This is the second part of the interview pianist Jeff Gardner gave us. He is now back in New York City. For those who haven't yet, read the first part . Technique is a means, whereas spontaneity is a state of mind. Having lots of technique doesn't guarantee creativity.
Creativity is a paradox, a mystery.
Some say creativity is a matter of producing as much alpha waves as possible. Apparently this was measured by electroencephalogram, and there are a lot of alpha waves during creative states. First you have to be technically and physically prepared to play well when an idea occurs to you, but even in the best of cases we don't understand very well where the idea comes from. For example, I've gone through periods where I write a composition per day for a month. Stravinsky said, and coming from him it's rather moving, that inspiration is not the exclusive property of composers, but can happen to everyone.