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

Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise.

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.

I frequently hear music in the heart of noise.

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

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.

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