Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.

Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.

I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played.

Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.

The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is be an American and then write any kind of music you wish.

I never learned to verbalize an abstract musical concept. No thank you. The whole point of being a serious musician is to avoid verbalization whenever you can.