The Musician's Soul: A Journey Examining Spirituality for Performers, Teachers, Composers, Conductors, and Music Educators/G5095 [Hardcover]

James Jordan (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: G I A Pubns; First Edition edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579990584
• ISBN-13: 978-1579990589
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Food, January 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Musician's Soul: A Journey Examining Spirituality for Performers, Teachers, Composers, Conductors, and Music Educators/G5095 (Hardcover)

Jordan's book allows for the reader to explore his or her own musical experiences at a level of depth and passion that is often forgotten. I learned of this book from a well-known choral director who said it changed her life. . .I went out and bought it immediately and while saying that it has 'changed my life' sounds very cliché, it has changed my conscious relationship with music. When I was teaching high school choir, I read excerpts to my choirs. I continue to read sections of it, especially the quotes, as one might read a devotional book. Some may feel that Jordan does not expand enough on certain ideas, I feel that he expands just enough allowing each individual the opportunity to struggle with the ideas presented and come to his or her own conclusions. This is a book that I would work into my curriculum at the college/university level.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The inner workings of the musician, July 3, 2001

By 

Sandy (Sedalia, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Musician's Soul: A Journey Examining Spirituality for Performers, Teachers, Composers, Conductors, and Music Educators/G5095 (Hardcover)

This book is an emotional and spiritual approach to making music. This is the aspect of music that is so often forgotten. As band directors we are more focused on technique and often forget that the primary purpose of music is to express emotions. The book focuses the reader inward under the premise that the performer's spirituality affects the performance of the music. One chapter focuses mimetics and envy. The author makes the point that many if not all problems conductors and performers have are a result of envy. The author includes several exercises that would be useful for young and experienced performers. The book is also full of thought- provoking quotes. This is an excellent book for any performer.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and inspiring, March 28, 2001

By 

Val M. Jamora (Fountain Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Musician's Soul: A Journey Examining Spirituality for Performers, Teachers, Composers, Conductors, and Music Educators/G5095 (Hardcover)

This is a marvelous book! It speaks to the inner musician, the core of the artist. Jordan discusses not how we make music as much as why. Young musicians would do well to use thses ideas to help tap into their expressive potential. Older musicians have the opportunity to reflect on a lifetime relationship with beauty. Truly uplifting.