My favorite instrument is the snare drum. In Scotland, the snare drum is very prominent in Highland bands. The Scottish style of playing is in my blood. It's a very powerful instrument, but it can also be soothing, like velvet. It's a real challenge for composers.

Hearing is a form of touch. I could hear less through the ears but more through the body.

I walk into a kids' store, and it's amazing, the types of instruments - little squeaky things, rattling things, spinning tops.

I've kept a diary since I was 11.

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.

Society cannot continue to disable themselves through their need to categorize people or make assumptions as to another individual's abilities.

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.