“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”

Simplified Meaning:

When you start learning something new, like playing a musical instrument, you need to put in a lot of effort to understand the basics. Think about it like a young soccer player who begins by learning how to pass, dribble, and shoot the ball. At first, they focus really hard on getting each move right. They spend a lot of time practicing these skills, repeating the same actions over and over until they become second nature. Once they have mastered the fundamentals through constant practice, the real magic happens when they play a live game. In the heat of the moment, they don't think about each skill individually anymore. Instead, they rely on their training and let their instincts take over. This allows them to be more creative and fluid, playing the game with passion and spontaneity. The same goes for anything you learn. You have to start by studying hard and practicing a lot. But when the time comes to perform or put your skills into action, you should trust yourself and let go of all the rules. By doing this, you can express yourself freely and enjoy the experience more fully. So, remember to learn and practice diligently, but when it's time to shine, let your talent and passion guide you.