book data
38 ratings,
3.95
average rating, 13 reviews
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published
February 2nd 1999
by Harmony/Bell Tower
binding
Paperback, 288 pages
isbn
0609801775
(isbn13: 9780609801772)
description
This landmark book enlightens amateur and professional musicians about a way of practicing that transforms a sometimes frustrating, monotonous, and ov...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 68)
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5 stars (11)
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3 stars (9)
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2 stars (2)
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1 star (0)
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avg 3.95
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in November, 2007
recommends it for:
neurotic musicians
Certain aspect of this book were really helpful, others, not so much. coming from a yoga perspective, the "open heart" concept certainly resonated and it helps my clarinet playing, both posture-wise and musically. When I open my heart, my shoulder blades come down my back and my air pressure gets better. Bruser has lots of ideas to bring out the best, most musical playing in everyone, and how to effectively translate that into a performance situation. I liked how she said instead o...more
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Read in April, 2008
The most valuable concept I gained was the idea that as you practice you make yourself hyper-aware of your surroundings--instead of trying to tune them out completely. Usually we are told to "focus," or "concentrate" and ignore anything that might distract us. Her idea is to do the opposite as you practice. Notice the feel of the bench under your thighs, the quiet buzz of the light fixture, the draft coming from the hallway . . . When you become accustomed to noticing every m...more
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03/04/09
Kat
marked it as to-read
Had to return this to the library before reading, but it looks to be a musician's guide to bringing mindfulness meditation and yoga into the practice room. Another cheesily titled book; maybe I need to get over my expectation that books on creative subjects shouldn't have floofy titles.
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Read in September, 2006
recommends it for:
all musicians!
A very good book for musicians of all stripes. It puts forth steps for starting your practice sessions, with breathing and stretching exercises, then moves on to tips for really expressing things with your music (yes, even while "just practicing"), outlines posture for various instruments, and has other extremely interesting tidbits and not so tid-bits having to do with all aspects of expression through music.
lovely and good to have on-hand as a reference even after you've ...more
lovely and good to have on-hand as a reference even after you've ...more
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08/04/08
tamarack
added it
Read in August, 2008
unfortunately i didn't get to finish this before handing it on to a good friend as a birthday gift. it seemed like a good read -- and the friend i gave it to is incredibly delighted with it (and neither of us are classical pianists; though i imagine it would be even better if we were).
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The author is a classical pianist, and this determines her approach to the subject. For musicians who only play others' scores, this is an excellent read. For anyone interested in improvisation and seeking direction in their practice sessions, this book is somewhat irrelevant.
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Read in December, 2007
Zen meets cello (or any other instrument) practice. This book is a good reminder not to let perfectionism suck the joy out of practicing. Her ideas may also apply to other areas of life that involve presence and discipline.
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Read in July, 2004
When I first read this book, it provided me with the tools and inspiration to finally learn and perform music in a more complete and fulfilling way.
If only I could have held on to that...
If only I could have held on to that...
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Read in September, 2008
I was looking for secrets...there were no secrets. Good information about the physicality of playing an instrument, but I had heard most of it before.
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Read in February, 2002
another one of my bibles, i continue to return to it, and recommend it to many students.
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10/30/08
Sharina
is currently reading it
I am reading this from the suggestion of a great friend and mentor!
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