My own goals center around writing the best music that I can, and only I can determine whether or not I've succeeded in accomplishing that.

Part of what makes music so interesting is the lack of consensus on just about any given topic.

While I believe there is certainly a phenomenon of timelessness in art, the people writing today can comment on today in an exclusive manner.

If people want insights, if they want to swim in the currents of their own time and share the experiences of their time, then it makes sense to engage with the artists of one's own time.

I don't think performance out of duty yields very much. Coercion is never the way to go.

Just as all pop music is not simplistic, not all contemporary concert music is complex. Often what a person connects with goes much deeper than generalized issues of simplicity and complexity.

Many critics have become de facto teachers. That is a lot of responsibility, and I think it should be wielded with care. Most people appreciate sincere guidance.

The best critics leave the reader curious to pursue something further, but still to let the reader have his or her own honest, unique opinion.

Mazur was a remarkable artist. During our time in Rome we became friends. I would often perform my works for him at the piano.

A healthy dialogue is always good.

I was fortunate to work with Corigliano for a few years in the mid nineties. Meeting and working with him during those formative years was an important experience.

I am the seeker of love, I am the giver of love, and I became the love.

Propping up a seat at the bar we devour chicken wings like life does dreams

No more things should be presumed to exist than are absolutely necessary

Being selfish only benefits a few. Considering others benefits all of mankind.

I try to be me to the utmost.

Women want a man who is sensitive, but god forbid you can't get it up after being frightened by a small woodland animal.

No man should be allowed to be President who does not understand hogs.

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame was a great idea when it started, but I think they ought to close it, I think it's full.

Thus, the poet's word is beginning to strike forcefully upon the hearts of all men, while absolute men of letters think that they alone live in the real world.

The first requisite of stewardship is to give ourselves to God. Thus, a logical recognition of God's absolute ownership should follow.