You would think that a book subtitled, “A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness” would tend toward dry, colorless explanations reserved for only the most devoted musicians. I can’t say that I was overly excited when Mr. Klickstein asked if I would be willing to review a copy of his book, The Musician’s Way, but within the first chapter my perspective completely changed! In addition to being an excellent writer and communicator, Mr. Klickstein presents so much helpful information that you will be itching to sit at the piano with his book beside you while you practice. At least I was!
The book is divided into three parts:
1. Artful Practice, which includes chapters on: Getting Organized, Practicing Deeply, and Musical Collaboration.
2. Fearless Performance, which includes chapters on: Unmasking Performance Anxiety, Becoming a Performing Artist, and Performing like a Pro.
3. Lifelong Creativity, which includes chapters on: Injury Prevention and Succeeding as a Student.
Each chapter is further separated into sections with descriptive sub-headings, making it incredibly easy to locate information relevant to a particular need. The extensive Notes, Bibliography, and Index at the back of the further contribute to the value of The Musician’s Way as a tremendous resource that would benefit any music teacher.
The Musician’s Way exposed how much my own practice habits are in need of reformation and how critical it is for me to learn these principles of effective practice, performance, and wellness so that I can pass them on to my students. I am not quite done with the latter half of the book yet, but I know that this is one of those rare books that I’ll be reading and referencing again and again as I attempt to achieve higher levels of mastery in my practicing, performing, and teaching.
Mr. Klickstein is obviously passionate about his message, and has set up a companion website with a wealth of additional materials. And…most exciting of all, he has offered to give away one copy of his book here on Music Matters Blog! Just leave a comment below if you’d like to be entered in the drawing to win. You can earn a double entry by posting about the giveaway on your blog and linking back to this post. I’ll select a winner next Friday, May 7, at noon CST. This will be a wonderful read for any musician or music teacher!
Sounds like a fantastic and inspiring read! I’d love a copy. I believe it’s incredibly important for us as teachers to “walk the walk” and make sure that we are practicing/performing just as we are encouraging our students to do the same. We’re all walking this journey of musical development, just at different points on the path. Thanks for the review!
You make it sound wonderful – a “must read” for all pianists/musicians.
Sounds like something I would love to read up on. Always sounded like such a dull read but this may be an inspiriational read.
It does sound like something I need to read–thanks for your review!
Wow! That sounds like something I could defintely use!
I have heard great things about this book!
Would love to win a copy to share with my students!
I love the resources he has on the companion website. Sounds like a great book!!
That sounds like just what I need!
I would love to read this – thanks for reviewing it Natalie!
That’s very generous – I would love to win this!
This sounds like it would be a very useful book!
I’d love to win a copy of this!!! And if I don’t win, I’ll probably buy one anyways.
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a wonderful book.
I would love to be entered! Thanks so much Natalie!
This book sounds interesting and inspirational; a fantastic resource! Thanks for the review.
Sounds wonderful! I think it would do me good! Thanks!
Well, thanks for the review and description of this book. Sounds very useful.
This sounds like an interesting read. From what you’ve described, it seams like the sections could be broken down and used as a “discussion” section to a piano camp (i.e. performance, practice, etc.)
Natashia
Looks like a great book! I’d like to be entered in the drawing, please
Thanks for recommending so many great books and resources on your site! This one sounds like it would be very interesting. I’ll love to get some more pointers on practicing!
Your review prompted me to visit the companion website. After reading about “the power of specific goals” and “2-to-1 breathing”, I knew this book would have other ideas I could benefit from. Thanks for offering.
Gosh, we can never have enough new tips on practicing and this sound like an inspiring read. I can’t wait to see a copy. Thanks you reviewing the book!
I love how honest you are Natalie, about still being a student and learner yourself. I feel the exact same way and I’m going to read this book whether I win or not!
Sounds like a great book! Please enter me in the draw.
Definitely something I need…and want!
Natalie
Thank you for this informative review. It sounds like a book I’d love to read!
I just posted about this on my blog.
Nice review, sounds very interesting and informative.
Definitely looks like a good summer reading book! Thanks for posting Natalie!
Would love to have a copy.
Always on the lookout for great resources. Thanks so much for this suggestion – and for your fantastic blog!
Sounds like a good read and something not only I can benefit from but my students as well!
Thank you for taking the time to share your review of the book with us. It looks like something we could all benefit from!
Sounds great! Thanks for your review!
I go through phases where my practicing motivation dries up – I see this happen to my students too. I think that everyone experiences the practice “dry spell”. It sounds like this book might provide a “jumpstart” to regain some inspiration during these times! I’d love copy!
I would love a copy!
Sounds interesting. Please enter me in the contest! Thanks!
I’d love to win – if you’re willing to ship to Canada!
I am so interested in this book. I put in a request for it at our library but I would love to own a copy of my own! Thanks for this give-away!
This sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me.
Natalie,
I feel blessed to have come across your website while doing a bit of research for my 11-year-old daughter. I am humbled by your talents, maturity at such a young age, and your passion for Christ. You are a true disciple; leading by example. I am interested in both your new book as well as Mr. Klinkstein’s. My daughter began playing piano when she was 4-years-old and all of the topics mentioned in his book would be so beneficial to both her and myself, as I continue to support her as a non-musician. I still pray my turn for piano lessons will come…
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Hey Natalie! Thanks for the great giveaway! I blogged about it, too!
Comment! Good luck!
It sounds like a wonderful book! Please enter my name in the drawing.
Just the book we need! Please enter my name in the draw. TY