I actually played violin on 'E.T.' I used to be a violinist.

I had no interest or intention of ever writing music. I was a professional violinist in my 20s. I was obsessed with conducting, and I was conducting as much as I could, and I was studying as much as I could. I went to USC; I got an undergrad degree in violin and a master's degree in conducting.

A violinist had a violin, a painter his palette. All I had was myself. I was the instrument that I must care for.

We had a normal childhood. I played baseball, and we played violin in orchestras three times a week. I learned more from that than anything else.

The only reason I am successful is because I have stayed true to myself.

I used to play violin, but I wasn't very good!