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Life Between the Keys: The (Mis)Adventures Of The 5 Browns
With sold-out concerts and screaming fans, The 5 Browns are redefining what it means to be classical musicians. Twenty-something siblings who grew up in a small town in Utah, the piano virtuosos are sweeping the nation and the classical charts. In Life Between the Keys , these charming, warm, and funny prodigies reveal their most intimate musings, impressions, and memories along their journey from obscurity to stardom.
The 5 Browns' insights found in this book will relate to readers of all ages through a collection of true short stories and vignettes, written by each one of the siblings in his or her own words. Readers can listen to the accompanying unedited live performance CD, matching The 5 Browns' individual styles of playing with their different personalities.
Readers will experience the journey with each of the pianists as they take their places at their respective pianos, lock eyes, exchange a silent signal, and in a mere instant transform themselves from regular kids into musical dynamos, flawless in precision and steeped in passion. They have shattered all the preconceptions of classical music as being inscrutable or intimidating. As the New York Post proclaimed, One family, five pianos, and fifty fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years.
The 5 Browns' insights found in this book will relate to readers of all ages through a collection of true short stories and vignettes, written by each one of the siblings in his or her own words. Readers can listen to the accompanying unedited live performance CD, matching The 5 Browns' individual styles of playing with their different personalities.
Readers will experience the journey with each of the pianists as they take their places at their respective pianos, lock eyes, exchange a silent signal, and in a mere instant transform themselves from regular kids into musical dynamos, flawless in precision and steeped in passion. They have shattered all the preconceptions of classical music as being inscrutable or intimidating. As the New York Post proclaimed, One family, five pianos, and fifty fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years.
229 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2009
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 13, 2009
Interesting. I bought this book because I have been fascinated by the against-all-odds journey of five LDS siblings who are Julliard-trained musicians, with a mission to change the white-pallored face of traditional elitist classical music to one of hip color for the masses. And generally speaking, I am also fascinated by classical artists who cross genres, i.e. Mikhail Baryshnikov's first foray into tap and modern dance, Kiri Te Kanawa's flirtation with musical theatre, and Yo-Yo Ma's spicy tangos! So, go 5 Browns!
Unfortunately, the 5 Browns' real story is yet to be told. Maybe Mom or Dad can write that one someday. For now, you might enjoy reading their many essays of life between the keys. Each Brown contributes several personal accounts (think being loaned their journals), which run the gamut from basic growing up to the Julliard practice room/competition hell.
Unfortunately, the 5 Browns' real story is yet to be told. Maybe Mom or Dad can write that one someday. For now, you might enjoy reading their many essays of life between the keys. Each Brown contributes several personal accounts (think being loaned their journals), which run the gamut from basic growing up to the Julliard practice room/competition hell.
August 27, 2017
Although I am not into classical music, and have only read one magazine article on the Browns, I thought this book would be a good read...and it was towards the end. The first 116 pages, however, bored me to near tears...essay after essay...I thought it would never end!
There was even an essay by Desirae Brown expressing her disbelief and dismay over the prejudices she encountered in a town in the "Deep South". Let's see, Miss Desirae is a Mormon from Utah and she was shocked by the prejudice she saw in another state? According to the 2000 census, the black population in Utah is less than 1%. Is there any other state with a smaller black population? And the Mormon Church's prejudice against blacks is very well documented. Does she really think the small black population in Utah has nothing to do with prejudice and discrimination? Does she not realize that a lot of time one does not see prejudice against blacks, because there are no blacks around to be prejudice against? Miss Desirae seems like a highly intelligent woman, who is not prejudice herself. Maybe she should speak out against discrimination in her own state and her own church, instead of perpetuating the worn out myth that such prejudice only exists in the "Deep South".
