From Ear to Ear: A Pianist’s Love Affair With Song

by Steven Blier, Adam Gopnik (foreword)

A moving and tartly funny musical memoir both “comic and cosmic” (Adam Gopnik) by acclaimed pianist, spellbinding storyteller, and champion of song Steven Blier.


While other kids were enjoying the head-bashing pleasures of tackle football, a freshly bar mitzvahed Steven Blier was inhaling operas and getting his first taste of accompanying professional singers. From Ear to Ear recounts his picaresque and unfailingly entertaining road to a successful career as a collaborative pianist, bringing to life his partnerships with iconic performers like Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Jessye Norman, Cecilia Bartoli, and Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, and beloved mentors, including Alvin Epstein and Martha Schlamme. Drawing on his innovative work as a vocal coach and concert producer with his acclaimed New York Festival of Song, he takes readers deep into his artistic process. But Blier also tells a parallel his lifelong battle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Aided by his intense determination, as well as his wry sense of humor, Blier continues his life at the piano. As Adam Gopnik writes in his foreword, From Ear to Ear is “genuinely heroic, a testament to the power of music.”

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Music

280 pages, Hardcover

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Marcia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life to have immersed myself in music: piano, folk music with guitar, choral music, and explorations of music of many genres. I owe profound debts of gratitude to the many teachers, coaches, conductors, and colleagues who made these musical journeys come to pass, enriching my life and creating heartwarming memories.

I devoured Steven Blier's new memoir--From Ear to Ear: A Pianist's Love Affair with Song--in one day! I've been a happy audience member at many of the NYFOS (New York Festival of Song) events over the years. And once, I had the honor to be part of a modest background ensemble, working with the maestro himself and his NYFOS co-founder Michael Barrett.

Blier is very open about the many events, mentors, partners, setbacks, and challenges he has endured in his fascinating life. Having recently turned 70 years old, he reflects on his journey from chubby New York City kid with an ear for music to a renowned musical presence, especially in his passion for art song and live performance.

Anyone who has ever attended a NYFOS performance can appreciate the rigor, creativity, and elan Blier always injected into his thorough programming. He has discovered and promoted many up-and-coming singers to share his passion in unique performances, from classical music to the Beatles, exploring many cultures, diving into many languages, and always performing with delight, humor, and his personal flair and beaming smile.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves artful music and are curious to find out how the sausage is made. BRAVO, Maestro!!

[Trebledb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pianist Steven Blier is a witty, honest and raucous raconteur who nails it in his memoir of being the "accompanist" to the stars. He captures the angst, uncertainty and the glory behind inspirational music making.

[Michelle Pulignani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

[Brooke Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute joy to read. I loved every minute of it.