Look at the piano. You'll notice that there are white notes and black notes. Figure out the difference between them and you'll be able to make whatever kind of music you want.

Not many composers have ideas. Far more of them know how to use strange instruments which do not require ideas.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?

I frequently hear music in the heart of noise.