The further one separates himself from the precepts of the Christian Church, the further one distances himself from the truth. Only God can create. I make music from music.

I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits of false assumptions, not by my exposure to founts of wisdom and knowledge.

I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.

One has a nose. The nose scents and it chooses. An artist is simply a kind of pig snouting truffles.

My God, so much I like to drink Scotch that sometimes I think my name is Igor Stra-whiskey.

Art is the opposite of chaos. Art is organized chaos.

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's always by Villa Lobos?

Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing in my living room has on the book I am reading.

A good composer does not imitate; he steals.

In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?

I take no pride in my artistic talents; they are God-given and I see absolutely no reason to become puffed up over something that one has received.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it, this notion of simplicity? Simple things done simply by a simple person. But it’s not as simple as it seems.

Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

I really think I write about everyday life. I don't think I'm quite as odd as others say I am.

I thought I had my feet on the ground, but if someone tells you every day you're going to be the next big thing then...So then if you aren't, you think, 'Have I done something wrong?'

God knows the truth in all of this, and at the end of the day, that is the only thing that matters. Jesus was persecuted, and I'm going to get persecuted, ya know?

I like to touch people's hearts.

I've always been prepared to put my money where my mouth is.

Leave your comfortable life and go in search of your kingdom.

For me, being memorable is more important than winning.

I kissed him once," she whispered. "Well done. What did he do?" "Um..." Deryn sighed. "He woke up.