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

Victor L. Wooten (Author)

Book Description

Release 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.

Listen to "The Lesson" from Victor Wooten's, Palmystery, here.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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." ---AudioFile

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

About the Author

Victor L. Wooten has won five Grammy Awards and 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 Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Victor L. Wooten has won five Grammy Awards and 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 Bela Fleck & the Flecktones.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425220931
• ISBN-13: 978-0425220931
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Religious & Sacred Music
  • #9 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Appreciation

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 54 people found the following review helpful

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

By T. Ransom

Format: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.

26 of 28 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 VINE™ VOICE

Format: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.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

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

By Todd Flanders

Format: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.