The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music
£12.10
The Music Lesson is the story of a struggling young musician who wanted music to be his life, and who wanted his life to be great. Then, from nowhere it seemed, a teacher arrived. Part musical genius, part philosopher, part eccentric wise man, the teacher would guide the young musician on a spiritual journey, and teach him that the gifts we get from music mirror those from life, and every movement, phrase, and chord has its own meaning…All you have to do is find the song inside.
“The best book on music (and its connection to the mystic laws of life) that I’ve ever read. I learned so much on every level.”―Multiple Grammy Award–winning saxophonist Michael Brecker
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Additional information
| Publisher | Penguin Publishing Group, Illustrated edition (1 April 2008) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0425220931 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0425220931 |
| Dimensions | 13.11 x 1.96 x 20.32 cm |
by Anonymous
After having this book recommended to me by a friend and fellow music teacher, I was absolutely delighted when, as early on as the first page, I completely understood my friend’s enthusiasm.
This book is charming right away, as it dives in with personal yet profound tales and mottos, and the eccentric characters throughout are relentless with their wordplay, which makes every page great fun to read. The journey throughout blurs the line between the philosophical and the musical and it is impossible to read without questioning music, life, and whether the two differ, anyway?
Split into chapters cleverly named using musical terms, starting with “The First Measure,” and ending with the “Coda,” as well as covering areas which are readily considered important in music, including ‘Groove’, ‘Space’, ‘Listening’… this book makes you think and smile!
It is surreal yet confident, magical yet believable and, though it was over too quick, one of those that will never leave the brain of the consumer.
by Alison Simmons
The book was interesting as it contained a different perspective on how music is formulated, delivered and received. A bit slow in places but on the whole the story was lovely and the best bit was the ending. A very easy going, stress free read. Probably not for everybody but if you are interested in other people’s perspectives on music then it might be ok for you.
by Mr. P. Lewis
Unashamedly inspired by Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah (Michael even admits to flying biplanes in Illinois), this is a really beautiful and instructional tale. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn about music, or indeed life… and whether or not there is in fact any difference between the two…
If you do like, do read Illusions…
by Rafa Maciel
Haven’t finished the book. But don’t need to finish to give it 5 stars.
If you want to become a professional musician you HAVE to read this book. But is important that you already have to understand a bit of music and/or music theory before reading. It takes the music as a language and feeling more than JUST music.
The writer was a bit predictable sometimes, which is fine.
How the title says is a good lesson for musicians and for their lives (in the future I’ll be able to say OUR lives).
by Robert
Book is a very easy read. It focuses on approach to music and introduces many ideas that help musicians connect with music more and produce better music.
The story is about Victor meeting a stranger who is almost mythical in his music and other abilities. The chapters are mostly conversations + experiences
between them or other auxiliary characters. Each chapter focuses in on something important, groove, space, phrasing, dynamics etc etc and simple core ideas are explained thoroughly often using multiple examples made out of situations or story driven events, i.e. its not a technical manual / makes you think.
It does get a little crazy/bizarre at times and sometimes does come across a little self serving. However, with the way he explains these points via a story it opens really you up to a discussion about the approach and you thinking about them / getting involved rather than just memorising a list of words and not really understanding the bits between the lines.
Definitely been a positive influence on my approach/playing.
by Amazon Customer
Not enough instruction
by Mr. J. D. Higgs
I have been an admirer of Victor Wooten’s playing for some time, technical mastery and all round musicianship for some time. I saw this book listed on here and thought, lets see what he has to say. Well, although some of the story is quite ‘out there’ in a good way, the lessons are solid and remind you that music is not all about flashy techniques, or the best/latest gear, its about enjoying what you play, and having something to say, musically. I read this book just before I attended a four day Jazz playing course and almost everything in this book (not the crazy characters, although there are plenty of those in Jazz!) rang true. Buy it, read it, and just play!
by Dr D
A short book, easy and light to read and v enjoyable. What will you take from reading it? – well that’s up to you! (as Michael the mystical musician and philosopher in the book would say). Personally, I found the concepts espoused by Michael and his ethereal pals easily understandable and largely relevant to where I want to get to on my journey through the world of music and with my guitar. I think I probably need to read the book a few times over, as there are probably things in there that are only discovered after several re-reads. Would someone not learning to play an instrument enjoy this book and learn things? – definately a yes – but only if they want to!