My message is that giving is very important. Giving is a Jewish thing, and I like to talk about that. There's nothing more important, personally, for anybody than being able to give.

The most important thing to do is really listen.

The thing about talent is that it comes at different ages, sometimes at a very early age. That's when I find it to be the most challenging.

I'm now doing three things: concerts, conducting, and teaching, and they each support each other. I learn to see things from different perspectives and listen with different ears. The most important thing that you need to do is really listen.

It is good medicine to go to a concert hall and forget the harshness of what's going on. It can be a very positive thing.

Teaching is really very, very important. I always tell my students that you should find an opportunity to teach. When you teach others, you teach yourself.