It's funny to find there are still people around who think if a musician has schooling, it automatically makes him a lesser jazz player. But you don't learn jazz in school.

The quote, "It's funny to find there are still people around who think if a musician has schooling, it automatically makes him a lesser jazz player. But you don't learn jazz in school," by Paul Horn, addresses the misconception that formal education or schooling can detract from a musician's authenticity, particularly in the genre of jazz. Horn, a well-respected jazz flutist, points out that while some believe that having a formal education in music might limit a player's ability to improvise or capture the true spirit of jazz, the genre is often learned through experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of its history rather than through structured schooling.

Horn’s statement challenges the elitism often found in jazz communities, where there is a belief that true jazz musicians should have an instinctive, unschooled approach to playing. He suggests that jazz, with its emphasis on improvisation and individual expression, is not something that can simply be taught in a classroom; it requires personal exploration and creative expression in performance. This perspective promotes a more inclusive view of what it means to be a jazz musician, emphasizing that the genre is about emotion and individuality rather than adhering to formal rules.

The origin of this quote comes from Horn’s career in jazz, where he played with some of the genre’s most iconic figures, including Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Horn himself was highly trained in classical music before immersing himself in jazz, and his own experience as a musician illustrates how formal education can complement, rather than diminish, one’s ability to excel in the genre. His quote reflects his belief that jazz transcends the boundaries of formal schooling and is ultimately about the personal and spontaneous expression of the musician.

Ultimately, Horn’s quote underscores the idea that jazz is a deeply personal and improvisational form of music that is shaped more by individual expression than by academic training. While schooling can provide valuable technical skills and theoretical knowledge, the heart of jazz comes from a musician’s ability to feel and create in the moment. The quote encourages musicians to embrace their individuality and experience rather than being confined by preconceived notions about what makes a "real" jazz player.