"In the old days, we sold more records right here than in all the rest of the world combined!" Bowie says.

"I know this Harvard community is supposed to be the center for intellectual advancement," he adds. "I don't know how smart everyone is here, but they've always been pretty nice."

The trumpeter seems pleased with his stay at Harvard. He enjoys the academic environment, and is impressed with the enthusiasm and talent of the students he has met so far.

"This has been a very enlightening and very interesting experience for me." Bowie explains. "I couldn't do something like this on a permanent basis," he adds with a laugh. "That is, not until I retire from performing."

Bowie says his retirement will come in another 18 years when he turns 60.

The big question, whether students can hope to hear Bowie in person at the workshop meetings this afternoon, unfortunately meets with a negative. The trumpeter underwent a hernia operation barely a week ago, and is still unable to blow. Aficionados will be pleased to know that Bowie continues to sport a white laboratory coat in concert ("to symbolize the research we're doing into different types of music, different types of reaction"), and his beard still emerges in two prongs from his chin ("I've always been a firm believer in individual expression).

Bowie's advice to those who care to listen? "Always hold on to your dreams," he told a class of students. "Continue to make real investigation, and listen to the really hip people, like musicians, who have a lot to say."