The classical realm is dying because nobody cares about new classical composers. My concerto suite was an injection of something new,

This was a huge, huge undertaking. I composed this concerto from the ground up. It took about two years total to compose, but there were interruptions when I was touring and making rock albums,

The classical world is a completely different planet from the rock world. But I was welcomed with open arms by the orchestra musicians. I walked into their world, they didn't walk into mine. Once I worked with them they were very impressed and I gained their acceptance.

Yeah, I do. To me, the audience can be one person. I'm so critical of myself that it's really hard for me to like get high on my own shit. I sometimes manage to do it, but most of the time not. So if I have somebody in the room that I'm sure they'll dig this. I like that. But it could be one person or it could be a hundred thousand.

I don't personally know Michael Angelo or his music, but regarding contests and who is faster or whatever. It doesn't interest me. Trying to determine who picks more notes per second is ridiculous. What is important is the quality of the music and how well it speaks to fans who love it.

Yeah, I figured that out myself. From listening. I would have learned a lot quicker if I had someone to show me that shit. But I don't think you can be taught to be creative. It's like a computer. The computer will give you what you put in it, you know, or make an equation or something. I shouldn't talk about computers, I don't know anything about them. But you don't get out of it more than you put in. Basically that's what I'm trying to say. I think you can get pointers, but I don't think you can learn to be a complete musician. That has to come from within. And it entails a lot of sacrifice.