But back to my boredom . . . suddenly, a miracle occurred . . . the book became very interesting and readable. Starting off with a very funny essay by Gregory Brown on a gay classmate, it moved on to a most exceptional essay by Melody Brown on life in the dorm at L.S.D. It was after reading that essay, when I seriously wondered if it was right to turn five siblings into classmates at Juillard. Melody's experience in living in the L.S.D. dorm . . . and no, it's not a drug dorm, but a dancer's dorm . . . she was too young to live in the music dorm . . . was so depressing to her, one feared she might be heading for a nervous breakdown. When she told her parents of the dismal psychological conditions there, she was instructed to turn to God for help. Why? She wasn't in a prison where she couldn't get out. Was it so important that all five of the Browns be classical pianists and students at Julliard at the same time? Who was it actually important to? And what if she had had a nervous breakdown? Would it still have been worth it?
All five Browns claim to love their lives and their music. And, as far as I am concerned, no one has the right to imagine they don't. But it will be interesting to read 20 years from now how they view their childhood years, and if they think it was all worth it. And would they want their own children having such a life? Desirae Brown writes the very touching final essay in the book on the stuffed animals they all played with when they were very young . . . and I just couldn't help but think while reading it that they all lost a very big chunk of their childhood . . . between the keys.
P.S. 8/27/17: As it turned out, according to news articles a few years after this book was released, the Browns had lost a very big chunk of their childhood when they were molested by their father. That would explain another reason why they stayed on the road to do concerts, even though their accommodations in many places were the pits . . . they really didn't want to go back home to Utah.
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
There was even an essay by Desirae Brown expressing her disbelief and dismay over the prejudices she encountered in a town in the "Deep South". Let's see, Miss Desirae is a Mormon from Utah and she was shocked by the prejudice she saw in another state? According to the 2000 census, the black population in Utah is less than 1%. Is there any other state with a smaller black population? And the Mormon Church's prejudice against blacks is very well documented. Does she really think the small black population in Utah has nothing to do with prejudice and discrimination? Does she not realize that a lot of time one does not see prejudice against blacks, because there are no blacks around to be prejudice against? Miss Desirae seems like a highly intelligent woman, who is not prejudice herself. Maybe she should speak out against discrimination in her own state and her own church, instead of perpetuating the worn out myth that such prejudice only exists in the "Deep South".
But back to my boredom . . . suddenly, a miracle occurred . . . the book became very interesting and readable. Starting off with a very funny essay by Gregory Brown on a gay classmate, it moved on to a most exceptional essay by Melody Brown on life in the dorm at L.S.D. It was after reading that essay, when I seriously wondered if it was right to turn five siblings into classmates at Juillard. Melody's experience in living in the L.S.D. dorm . . . and no, it's not a drug dorm, but a dancer's dorm . . . she was too young to live in the music dorm . . . was so depressing to her, one feared she might be heading for a nervous breakdown. When she told her parents of the dismal psychological conditions there, she was instructed to turn to God for help. Why? She wasn't in a prison where she couldn't get out. Was it so important that all five of the Browns be classical pianists and students at Julliard at the same time? Who was it actually important to? And what if she had had a nervous breakdown? Would it still have been worth it?
All five Browns claim to love their lives and their music. And, as far as I am concerned, no one has the right to imagine they don't. But it will be interesting to read 20 years from now how they view their childhood years, and if they think it was all worth it. And would they want their own children having such a life? Desirae Brown writes the very touching final essay in the book on the stuffed animals they all played with when they were very young . . . and I just couldn't help but think while reading it that they all lost a very big chunk of their childhood . . . between the keys.
P.S. 8/27/17: As it turned out, according to news articles a few years after this book was released, the Browns had lost a very big chunk of their childhood when they were molested by their father. That would explain another reason why they stayed on the road to do concerts, even though their accommodations in many places were the pits . . . they really didn't want to go back home to Utah.
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
October 14, 2021
Well, they're definitely not writers! Some of the older sisters had better written essays, and the youngest brother definitely had the most adventures.
If you're a fan of piano or classical music, it was worth reading to get the inside scoop on how they felt about being a family of prodigies, how much they were forced to practice as kids, why they wanted to spread their love of classical music, and how Julliard was ashamed of them instead of showing them off.
