Music is about communication... it isn't just something that maybe physically sounds good or orally sounds interesting; it's something far, far deeper than that.

Before my teen years, I was losing my hearing pretty quickly, and I was getting very, very angry. I was beginning to become an angry person because of that.

I often play on the cello-bass side of the orchestra, because I prefer the deep sounds. I can't hear the violins well.

I just assumed the world was full of solo percussionists. I couldn't find sticks or music or anything where I was, but that was expected because there was nothing there anyway. And I think that was possibly the greatest asset for me, just not knowing.

I've kept a diary since I was 11.

Concerts have to be seen as a real event for which the aim is to try and feed everybody.

I associate going to an airport with work because I travel so much with my job. So when I have a few days free from work, I tend to stay at home.