practice change your perception of music?
A Different Perspective

Physical fatigue and mental strain can limit sustained practice.

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