Everybody has a different kind of talent and a different timetable as to when they develop.

I look at raising funds for The Perlman Music Program as a challenge and as a way to provide opportunities for people who care about the future of classical music.

If you play something well, I don't care what it is. I mean, I don't play an electric [violin] - I tried. It's actually interesting.

In difficult times, people just like to hear music. They like to be moved by what they hear. And music speaks different languages.

When you play a concerto with a small orchestra, you don't feel it is as important as Carnegie Hall. You try to work out all the little problems. Once that's all done, trust comes in.

That's the goal, to survive your gift.

That makes classical music work, the ability to improvise.