My interactions with musicians have been simply that: interactions with musicians. Issues of gender, or anything else beyond the music-making, have in my experience played no role in whether or not a musician has been able to articulate my intentions as a composer.

I don't think performance out of duty yields very much. Coercion is never the way to go.

While I believe there is certainly a phenomenon of timelessness in art, the people writing today can comment on today in an exclusive manner.

A healthy dialogue is always good.

If somebody responds positively to what I'm doing - if there is a connection - that can be very meaningful. If someone reacts with displeasure, confusion, hostility, well, that is not pleasant, and can often be upsetting.

A critic can serve as guide. I think there's an understanding amongst the public that critics have their own preferences and dislikes.

The American new music scene is remarkably vibrant.