If you're a fan of piano or classical music, it was worth reading to get the inside scoop on how they felt about being a family of prodigies, how much they were forced to practice as kids, why they wanted to spread their love of classical music, and how Julliard was ashamed of them instead of showing them off.
July 23, 2018
I was really excited to read “Life Between the Keys” because I am a fan of The Five Browns. However, I was extremely disappointed in the book. Some of the stories were interesting, but many of them were obnoxious in the effort to be funny or profound or touching. The book was really not worth the effort to read it. I still like their music, but I won’t read another book by them. Very clean.
April 2, 2021
A compilation of short essays from the five Brown's about their experiences at Julliard. It is a fun read and well worth getting to know how these young musicians tick. This is only a part of their young lives as many other things have happened since this was published. I enjoyed it and quickly went through it.
August 5, 2015
In spite of the fact that they've been featured on 60 Minutes, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Martha Stewart, PBS and NPR, I'd never heard of The 5 Browns before. I also missed the write ups in the New York Times, the New York Post, the Los Angeles Times, Parade and countless other magazines and newspapers. But apparently, whoever does hear of them is nearly always impressed.
The 5 Browns are five siblings in their 20s from smallish town Alpine, Utah (I've been to Alpine and yes it's small but it's only minutes from Salt Lake or Provo so it's not like it's isolated or anything). They all started piano at the age of 3 and all attended Julliard in NYC simultaneously. Now they record (they have 3 CDs) and tour together playing classical piano (usually all 5 at once!), and they're receiving a highly enthusiastic reception. This book is a collection of essays written by the Browns about themselves and their experiences.
I expect this book will be of most interest to their fans - the many young people who have the good fortune to see them perform live and come away with a newfound appreciation for classical music. The topics generally range from their interests (such as video games and shopping) to their experiences at Julliard (how hard it is to get in, to stay in, and to perform in front of their peers) to some strange experiences on the road. Their individual reminiscences of 9/11 was 4 essays too many, but overall you get the impression that these are some passionate kids who are grateful for the talents they've been given - and sincerely want to share them with others. And they seem like really nice kids.
The book I read was an advance copy which did not include the "unedited live performance CD" which I think would have been the real reason to buy this book. I listened to some of their music online but I get the impression The 5 Browns are most entertaining as a live act.
The 5 Browns are five siblings in their 20s from smallish town Alpine, Utah (I've been to Alpine and yes it's small but it's only minutes from Salt Lake or Provo so it's not like it's isolated or anything). They all started piano at the age of 3 and all attended Julliard in NYC simultaneously. Now they record (they have 3 CDs) and tour together playing classical piano (usually all 5 at once!), and they're receiving a highly enthusiastic reception. This book is a collection of essays written by the Browns about themselves and their experiences.
I expect this book will be of most interest to their fans - the many young people who have the good fortune to see them perform live and come away with a newfound appreciation for classical music. The topics generally range from their interests (such as video games and shopping) to their experiences at Julliard (how hard it is to get in, to stay in, and to perform in front of their peers) to some strange experiences on the road. Their individual reminiscences of 9/11 was 4 essays too many, but overall you get the impression that these are some passionate kids who are grateful for the talents they've been given - and sincerely want to share them with others. And they seem like really nice kids.
The book I read was an advance copy which did not include the "unedited live performance CD" which I think would have been the real reason to buy this book. I listened to some of their music online but I get the impression The 5 Browns are most entertaining as a live act.
November 26, 2009
Instead of a chronological history, this book is a compilation of essays written by each of the 5 Browns. These essays provide glimpses into their lives without bogging the reader down with boring details. I thought it was the perfect format, and by the end, I definitely had my favorite Brown out of the five.
So, yes, I admit to thoroughly enjoying this book. And yet, it is not without its flaws. First of all, some of the writing isn't great. Gregory's essays especially were confusing to read because he used so many random and detailed analogies. Sometimes I had to read sections of his essays 3-4 times before I understood what he was trying to describe. However, Gregory has some of the best and most unusual stories, and I think the confusing analogies actually helped to better understand his personality. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that the book has some give and take, but all in all, I think it's a fairly accurate portrayal of each of the five siblings.
