The way we teach is a very linear kind of way.

Being a professional does not have a very high standard.

I'm very grateful to be where I'm at and be able to play. That's really the bottom line for me. Survival and being able to play.

You have to study composition to understand that things can be done backwards and forwards and upside down, inverted, but it's mainly just an inner valid intuitive thing. Where do you want to go? Ok this is busy, or this needs some space, or this is too much space so now I want to put more notes in there or something. It's all about contrast. High, low. Fast, slow, thick or thin or what have you. And it's the same with improvisation.

I don't think I can play the game and sell myself.

It's very difficult to make a living in music these days. All it takes is somebody paying.

Where does Terry live? Somewhere deep inside. So I just let that come out and try to make something out of it without worrying about techniques or rules or any of that stuff. Just do it, you know. As long as it doesn't burn or get deleted, you know, then somebody will find it someday and I will have left something that I think is beautiful.