Product Description

The Inner Game of Music, the breakout hit that became a standard primer in the music world, has taught thousands of musicians—professionals and amateurs alike—how to overcome self-consciousness and stage fright and to recapture a youthful, almost effortless capacity to learn. Now, in his follow-up book, The Mastery of Music, Barry Green turns his expert hand to the artistic qualities that make an extraordinary musician. Culling advice from dozens of interviews with legends including Joshua Bell, Dave Brubeck, Jeffrey Kahane, Bobby McFerrin, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Frederica von Stade, the Harlem Boys Choir, and the Turtle Island String Quartet, he reveals that it’s not enough to have a cerebral and emotional connection to the notes. Green hows how musical excellence, exhibited by true virtuosos, requires a mastery of ten unique qualities of the soul and the human spirit, such as confidence, passion, discipline, creativity, and relaxed concentration, and he discusses specific ways in which all musicians, composers, and conductors can take their skills to higher levels. He carefully incorporates all instruments and techniques in his rejuvenating discussions, inspiring the stifled student to have fun again and the over-rehearsed performer to rediscover the joy of passionate expression. Essential reading for every musician, The Mastery of Music strikes a beautiful new chord.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186016 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-10
• Released on: 2005-05-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In his follow-up to The Inner Game of Music, which sought to teach musicians how to overcome mental barriers to inspired playing, bassist Green defines ten qualities that offer a "pathway to true artistry": communication, courage, discipline, fun, passion, tolerance, concentration, confidence, ego/humility and creativity. "When you develop these qualities to a high level," he says, "you have achieved mastery not only of your instrument and your concentration, but of who you are and how you present yourself to others." Each "path" receives its own chapter of inspirational anecdotes and advice, and each is exemplified by a certain instrument or type of musician. For example, French horn and percussion, instruments that "just get one chance" and have "nowhere to hide," illustrate the importance of courage; violas, who sit literally and musically between violins and cellos, represent tolerance; and duos, chamber groups and conductors symbolize the value of communication. Dozens of respected musicians, from Leonard Bernstein to members of the Harlem Boys Choir, share anecdotes about coping with stress, prioritizing, self-acceptance, preparation, concentration, focus and other life-skills. Along with general, inspirational advice for living and playing well, the book also makes valuable specific recommendations (e.g., the benefits of practicing slowly, establishing personal boundaries, visualization exercises, etc.). While the book's gimmick may seem overworked at first, the author is so knowledgeable and sincere that his volume should appeal to musicians and music lovers of all stripes.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

?In his newest book, Barry Green has provided the glorious counterpoint of musical discovery, mentorship, and visionary styles of learning from some of the greatest
performers of our time. The Mastery of Music fills us with inspiration, vision, and potential for better listening, enjoyment, and nourishment.?
Don Campbell, musician and author of The Mozart Effect

Review

“In his newest book, Barry Green has provided the glorious counterpoint of musical discovery, mentorship, and visionary styles of learning from some of the greatest
performers of our time. The Mastery of Music fills us with inspiration, vision, and potential for better listening, enjoyment, and nourishment.”
Don Campbell, musician and author of The Mozart Effect

Customer Reviews

Superb and inspiring book for music students and professionals
Barry Green's "The Mastery of Music" is a very well written and inspiring book. I have been teaching and performing as a violist for over 35 years and found Barry's book full of simple teaching ideas and ways to raise one's own performing to a higher artistic level. His earlier book, "The Inner Game of Music" is likewise chockfull of easy to apply teaching and playing ideas. Soon to be published in Feb. is his new book about creativity and bringing music to life. I highly recommend "The Mastery of Music" to all!

Nancy Kredel, Fairfax, VA

Helpful for Musicians at all levels
I am an not a professional musician but I found the information in this book very helpful for me. I will keep it in my personal library to review from time to time through out the rest of my life. It is very inspiring and practical.

Insightful read
With his popular "The Inner Game of Music" Barry Green had created a niche for himself on many a musician's book case, now he returns to explore what makes a musician using his vast array of friends in the field. Each concept he analyzes with a specific type of musician in mind and he brings in his contacts to speak from their point of view on the subject. For example the chapter that discusses the balance of ego and humility uses singers as the main focus of his exploration and story telling. The chapters can stand alone as their own concepts that you can zero in on or you can read through the whole book to take in the fuller picture of what the ingredients of musical artistry are, either way you won't be disappointed.

Some of the chapters could have been edited for length but overall I found myself engrossed in the many humorous and touching anecdotes. Sections of the book may be hard to comprehend without knowledge of musical vocabulary, but on the whole it should be accessible to anyone. While the "Mastery of Music" is a stand-alone piece Mr. Green does make references at points to his first book and it could be a good investment to go and pick up "The Inner Game" if you have the funds.