The Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry

by Barry Green

The Inner Game of Music , the breakout hit that became a standard primer in the music world, has taught thousands of musicians—professionals and amateurs alike—how to overcome self-consciousness and stage fright and to recapture a youthful, almost effortless capacity to learn. Now, in his follow-up book, The Mastery of Music , Barry Green turns his expert hand to the artistic qualities that make an extraordinary musician. Culling advice from dozens of interviews with legends including Joshua Bell, Dave Brubeck, Jeffrey Kahane, Bobby McFerrin, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Frederica von Stade, the Harlem Boys Choir, and the Turtle Island String Quartet, he reveals that it’s not enough to have a cerebral and emotional connection to the notes. Green hows how musical excellence, exhibited by true virtuosos, requires a mastery of ten unique qualities of the soul and the human spirit, such as confidence, passion, discipline, creativity, and relaxed concentration, and he discusses specific ways in which all musicians, composers, and conductors can take their skills to higher levels. He carefully incorporates all instruments and techniques in his rejuvenating discussions, inspiring the stifled student to have fun again and the over-rehearsed performer to rediscover the joy of passionate expression. Essential reading for every musician, The Mastery of Music strikes a beautiful new chord.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Writing

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2003

Reviews

[Artemisia Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book on musical technique, practice or performance that I have read adds something new to my own tool kit as a practicing musician. In The Mastery of Music, Barry Green approaches mastery as a many faceted achievement and so devotes each individual chapter to one of his “pathways to true artistry”. These pathways are the essential qualities a musician needs to cultivate in order to become the best performing artist he or she can be. Using the different instruments and players making up an orchestra or performing ensemble as examples of each, he examines skills like passion, tolerance, confidence, discipline and courage in great depth and shows why they are each so important, not only to the orchestra as a whole but also for each individual member. Filled with advice from virtuoso performers and plenty of tips for honing these essential qualities, this book is one of the most thorough I’ve read on the subject of mastery, and not just for musicians, but for anyone wanting to take their skills in any arena to a higher level.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more inspiring books on music and artistry that I've read. I will be rereading this one periodically. It is changing my whole approach to practicing. Must now go back and read The Inner Game of Music.

[Kaitlynn Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book is absolutely a must-read for any musician. I'd say even more of a must-read than Green's precursory book The Inner Game of Music. Though Green does have a tendency to ramble and repeat himself frequently, the book remains to be inspiring and insightful. I particularly found Chapter Three, the chapter on discipline, to be a valuable source of insight into how I should reform my practice strategies. Whereas Chapter Six: Tolerance, was a valuable lesson, not just in music, but in life. It really drives home the point that being a musician and listening to music has so many benefits and builds character.

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread from several years ago. Nothing really earth-shattering in content, although I did enjoy reading it. I think it would be a great book study with students.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clearer perspective

This book is amazing! It breaks down and shows how our character is such an important tool that makes us as a musician.

[Adriana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good intentions, some content was great, but overall it was ok.

[Michelle Packman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helped me in my undergrad as a music major. Very helpful book for those just starting out in their studies.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry Green examines musical mastery through the characteristics that make musicians unique. This was such a unique lens to view musicians through, as each instrument/grouping was defined by and explored through one characteristic. As a woodwind, I found the chapter on discipline to be quite enlightening, and I thoroughly enjoyed the stories in the chapter on humor, specifically the Eugene Ormandy quotes. I credit this book with giving me the push I needed this year to be more rigorous and dedicated to my practice. Thanks, Barry!

[Patrick O'Hannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes this book fun is Barry Green's insistence that a musician's choice of primary instrument ultimately reflects his or her personality, and the different virtues necessary for musical mastery can be glimpsed in conversations with different musicians.

It was instructive to hear how masters of different instruments cultivate attributes like joy, discipline, passion, and communication.

On the other hand, the chapter on "tolerance" reads like politically correct treacle (short version: when you play with an ensemble, do not insist on always getting your own way). PC also rears its comical head whenever Green's interview subjects credit God for inspiration, as at least two of them do. In those cases, Green quotes them, but switches abruptly to mention of a less-controversial "higher power" or "Spirit of Music" when summarizing their remarks. Personally, I was not the least bit offended to learn that classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening seems well-versed in Christian scriptures and the practice of intercessory prayer.

Green sometimes succumbs to name dropping, which is admittedly a hard temptation to avoid in a book of this kind. After awhile, I was numb to the fact that he talked with luminaries as diverse as Frederica ("Flicka") von Stade (legendary mezzo-soprano) and jazz trumpeter Clark Terry. Green is "connnected" -- we get that. How nice for him.

Don't let Green's recurring (and sometimes annoying) patois about the "inner game" fool you. There are no "secrets" in this book. Musical mastery has to do with aptitude, it seems, but also and importantly with attitude, discipline, and personal integrity. Caveats aside, however, Green and his subjects say some good things, and the book is worth reading as a reminder to stay the musical course if you feel called to that.

[Will Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read thus far on understanding the principles that form music & that allow those who stay the course with passion & devotion to master being a musician...I'm recommending this to all those I play music with :) I gained incalculably from the perspectives offered in this book & I'm sure to revisit it in later years to refresh my understanding of its wisdom - the road goes ever on :)

[Jordan Kinsey]

At times, it seemed like a 300 page advertisement for The Inner Game of Music. At other times, it seemed like he was saying things that were so blatantly obvious, they had no place in a book. At other times, it seemed like he was repeating himself ad nauseum. Having said all this, it's still a good book and all musicians should probably read it.

[Aeshaire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful & interesting, took a while to get into.

[Gabriel Monticello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Lots of things to ponder. Some funny stories as well.

[Jiemeiyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Felt inspired not just for music but life and how to live it. Can see myself reaching for the book from time to time to re-read certain chapters.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It's a wealth of knowledge and insight, and I found myself wanting to highlight entire pages at times. Highly recommend, definitely my top book of the year.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Very Accessible.