Also, I think part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because I could relate to the Browns in a small way. Obviously, my musical training is nothing compared to theirs, but even though I went to BYU and they went to Julliard, much of what they describe about practice rooms, recitals, teachers, fellow students, etc. was similar to my experience, so it was fun to re-live some of my own memories as I read their stories.
So, yes, I admit to thoroughly enjoying this book. And yet, it is not without its flaws. First of all, some of the writing isn't great. Gregory's essays especially were confusing to read because he used so many random and detailed analogies. Sometimes I had to read sections of his essays 3-4 times before I understood what he was trying to describe. However, Gregory has some of the best and most unusual stories, and I think the confusing analogies actually helped to better understand his personality. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that the book has some give and take, but all in all, I think it's a fairly accurate portrayal of each of the five siblings.
Also, I think part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because I could relate to the Browns in a small way. Obviously, my musical training is nothing compared to theirs, but even though I went to BYU and they went to Julliard, much of what they describe about practice rooms, recitals, teachers, fellow students, etc. was similar to my experience, so it was fun to re-live some of my own memories as I read their stories.
August 28, 2009
While I think the original title of the book is cute and original, this better explains to the readers what their book is about "Impressions of Our Life So Far" by The Five Browns. The Five Browns have only begun their musical career and in my opinion they aren't finishing it any time soon, so this isn't a biography, nor is it their memoirs.
What this book IS is a collection of stories written by each member of The Five Browns. You learn a little about their biography through the preface and the stories, but not a lot. You learn that The Five Browns want to inspire children and students, that they hope to encourage young people by their music. I think this book is geared towards the same audience. The audience that will most appreciate this book is young students and teens that know of The Five Browns.
The range of stories include talking about childhood playthings, their first memories of Julliard, experiences with living with NYC, and each of them wrote a story about their impressions on the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.
I enjoyed learning about The Five Browns through these young impressions and I admire them for the people they are. Through the stories you learn that they are down-to-earth people that have such a tight bond with their siblings, it is very touching. I recommend this book to young readers that will enjoy reading about these famous classical musicians on an informal and relatable way.
What this book IS is a collection of stories written by each member of The Five Browns. You learn a little about their biography through the preface and the stories, but not a lot. You learn that The Five Browns want to inspire children and students, that they hope to encourage young people by their music. I think this book is geared towards the same audience. The audience that will most appreciate this book is young students and teens that know of The Five Browns.
The range of stories include talking about childhood playthings, their first memories of Julliard, experiences with living with NYC, and each of them wrote a story about their impressions on the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.
I enjoyed learning about The Five Browns through these young impressions and I admire them for the people they are. Through the stories you learn that they are down-to-earth people that have such a tight bond with their siblings, it is very touching. I recommend this book to young readers that will enjoy reading about these famous classical musicians on an informal and relatable way.
May 9, 2009
What a fun read! I really enjoyed the CD that came with the book (from the library). I thought it was fun to find out some of the behind-the-scenes to this cool family and their experiences at Julliard. I always have been curious about what it takes to be a professional musician (from Julliard) and this book gives a fun glimpse. I liked the accounts of some of their road trips and how their mom got them to practice all growing up. I could have done without the last chapter....very silly and not consistent with the quality of the other chapters. I like that each pianist authored a few chapters and they're all intermixed. They are very different from one another, that's for sure! I think Deondra is one of my favorites, then Desirae. Greg and Ryan are definitely boys and their chapters made me laugh out loud, at times. A very fun read.
I must add, the music from the CD is excellent. I got chills and teared up on three separate occassions because the beauty is overwhelming to the senses. Good job, Browns!!! hooray for good classical music performed by real people. I like their mission. Anyone interested in piano or any youth whom an adult wishes to encourage would love this book.
I must add, the music from the CD is excellent. I got chills and teared up on three separate occassions because the beauty is overwhelming to the senses. Good job, Browns!!! hooray for good classical music performed by real people. I like their mission. Anyone interested in piano or any youth whom an adult wishes to encourage would love this book.
