Apart from Scottish traditional music, I wasn't really influenced by any kind of music. I just basically followed my own instincts.

Once you're in a particular country, and you're surrounded by musicians who are so adept at traditional music, you suddenly realize how much there is to explore and digest and learn and experience.

Music really is our daily medicine.

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

And as I grew older, I then auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, and they said, well, no, we won't accept you, because we haven't a clue - you know - of the future of a so-called 'deaf' musician. And I just couldn't quite accept that.

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.

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.