Making Music for the Joy Of It

by Stephanie Judy, Gary Hespenheide (Designed by)

Geared for beginner musicians and those returning to an instrument, this book suggests methods of learning, offering advice on sight reading, selecting music, and developing stage confidence

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Self Help

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Nita]

I love this book. Motivating, wise and full of useful practical advice on how to practice, play with others etc. Having last read it as a teen, I found it even more relevant now that I am a mother. I was glad to see that I've already taken many of the suggested steps to raise my kids in a positive musical environment.

[Diane]

I chose this book as a contrast to You Are Your Own Instrument. I was not disappointed. In the course of five sections, Judy describes almost everything a beginning or returning musician should know. She is very helpful and supportive to all who seek guidance. In a manner both open and refreshing, Judy tells readers straight away what parts of her book will apply to them, and which they can just skip. Few authors care about saving their readers’ time and thereby keeping them engaged. And engage me, she did.

Her sections on practicing and playing are forthright and accurate. Her descriptions of ensembles dead on. Though I’ve never bothered to analyze it myself, I recognized what she describes in the different organizations I’ve worked with. Most importantly, Judy brings in ways to deal with issues, modeling how to speak about various problems, always in a kind, articulate, open manner which blames no one, but seeks to find answers and to know.

Judy devotes 5 pages to mothers in Chapter 7: Practicing: A Time and a Place. It’s entitled ESPECIALLY FOR MOTHERS. She goes on a bit later to include Chapter 13: Making Music with Your Family. I found both a delight. More people should write positive things about taking care of yourself like these. We all might be the healthier and wiser for it!

[Kat]

This one really is a self-help book, in the best possible way. It's geared toward beginning and amateur adult musicians, who may or may not ever want anything like a "music career", and is full of ideas for overcoming past music-related trauma, stage fright, and the basic grown-up fear of doing something you don't already know how to do. Judy also explains how to judge home instruction videos, find (and judge) a teacher, find a musical community, practice effectively, etc.

[Ruthpaget]

I have never received musical training, but this book made me believe that all I have to do is begin. I've learned how to read elementary notes since reading this book - gotta start somewhere.

[Kerry]

Stephanie writes in a way that supported my desire to learn piano as an adult, especially through all the time making something less than beautiful music, but loving every minute of it.

[Tandava Graham]

Anybody who wants to be a musician in any way, shape or form should read this book.