Be disciplined and thorough about your musical studies. Learn about all aspects and styles of music. Learn music not only in an academic and theoretical way but also in a practical way. Apply this knowledge to the music you play. And most of all, train your ears.
Musicians create music for people to listen to.
We create sounds. His message may sound strong and extreme but remember the musical standards he has achieved. Buddy holds only the highest standards for himself and expects younger players to do nothing less than that for themselves. Let the example set by the great artists like Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson and Buddy DeFranco be the ideal to strive for. Though this road towards artistry is longer and harder, its musical rewards are far greater, deeper and richer for both the player and audience.