March 18, 2009
When I got back from a trip last week, my dad surprised me by taking me to meet The 5 Browns (the authors of this book) the next day at a book signing! I wanted to go to their concert, but apparently they had been sold out since September! Anyway, I went to go meet them, and they signed my copy of this book! My dad had asked me before they came which of their CD's I had and I replied, "All of them". My dad then told this to The 5 Browns, and how disappointed I was that the show was sold out, that we had just found out too late, and the older of the two brothers, Gregory, gave us 3 free, 3rd row seat tickets to the show that night!
Anyway, this book is really good. You kind of have to have some background information about them to really get it, but it's really a great book. I read it the first day!!!
Basically, The 5 Browns are 5 siblings, all within 6 1/2 years of each other, who all started playing the piano at age 3! They were the first group of 5 siblings ever to attend Julliard at the same time! Now, they're all like 20-something, and amazing! Check out one of their CD's, or the book for more about them!
Anyway, this book is really good. You kind of have to have some background information about them to really get it, but it's really a great book. I read it the first day!!!
Basically, The 5 Browns are 5 siblings, all within 6 1/2 years of each other, who all started playing the piano at age 3! They were the first group of 5 siblings ever to attend Julliard at the same time! Now, they're all like 20-something, and amazing! Check out one of their CD's, or the book for more about them!
March 5, 2013
I really enjoyed the casual "atmosphere" of this book, which while not running away from serious subjects, still made it enjoyable. It was a good reflection, I thought, of their aim as classical musicians who want to reach out to those who may not otherwise listen to classical piano or appreciate it. It did, however (as so many others have said) leave me wanting to know more. Cliche aim of a good performance, which is not necessarily a bad thing. I would love to know, for instance, how some of the other siblings managed to meet their spouses despite such busy schedules, or whether or not their spouses were into classical music before, or played instruments or sang etc. I'd love to know what kind of pressure they felt to be more or less like their siblings. They talked about that a little, but way too little in my humble opinion! I do love that in the last entry (I think it was) they gave a simple but perfect explanation as to why they can spend so much time together and still get a long. I hope they write more! And I hope I get to see them in concert someday, instead of just on t.v.
August 4, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this autobiography about the 5 Browns. They are a truly amazing family. Three sisters and two brothers who all studied piano at Juilliard together! They grew up practicing on 5 grand pianos in their home, one for each of them! Truly astonishing! I found the book warm, humorous, touching, and inspiring. Each chapter is a memory of one of the five siblings, arranged in no particular order, from their childhood and college experiences, culminating in their thoughts on 9-11, on which day four of them were in New York at school at the time. I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just for those who play a musical instrument, although pianists will especially appreciate the insights in this book. The book includes a CD of their music which makes it well worth buying, (as opposed to just borrowing). I now hope to attend one of their concerts!
March 22, 2010
I finally finished one of the several books I am reading and have a hard time finishing! Hooray!
I loved this book! It was entertaining, but also educational and inspiring. It is made up of essays written by the five pianists.
It was very interesting to hear about their lives at Julliard and on the road as professional pianists.
I enjoyed learning about how they tried to avoid practicing when younger--even though now they are professionals.
It was touching to hear of the special relationship the brothers and sisters have with each other.
Finally, I learned about how exciting the world of classical music is and how my kids' lives will be much better for playing a musical instrument. I am more excited than ever about motivating my children to practice their instruments everyday!
I loved this book! It was entertaining, but also educational and inspiring. It is made up of essays written by the five pianists.
It was very interesting to hear about their lives at Julliard and on the road as professional pianists.
I enjoyed learning about how they tried to avoid practicing when younger--even though now they are professionals.
It was touching to hear of the special relationship the brothers and sisters have with each other.
Finally, I learned about how exciting the world of classical music is and how my kids' lives will be much better for playing a musical instrument. I am more excited than ever about motivating my children to practice their instruments everyday!
