In The Musician's Way, veteran performer and educator Gerald Klickstein combines the latest research with his 30 years of professional experience to provide aspiring musicians with a roadmap to artistic excellence. Part I, Artful Practice, describes strategies to interpret and memorize compositions, fuel motivation, collaborate, and more. Part II, Fearless Performance, lifts the lid on the hidden causes of nervousness and shows how musicians can become confident performers. Part III, Lifelong Creativity, surveys tactics to prevent music-related injuries and equips musicians to tap their own innate creativity. Written in a conversational style, The Musician's Way presents an inclusive system for all instrumentalists and vocalists to advance their musical abilities and succeed as performing artists.
Review
This book is a rare example of clear, concise and useable information on music practice... If I read a better book on practice this year I'll be surprised!! (Mike Saville, HowToPractice.com)
the main strength of this book lies in the depth with which the author engages with the processes of practising and performing. The comprehensive way in which these topics are covered provides students with clear guidance to support many aspects of their musicianship. (Noola Griffiths, British Journal of Music Education)
One of the most important books on musicianship in recent decades. (Joseph Docksey, Director, Lamont School of Music)
A masterful work, which I believe will quickly be recognized as the finest guide to the art of musical performance produced by our generation. (Kevin Lawrence, Artistic Director, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Professor of Violin, University of North Carolina School of the Arts)
I predict that The Musician's Way will be an instant classic. It is the most useful, comprehensive book I have ever read on developing the skills of a successful performer. Every music lover - student, professional, amateur, and teacher alike - should own this book. (Jeffrey Solow, Professor of Cello, Temple University President, American String Teachers Association)
An outstanding accomplishment... The Musician's Way should be on the shelf of every aspiring professional musician and every serious music educator. (Clavier Companion)
Klickstein covers the gamut of issues, tips, and ideas that make up the world of the serious musician... Students hunger for this kind of knowledge. (Notes)
Klickstein takes a common-sense approach and works his way through techniques for improving every aspect of a performer's life, from ways to memorise a piece to dealing with performance anxiety... It's all very well thought through and an interesting read. (The Strad)
A comprehensive guidebook from an experienced, insightful musician... You must read this book. (Stringendo)
A wonderful tool for all aspiring musicians (Chad Criswell, MusicEdMagic.com)
You owe it to yourself to read this book. (Christopher Davis, ClassicalGuitarBlog.net)
Written in a light, conversational style...the many case examples bring reality to the text... A comprehensive guidebook from an experienced, insightful musician. If you think you know it all, you must read his book. (Mary Nemet, Stringendo.)
About the Author
Gerald Klickstein is Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and an active guitarist, author, and arts advocate. He frequently lectures at prominent music conferences and appears at leading American music schools and festivals where he performs, teaches, and directs original workshops. He currently serves as Artist/Member-at-Large on the board of the American String Teachers Association and is a member of the College Board's National Task Force on the Arts in Education. He also authors The Musicians Way Blog and maintains www.MusiciansWay.com, the extensive companion website to The Musician's Way.
