Good afternoon from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts!

Billy taking first question! What do you think was your biggest mistake?

Make sure you get a lawyer, and when you start to make some money, get another lawyer to watch the other lawyer. #billyjoel

Billy Joel Question 2: Who was your biggest inspiration?

As a kid I loved all kind of music … the first album I ever bought was Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out.” The Beatles kind of threw me into the stratosphere. #billyjoel

Billy Joel Question 3: How did you get the inspiration to write “We Didn’t Start The Fire?”

Billy Joel Question 4: Did anyone ever have doubts about your career choice?

Billy Joel Question 5: How old were you when you wrote your first song?

Billy Joel Question 6: What was your favorite collaboration that you’ve done?

Probably Phil Ramone. He brought the music to life in my recordings. #billyjoel

Billy Joel Question 7: What is the motto you live by?

Billy Joel answering questions live from high school students at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens in New York City

Billy Joel Question 8: Is there anything that you really wanted to do, and did you accomplish it?

Question 9: How did you come up with the song “Captain Jack?” #billyjoel #q&a

Question 10: How do you get past your own demons when you have such a big dream? #billyjoel #q&a

Artists are sensitive … and if you don’t think like a business person, other people will take advantage of you. #billyjoel #QandA

I wanted to be an artiste. I did this for love, and I got screwed. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 11: I’m a huge fan. Can I get a hug? #billyjoel #QandA

Question 12: I dedicated “She’s Got A Way” to my beautiful girlfriend, and I’m wondering what your inspiration was. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 13: Do you have any advice for getting into the business now? #billyjoel #QandA

Do as much performance work as you can. Try to get experience…work in crappy little clubs. It will make you better. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 14: What was your first gig as a solo artist? #billyjoel #QandA

Question 15: Are you going to perform today for us? New York State of Mind #billyjoel #QandA

Billy Joel singing Piano Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEPV4kolz0

Question 16: How do you feel about rappers sampling your songs? #billyjoel #QandA

Question 17: What do you tell a starving artist who may be going in the wrong direction? #billyjoel #QandA

I wrote a song about it. See if this helps. Plays “Vienna.” #billyjoel #QandA

Vienna – That’s one of the kids that wasn’t a hit. It lives in the basement. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 18: Do you feel like there’s more for you to do, and can I get your autograph? #billyjoel #QandA

I’m writing more instrumental music. I’m more interested in an abstract form of composition, letting music speak. #billyjoel #QandA

Last night I was sitting in front of my house, and what makes it fun is I don’t really belong there. We never had any money. #billyjoel

I want to create a lot more music. I’m not done yet. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 19: What do you like to do in your free time, and can you play “Uptown Girl?” #billyjoel #QandA

I have a motorcycle shop, I have a boat. I’ve got my dogs. My life is like bungee jumping, so I crave the boring part of life. #billyjoel

Question 20: Can you dance, and can I dance with you on stage? #billyjoel #QandA

You don’t want to dance with me. I dance like a white guy. #billyjoel #QandA

I hated making videos. I’m not a movie star, I’m a piano player. If you’re not camera-friendly, it’s tough. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 21: What did it feel like when you first heard your song and your name on the radio? #billyjoel #QandA

It was wild. It was insane. I was driving in my car and I think it was “Everybody Loves You Now.” #billyjoel #QandA

I pulled over to the side of the road, and I’m yelling, and I just started laughing and jumping up and down. It was a great feeling. #billyjoel

Question 22: Do you sing along to your own music? #billyjoel #QandA

I sing along with my stuff all the time. I make up harmonies that aren’t there. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 23: How is writing your current music different from writing your pop music? #billyjoel #QandA

Question 24: What is one of your favorite songs to perform live? #billyjoel #QandA

I actually like doing other people’s stuff. When I do a sound check we never play my stuff. #billyjoel #QandA

My favorite song of mine to do? The songs that nobody knows. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 25: What was the lowest point of your career and what helped you keep going? #billyjoel #QandA

I hate doing TV shows. TV is all about visual and the sound comes out of speaker this big. #billyjoel #QandA

There were a lot of low points. But all the good stuff makes up for it. #billyjoel #QandA

Question 26: If you hadn’t made it in music, what would you have done? #billyjoel #QandA

If I was able to make a living, I would have been happy. I didn’t set out to be a star. #billyjoel #QandA

The biggest thrill I ever got in my life was being able to pay my bills by playing music. #billyjoel #QandA

If I hadn’t been able to be a musician at all, I probably would have gone insane. #billyjoel #QandA

Follow your heart and follow your talent, because you’re here for a reason. God bless you. #billyjoel #QandA

Thank you for joining us!

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