Music is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor.

Music is nothing separate from me. It is me... You'd have to remove the music surgically.

When I'm having a rehearsal and there are new guys who come in to try out for the job, I always let my conductor rehearse them. Because I don't want the guy to get bent out of shape, because I walk in.

You never can overwhelm an instrument. You will never get out all that's in an instrument. An instrument will bring you to your limits.

I set my own rhythm, and I do believe it was usually a little faster than most other people's.

Don't go backwards - you've already been there.

The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.