Looking for something musically inspiring to read this summer? Try one of my recommendations from this year’s summer reading list:
Wit and wisdom from the piano bench by suzanne w. guy
This quick little read is a keeper for anyone who prefers skimming to intensive reading. It's chock full of charming anecdotes and inspiring sayings that are sure to strike a chord with any musician. From well-known quotes ("Success is not final; failure is not fatal." -Winston Churchill) to life mottos ("Motivation is fragile. It is also fickle and temporary. Practicing is an acquired taste. Begin the acquisition."), you won't fail to be inspired by this entertaining collection of musical motivations.
practice pie by nicola cantan
I'm a fan of pretty much everything Nicola publishes, but this cute handbook is probably my favorite. She outlines some easy and handy steps for parents to help make practicing at home more enjoyable and productive for kiddos (and parents). Each chapter is just a few pages long and with titles like Goal Setting, Making Practicing Fun and Effective, and Troubleshooting Tips, there are plenty of useful and easy ways to make practicing feel like less of a chore in your house. I recommend it for anyone with elementary age students.
broadway musicals: show by show, by stanley green
If you love musical theater, you'll want to have this book. It's brimming with Broadway details on shows from 1866-2019 and if you're a music history or musical theater aficionado, you'll be amazed at just how many fascinating musicals there are to investigate!
the big gig by zoro
Part autobiography, part how to guide for succeeding in music, The Big Gig is written by drummer and educator Zoro (who I studied with and interned for in college, fun fact!). If you're looking for a summer read that inspires your musical journey and encourages you to dream, this is it. No matter what your goals are with music, there's something here for you. Chapter titles include The Art of Learning - Keys to Developing Your Talent; The Art of Preparation - Getting Ready for the Audition; The Art of Recording - Succeeding in the Session World; and The Art of Networking - Building Working Relationships. Zoro believes his mission in life is to inspire and motivate others and he includes plenty of motivational quotes throughout each section of the book. If you need a motivation pick-me-up, look no further than The Big Gig.
how to play boogie woogie piano by arthur migliazza and dave rubin
Looking for something different to influence your piano practice this summer? Give boogie woogie a try! This book presents tons of different left hand patterns, blues scales, and classic boogie licks that you can practice and use in your own composing and improvising. It also includes a brief history of boogie woogie piano, advice on playing by ear, and dozens of recordings for reference. If you're looking for a new challenge at the piano, this could be the summer you fall in love with boogie.
ella enchanted by gail carson levine
Okay...it's not really a music book. But sometimes you just want a great story, am I right? This is one of my all-time favorite fiction books and there's actually more musical presence than first meets the eye. Can you find the specific 17th century dances that we still see today in compositions from Baroque composers? Will you discover the cultural importance of singing in the neighboring city of Ayortha and experience the different types of Ayorthian song as they are woven throughout the story? Are you going to be swept away by the grandeur of dances and royal balls, appreciating anew the important role music plays in social gatherings? Add a copy to your shelf this summer, fiction lovers (you know who you are), and enjoy getting caught up in the musical story of Ella of Frell.