Overcome Your Musical Fears – With Ted Nash

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Ted Nash on Jazz, Maturity, and the Art of Music

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to sit and speak with Ted Nash at the JENN conference in Atlanta, where he shared his profound insights on jazz, the saxophone, and his lifelong commitment to creating beautiful music. As a long-standing member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Ted emphasized the importance of maturity in music.

He discussed the shift from impressing audiences with technical prowess to focusing on intimacy and emotional connection in smaller group settings. For him, the ultimate goal is to forget technique and simply be present in the moment with fellow musicians, creating an experience that resonates with listeners.

As musicians grow older, he believes they move away from ego-driven performances and instead embrace trust, communication, and mutual respect, making music a more profound and meaningful expression.

The Lifelong Journey of Musical Growth

Ted also reflected on how aging influences his approach to both music and life. He spoke candidly about how, with time, musicians gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, which enhances their musical expression.

Acknowledging that technique is still important, he emphasized that it should serve the purpose of expressing what one feels in the moment.

Ted also shared his personal experience of how his practice habits have evolved—moving from rigid exercises to embracing the idiosyncrasies of his instrument, such as the distinct sounds and responses from different keys on his saxophone. He further discussed the challenges of performing, recalling a difficult solo experience in Johannesburg.

Despite his initial frustration, he emphasized the importance of not letting setbacks affect one’s mindset, underscoring the value of learning from each experience and remaining emotionally grounded.

Embracing Imperfection and the Role of Expectations

The conversation also delves into the evolution of personal growth, especially in the context of musical performance. Ted explains the importance of forgiving oneself for unmet expectations, as perfectionism often leads to disappointment. He reflects on how having no expectations, rather than aiming for a specific outcome, can foster openness and creativity on stage.

Instead of fixating on achieving certain technical feats, musicians are encouraged to trust in their training and embrace a more fluid, open approach. This mentality, which values the process over a rigid goal, enhances the ability to make authentic music and connect with others in performance.

Commitment and the Journey of Musical Discovery

Ted also discusses his journey in the music industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of a long-term commitment like his 26 years with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He talks about the decision to fully embrace a career in music as a deeply personal one, requiring a willingness to take risks and navigate doubts.

The transition to exploring different instruments and experimenting with various horns, like the shift from alto to tenor, reflects the importance of finding one’s unique sound and artistic voice.

We also touch on the evolution of jazz, including the increasing representation of women in the genre, and wrapped up the conversation with a powerful reminder to seize opportunities without fear, as every experience contributes to personal growth.