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.

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

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.

Verbal communication about music is impossible except among musicians.

I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Music itself is not going to let you down.

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.

Reviewing music or reviewing anything is a writing job. It's nice if you are experienced in the field you are writing about, but writing is what you are doing.