June 13, 2016
After seeing the 5 Browns, a piano quintet, on PBS I was curious to learn more about them. This book is something of an oddity. Rather than an autobiography, it is a series of personal essays written by each sibling on topics ranging from winter sledding to being in New York City on 9/11 to playing concerts to living in the dorms at Juilliard. Some of the essays are more interesting than others. The book would have benefited from an introductory biography with names, dates, places, etc.; an explanation as to how and why the siblings were introduced to music; and photographs. Also, since it is copyright 2009 there is nothing on the three girls' sexual abuse charges against their father, which came out in 2011. A CD of music is included.
March 10, 2013
Bleh. They can play the piano perhaps, but they don't have a clue how to write. They alternate writing each chapter. Sort of torturous to read. And looming over it all, I knew that life at the Brown house wasn't as it was appearing. That being said, I do have tremendous respect for the daughters who could have the courage to stop the abuse of their father and go on to return to their professional lives. Applause for that! The only chapter I really liked was the one about the kid who showed up from Canada and mooched off of his friends at Julliard for multiple months. I liked him.
November 7, 2009
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I was looking for a deeper biography, and instead got a collection of short biographical stories. The stories were written by each of the five Brown siblings, but they lacked any cohesion or organization. Organizing them by sibling, chronology, or any other form would have been helpful in piecing together their lives.
Love their music, but wanted a little bit more from this book.
Love their music, but wanted a little bit more from this book.
July 9, 2009
I really enjoyed reading their little stories of their childhood, life at Julliard, and playing together as a group. The Brown siblings are well-grounded, optimistic, hard-working, talented, and fun. I love their view of how classical music should be. I would love to read more of day to day life as it was from Mom and Dad Brown!
January 3, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to read about the 5 Browns' lives from their own perspectives and to get to know them in a way. It was fun because I could relate to several of their experiences in a way.
Summary: A collection of essays written by the 5 Browns about their experiences growing up, in college and performing.
Summary: A collection of essays written by the 5 Browns about their experiences growing up, in college and performing.
May 17, 2011
This book is not what I was hoping for...what life was like growing up in their family, how much they practiced, teachers, etc. Rather it is a collection of essays. They are well-written and entertaining. It was an enjoyable read, but it only served to make me more curious about what life really is like for them.
June 9, 2009
This book is written as a series of essays, each written by one of the 5 Browns. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, I found the essays to be engaging and witty, revealing 5 pretty ordinary - although amazingly talented - young adults living anything but a normal life. An enjoyable read.
May 5, 2009
I am a 5 Browns fan and I loved this book. I bought it for my husband and he really liked it too. Easy to read and great insights into their lives, relationships, playing concerts and their time at Juliard. Amazing talent!
November 28, 2009
This book was really interesting. It was fun to hear their insights and feelings about being a classical musician/concert pianist. They went to the #1 piano schoolin NY; Julliard. They were 5 mi. away when 9/11 happened, and more. I really enjoyed this book.
March 24, 2010
The 5 Browns kind of make me sick.
If you're looking for an in-depth biography, this is not it. This is short excerpts written by the five of them, showing you random snippets from their lives and showing you their personalities a little better.
If you're looking for an in-depth biography, this is not it. This is short excerpts written by the five of them, showing you random snippets from their lives and showing you their personalities a little better.
April 29, 2009
My favorite essay was Does the show have to go on? by Desirae
March 7, 2009
It was a fun read. It was interesting to read about what their lives were like growing up. I learned lots about Greg, so it was worth reading for me.
June 27, 2009
Fun to get a little bit behind the scenes and here what makes them tick. What an amazing family. I really enjoyed the cd that came with the book too!
September 10, 2009
An amazingly talented family. My favoirte stories were both by Desirae, "The Best Concert Ever" and "Markus" a sweet story to read about giving a great Christmas gift. Cheesy cartoonish drawings.
June 21, 2009
Fun tidbits about the music group. CD included in the back.
September 21, 2009
I would have liked to have read more about what inspired them as musicians and what made them great pianists. It was mostly about their time at juliard and the day to day things that happened.
October 6, 2009
Very interesting book about these young people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews