Surrendering to the Music: 6 Life Lessons Playing Piano Taught Me

by Gerry Baird

Music has been an important part of my life ever since I can remember. My dad used to play records on Saturday mornings and my sister and I would dance around the house while he cooked pancakes for us. We had a piano that no one played, but it must have had some impact on me because at the age of seven I cited it as my favorite instrument. My desire to learn to play came when I was in the middle of a high-pressure graduate school program. I needed a healthy escape, and though my piano skills were practically non-existent I discovered that playing for a few minutes each day relieved stress and provided a much needed creative outlet. Soon my seven-year-old daughter and I began taking lessons together, and I embarked on one of the most challenging and fulfilling journeys I’ve ever undertaken. This book contains the wisdom I’ve gained along the way. Whether you are a music student, music teacher, music parent, or music lover, I hope that as you read you will be inspired to find greater joy in your own journey.

88 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2015

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Wish the author had elaborated a little more in some places, but I enjoyed the book. As an adult piano learner, he is good inspiration for other adult instrument learners, and his comparison of his and his daughter's learning styles is helpful. Makes me want to sit down and try playing piano/keyboard again.

[R.RAMESH KUMAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's music from the heart . Very inspiring to a 70 year old beginner like me!

Reading the book is itself a wonderful spiritual experience. Some how Iam
reminded of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.

[Lidia Longorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simple and to the point. It causes self-reflection in relation to the human experience. A great read for the philosophical types who like piano.