George Gershwin

"I have never been more serious about anything than my music."

"The gift of melody is not something you can learn."

"Time is the greatest teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its students."

"A composer's work is never really finished."

"Music expresses what cannot be said and what cannot remain silent."

"I'm ambitious, but I do not think my ambition has ever gotten the better of me."

"The heart of music is melody."

"One should try to be original, but originality comes naturally."

"I believe that music has a direct effect on the soul."

"Listen to the dreams of mankind."

"Beauty in music is often the result of restraint."

"To create something new is the very essence of being human."

"I am not satisfied with anything that I have ever done."

"The future belongs to those who believe in it."

"A good composer must be a good listener first."

"Jazz will outlast us all because it's a part of the American spirit."

"The greatest art comes from the greatest suffering."

"Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it."

"I write what I feel in my heart."

"The secret of innovation is asking the right questions."

"Music speaks where words cannot reach."

"Every composer faces the blank page with fear and hope."

"I want to create something that will live forever."

"The rhythm of life cannot be contained in a metronome."

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery."

"A good song should be able to stand up without orchestration."

"I believe in hard work and perseverance."

"The human spirit is reflected in every note we compose."

"Innovation is not about being different; it's about being better."

"I compose for the future, not the past."