"We are living in a time when American popular music is finally being recognized as one of our most successful exports. The demand is huge."

"As human beings, we need to know that we are not alone, that we are not crazy or completely out of our minds, that there are other people out there who feel as we do, live as we do, love as we do, who are like us."

"Most people are satisfied with the junk food being sold as music."

"When I was a young musician, the only option available to pursue secondary education in music was to attend a classical conservatory."

"Beauty in art is the harmony of spirit, intellect, and craft. This remains the cornerstone of personal mastery."

"The simplest truths often reveal that the silence between the notes creates the music."

"An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everybody jumped on his violin?"

"It is a steadfast truth that in the quiet sanctuary of self-reflection, the soul finds its rhythm."