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Tone Deaf and All Thumbs? An Invitation to Music-Making
A neurologist and amateur musician explores the connections between neurology and music and provides an informative look into how and why people make music, how human beings hear music, and how musicians remember what they're playing
- GenresMusic
210 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 23, 2019
I think this book is to be commended for its unguarded, honest, hopeful perspective.
Where the book succeeds most, is when it focuses on what the title is getting at, which is that we all have the ability to enjoy, and while there's no duty to enjoy music making and listening. If you follow the book patiently, you should come to the conclusion that music may be for you, maybe your problems, disappointments and unhappiness in prior attempts at musical endeavors might not end in tears the second time, if you are informed, and know what you do and don't want out of the business.
The book marshals a pretty well done 1980s era (when the book was written) set of neurological findings, including some about Ballistic Movement skills, that and its set of related neurological concepts are ones that any aspiring musician who has ever heard their teacher talk about muscle memory probably needs to know about. The author is not just a competent scholar in his field, he's also a great guy, and I enjoy his folksy style, which attempts to avoid overwhelming you with specialist jargon, and where terminology is used, it's explained clearly.
I must admit even with a folksy and engaging style, I had had enough of some of the middle matter, but the final two or three chapters are absolutely worth the whole book, and as my mom says, could be read over and over again, to great help.
Recommended for anyone with interest in music, music listening, piano, other instruments. Does not contain any specific practice techniques, except for a few places where it gets close to suggesting some general things that tie in with the knowledge of neurology and neuromusculature.
I'd love to see an update from the author, he seems to be alive and well, and his website is
http://www.handoc.com/
Where the book succeeds most, is when it focuses on what the title is getting at, which is that we all have the ability to enjoy, and while there's no duty to enjoy music making and listening. If you follow the book patiently, you should come to the conclusion that music may be for you, maybe your problems, disappointments and unhappiness in prior attempts at musical endeavors might not end in tears the second time, if you are informed, and know what you do and don't want out of the business.
The book marshals a pretty well done 1980s era (when the book was written) set of neurological findings, including some about Ballistic Movement skills, that and its set of related neurological concepts are ones that any aspiring musician who has ever heard their teacher talk about muscle memory probably needs to know about. The author is not just a competent scholar in his field, he's also a great guy, and I enjoy his folksy style, which attempts to avoid overwhelming you with specialist jargon, and where terminology is used, it's explained clearly.
I must admit even with a folksy and engaging style, I had had enough of some of the middle matter, but the final two or three chapters are absolutely worth the whole book, and as my mom says, could be read over and over again, to great help.
Recommended for anyone with interest in music, music listening, piano, other instruments. Does not contain any specific practice techniques, except for a few places where it gets close to suggesting some general things that tie in with the knowledge of neurology and neuromusculature.
I'd love to see an update from the author, he seems to be alive and well, and his website is
http://www.handoc.com/
November 11, 2019
The final chapter contains dynamite thoughts on the subject of music practice, but only after several chapters of dry explanations of cognitive processes. Worth reading, but you won’t miss much if you skip to the end.
June 22, 2018
I went back to my public library five years after first reading this book, and I was disappointed to discover it had disappeared in the intervening period of time. :(
However, the basic gist of this book has stuck with me ever since I read it. The basic point is if you don't have to make a living from music, you can enjoy music significantly more. Additionally, if you simply want to make music strictly for your own enjoyment, there's no requirement for you to perform publicly.
I especially identified with this book's subtitle: "An Invitation to Music-Making for Late Bloomers and Non-Prodigies." :D
June 22, 2018.
However, the basic gist of this book has stuck with me ever since I read it. The basic point is if you don't have to make a living from music, you can enjoy music significantly more. Additionally, if you simply want to make music strictly for your own enjoyment, there's no requirement for you to perform publicly.
I especially identified with this book's subtitle: "An Invitation to Music-Making for Late Bloomers and Non-Prodigies." :D
June 22, 2018.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews