Spring Reading List, Part 1

While nothing can replace time spent in the practice room, our growth as musicians requires more than the time spent within those four walls.  I have found that many people I admire are regular readers.  Below, you will find a few examples from my current stack of books.  Some are new, and some are old - I learn new things from each re-reading of a great book, as my life circumstances change my perspectives.  Click on the picture of the book cover to order at amazon.com.

Do you have any books that you would like to see here?  Please reply with your suggestions!

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I've subscribed to Seth's blog for several years now, and his short, thought provoking posts are a great way to start the day.  His books are numerous and I like them all, but I find particularly important applications from this book as a musician.  

We all have a limited amount of energy for each project we take on.  This book has helped me learn where to direct my energy and to better determine which projects are worth my time and effort and which ones are dead in the water. 

I have yet to read a Seth Godin "dud."  I encourage you to check his writing out as soon as you can!

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To say that I bounced around quite a bit in my 20's would be a big understatement.  I remember waking up one morning with a revelation - it wasn't that I didn't know what I wanted to do, but rather that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do and was so afraid of adding more to my pile of failure that I would rather stay stuck in a holding pattern than tackle my fear and break through to something better.

Dr. Greene's book was the first of it's kind that I read, and my original paperback copy was so worn out that I had to replace it with a hardbound copy a couple of years later.  His seven skills for performing your best under pressure are really great, and in my opinion, require revisiting every so often to be most effective.  

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As I continue my personal quest for better health, I find the most inspiration through friends who have made significant and positive life changes.  The author - my high school band director - taught me so much by example - his drive, determination, and commitment to students were unmatched.  After decades of prioritizing everything above his own health and wellness, he was faced with two options - an early grave, or renewed life purpose and the ability to once again inspire others.  It's a short read, but the lessons are timeless!!!!  Thank you, Gary Doherty, for making the right decision.  

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Not everything I read is about work!  While I don't have tons of time for recreational reading, I do think it is important to read some sort of fiction as regularly as you can.  The creativity you develop when reading - setting the stage for your book in your mind's eye - is the same creativity you draw upon when you need material to help convey a mood or feeling in your music making.  

I have friends who read this kind of book slowly, because they want to savor each page.  Others, like me, tend to binge read - time stops when we grab a good book, and we won't get anything done until the last page is read.

Regardless of your reading style, make time for this activity - you'll thank me later!

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More to come in Part 2!