The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music [Mass Market Paperback]

Victor L. Wooten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

From Grammy-winning musical icon and legendary bassist Victor L. Wooten comes The Music Lesson, 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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Victor L. Wooten has won four Grammy Awards, two Nashville Music Awards for Bassist of the Year, is the only three-time winner of Bass Player magazine's Bass Player of the Year, and is an original member of the Grammy Award-winning ensemble BŽla Fleck & the Flecktones.

From AudioFile

Author and bassist Victor L. Wooten's words take on a mesmerizing jazzy rhythm as he tells a parable about a mysterious teacher named Michael who instills in him a new love for music. Michael stimulates his pupil with offbeat imagery as he makes his points, which are augmented with music and sound effects to create a more theatrical experience. While listeners will learn about musical concepts and techniques, Wooten's story is primarily intended to be inspirational as he recalls the mystical events that boosted his motivation and ability at a time when he was experiencing a career ebb. As music lessons go, this one is unique and can be enjoyed by both musicians and general listeners, especially those interested in the arts and creativity. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425220931
• ISBN-13: 978-0425220931
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Revelation of Music Herself, April 10, 2008

By 

T. Ransom "BanjoFreak" (Woodstock, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music (Mass Market Paperback)

Before you read this book, open your mind to the possibility that the universe may be very different from your version of reality. This is not a book about music theory or how to play the bass. It is a wonderful and playful revelation about the relationship between Music and your life. Both will change for the better if you are willing to leave behind what you already think you know.

Victor weaves an unbelievably believable tale which unites ideas about space, time, numbers, and nature into a new view of Music as a living, breathing being. Fans of Richard Bach and Tom Brown, Jr., will enjoy this new perspective on their work.

Frankly, music players who are uncomfortable away from the written page of music will be uncomfortable with this book. Improvisors of all kinds will know you have come home.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Creative Way to Say It, May 29, 2008

By 

W. Dent "Life Lover" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music (Mass Market Paperback)

I've read and reviewed a book by another musician, Kenny Werner, called 'Effortless Mastery'. Some of the things covered in that book are touched upon in Victor's book, The Music Lesson. However, I must say that Victor has certainly found a way to show us the intangibles of music while demystifying so much of what holds we musicians back from really playing. His treatise on music brings to the fore important elements not usually emphasized in a practicing musician's learning. I found the book to be extremely practical while completely engrossing. Victor's decided approach to the subject at hand is unique, clever, and enjoyable. Much like his character in the book (Victor Wooten), I can't remember the last time I had so much fun learning the 'abc's' of music and more to the point, life itself!

One last comment about the book which I am surprised no one else has mentioned (at least if they did I missed it), and that is the proximity of one Jaco Pastorius to the Michael character. I find myself wanting to ask, is Michael Jaco? I am amazed that that question doesn't seem to be answered at all in the book's pages (again, unless I missed it). Then again, maybe it is so obvious, it is I who am a fool for bringing it up.

Either way, I highly recommend this book for a really great read.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Practical Guide to Experiencing Music, April 5, 2008

By 

Todd Flanders "- ToddF" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music (Mass Market Paperback)

I was a bit turned off by the sub-title. I have very little interest in the spiritual perspective of the world's greatest bass player.

I was grateful that I could read the first chapter online, which sets the tone for the entire book.

The Music Lesson is a fun, entertaining exploration of music from a fictional perspective. There are many important lessons and ideas about music in each chapter. Many of these lessons trigger more questions than answers, which is Victor's way of expressing the importance of self-discovery and "finding your own voice".

I was blessed to attend one of Victor's Bass / Nature camps, so I was able to experience Victor's approach to inspiring others to experience music. I learned to get past my academic background of music theory and explore music with the mind of a child.

I still recommend learning theory, but also recommend this book as a fun read and an opportunity to think of music in a refreshing light.