All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won't do the job. A man also needs technique.

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

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

It sounds simple, of course, but personally I can think of no more mentally arduous task than making music.

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

The composer does not sit around and wait for an inspiration to walk up and introduce itself...Making music is actually little else than a matter of invention aided and abetted by emotion. In composing we combine what we know of music with what we feel.

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.