When people come to play music as they do to play bridge, civilization will have taken the longest stride forward since the beginning of time.

There is no such thing as perfection, there are only standards. And after you have set a standard you learn that it was not high enough. You want to surpass it.

No matter what side of the argument you are on, you always find people on your side that you wish were on the other.

There is no top. There are always further heights to reach.

Criticism does not disturb me, for I am my own severest critic. Always in my playing I strive to surpass myself, and it is this constant struggle that makes music fascinating to me.

The discipline of practice every day is essential. When I skip a day, I notice a difference in my playing. After two days, the critics notice, and after three days, so does the audience.

I have discovered three things which know no geographical borders - classical music, American jazz, and applause as the sign of the public's favor.