Do not take up music unless you would rather die than not do so.

False notes can be forgiven, false music cannot.

Music was not invented by the composer, but found.

[On being asked how it felt to be the first female conductor of the Boston Symphony:] I've been a woman for a little more than fifty years, and I've gotten over my original astonishment.

I've been a woman for a little over 50 years and have gotten over my initial astonishment. As for conducting an orchestra, that's a job where I don't think sex plays much part.

Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.

To study music, we must learn the rules. To create music, we must break them.