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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Verbal communication about music is impossible except among musicians.