The Musician's Soul

by James Mark Jordan

The Musician's Soul James Jordan GIA Publications,Inc Beyond the precise techniques of music-making lies the uncertain and often untapped world of artistic self-expression and soulful spirituality. James Jordan's The Musician's Soul starts all musicians on a journey to the higher plane.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Education

185 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cassidy Ann]

Awful.

Summary: "Beauty is beauty. You have to be vulnerable. I can't put into words what that is, but if you don't have it, you can't make real music."

Mansplaining at it's finest my friends.

[Michael Relland · Rating 5 out of 5]

He lives this stuff. You meet him and you know he cares, which is all this is about. BE in the moment but WITH a technique that comes from you, not some top-down authoritarian. Also, as a conductor--most of whom I know as being real asses--this is such a nice corrective.

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn’t love the overall work, there was more than enough within to really ponder.

[Michaela Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half is really good, but then it gets super repetitive. I definitely recommend the first half, though!

[Erika Aichholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

had to read this for a class, lowkey changed my life

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw James Jordan at a conference I attended and I really wanted to learn some wisdom from him. In general, I liked the book but it was a bit more philosophical than some of the other things I read. I was hoping for some more practical points that I could utilize in my work life. Mr. Jordan states that in order to make honest music, you must have vulnerability, a connection with your musicians, the ability to be centered and must constantly re-examine yourself- among other things. He stressed the importance of both community and solitude. Although I agree with much of what he was writing about (and really enjoyed many of the quotations in the book), I found myself a little lost. I was confused by exactly what mimetics is (other than the basic premise that "what they see is what you get" from your singers). This book did give me some things to think about and helped to identify some of the things that are philosophically important to my own teaching. I may revisit it one day to see if I get a different perspective than I currently have. I am also interested in checking out some of the books he took quotes from.

[Amanda Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a novice in your craft, I suggest you read this. It's written with a lot of empathy (not sympathy) that will catch the eyes of anyone struggling to figure out how to become their own within their field. I struggle with imitating my mentors, wanting admiration, and doubting my own originality and ability. This book encouraged me to sit down and say to myself, "I'm capable, I can make music and I can do it with humility and vulnerability." It sounds cheesy, but it really impacted how I wake up in the morning and my mindset when I go to work.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came at this book to learn more about choral music and how to become a better musician. Well, it does that, but not at all in the way I expected. This book is a how-to guide for exploring the mystical experience. It is extremely spiritual, personal, and thought-provoking, and putting it into practice will absolutely make you a better musician, and also a better human. One who knows oneself better and works to create connections to others with vulnerability and openness that can be intimidating but ultimately very rewarding. Pretty great stuff.

[Joe Stobaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life by changing the way I interact with the ensembles I conduct and by the ways in which I treat myself. All musicians should read this book!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every moment of it! Also enjoyed my times speaking with Dr. Jordan.

[Glen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a requisite for music students.