Looking for something musically inspiring to read this summer? Try one of my recommendations from this year’s summer reading list:
before john was a jazz giant by carole boston weatherford
This book is a great way to introduce young students to the life and music of jazz legend John Coltrane. Learn about all the sounds that influenced the way John heard music growing up, and become inspired to listen differently to the sounds that surround you today! The book includes a more in depth biography at the back, as well as recommended listening so the whole family can savor the sounds of Coltrane’s music.
Recommended for ages 5-9, or anyone interested in jazz.
the first notes: the story of do, re, mi by julie andrews and emma walton hamilton
Ever wondered what solfege is, or where it came from? What about the history of music notation - how exactly did people decide on the best way to start putting music on paper? This charming and informative story about an inspired monk who paved the way to writing down music and singing by sight (rather than by hearing and repeating) sheds some light on the subject! Written by the one and only Julie Andrews (who played Maria von Trapp in the famous Sound of Music movie featuring a song based on the solfege syllables) and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, the story takes us on a wonderful journey through what we know about the life and music of Guida d’Arezzo. If you love to sing or you’re a Sound of Music fan, it’s a must read!
Recommended for singers and musical theater lovers of all ages.
king of ragtime: the story of scott joplin, by stephen costanza
This beautiful book is a fantastic addition to any library, depicting an informative and interesting picture of ragtime composer Scott Joplin’s life and career. Featuring a historical biography, recommended listening, and magnificent illustrations, students of all ages will be fascinated to learn more about the King of Ragtime’s journey. Joplin’s background lent itself to an incredible blend of musical influences: from the sounds of nature and the songs of his people, to popular music by Foster and Sousa and European operas and theory, ragtime signalled a musical revolution that fused African rhythm and soul with European musical form. The result? A patchwork of sounds and colors as American as the country itself.
Recommended for all ages.
why beethoven threw the stew by steven isserlis
If those “ancient” composers have ever seemed boring or inaccessible, this is the book for you! The author’s sassy and comical writing style is sure to entertain as you journey through the life stories and funny anecdotes of six of the world’s great composers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and Stravinsky. This book includes a variety of recommended listening for each composer so you can become familiar with their signature style. Nothing makes composers come to life more than learning about their personality and hearing their creations firsthand! It is especially well-suited for summer as students can read a little about one composer each week, ending the week with listening to some of their music - a fantastic way to keep the learning going over a long break from lessons. It’s not just for piano students either, as these composers wrote copious amounts of music for singers and orchestras, and parents will get a kick out of some of the stories as well - there’s something to love for everyone. (And now don’t you want to know the story about Beethoven throwing the stew?)
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
the performer’s companion by sharon l. stohrer
If you have struggled with performance anxiety, here’s a book worth checking out. Sharon Stohrer shares tons of tools and strategies for working towards overcoming performance anxiety in all its forms and degrees, as well as plenty of encouragement and inspiration along the way. If none of your current strategies are helping you satisfactorily conquer your performance anxiety, there’s bound to be something you haven’t thought of or tried in The Performer’s Companion, including an entire section on Alexander Technique and a list of additional resources. The tips are written primarily for vocalists, but modifications are included when necessary for instrumentalists too.
Recommended for singers of all ages.
The Gift of failure by jessica lahey
This summer’s pick for parents is The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey. It’s a rather enjoyable read addressing some ways that we can deconstruct how we think about failure and learn to see it as a valuable tool for our kiddos rather than something to avoid at all costs. There are so many useful applications with what she writes when it comes to students studying music (and beyond) and has had a very positive impact on how I address certain challenges with students since I read it earlier this year. If you’ve gotten frustrated with your child’s lack of practicing, ownership, follow-through, or listening when it comes to their music study, I can’t recommend this book enough!
Recommended for parents.