Miriam Burns Quotations

The violin came naturally, and it really fit me. When I picked it up (and placed it under the chin), it looked like it had grown there. It just fit.

I had to put down the violin. It was devastating. . . . But if it hadn't happened I never would have considered conducting. I went through a total career turnaround.

I had the ability to show music through gesture. With good conductors, you should be able to watch them on TV, turn down the sound and still know what piece they're conducting by watching their gestures. . . . Otherwise, you're just a traffic cop.

Being a cover conductor is really like being an assistant conductor because I'm there as the orchestra rehearses with the (full-time) conductor. I'm there following along (on the score) and watching. It's just incredible to be around one of the best orchestras in the world.

I do wear tails . . . I think it would be distracting to wear a long dress. You have to look ultra-formal and in command at the podium because, well, you are in command. Or you'd better be. . . . The music should be done so well that the audience forgets if you're a man or woman. There's nothing about conducting that's gender-specific.