So it’s officially summertime, and the living’s easy… Time to kick back, take a break from practicing and enjoy the sunshine.
While summer doesn’t mean permission to flat-out forget about your instrument, a great way to relax while still keeping your creativity high is to immerse yourself in books about music. The best musicians live, eat, sleep, breathe and, of course, read about music.
To get you started, here are some of our favorite reads for musicians and music lovers alike:
1. Music by Andrew Zuckerman
50 diverse musicians – ranging from Fiona Apple to Danny Elfman to Ozzy Osbourne – were interviewed for Zuckerman’s collection of musical musings. The artist interviews cover various aspects of the music industry, including the process of creating music to artists’ experiences writing and performing. With the visual power of Zuckerman’s expert photography, readers get a whirlwind first-hand account of the music of today.
2. This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin
If you’ve ever gotten a chill from listening to a song, felt the energy of the fans at a crowded concert, or lost yourself in a piece of music, this book is for you. Levitin tackles questions like how musical tastes form, how music is perceived, and even what makes a song great – all from a scientific and neurological perspective.
3. Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks
Similar to This is Your Brain On Music, this book explores how music affects us, but instead focuses on the human experience. The author weaves through stories of triumph, overcoming illnesses and music as therapy, truly displaying the weird, amazing powers of music. The book is also broken up into shorter chapters, making it the perfect easy summer read.
4. Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash
Autobiographies are also great poolside books, so anything will do here – but we especially like this account of the life of Johnny Cash. Reading your favorite artist’s biography can give you great insight into their life, their inspirations and the music culture of the time, and might even give you that spark of inspiration to pen your own lyrics or tune.
5. Permission Marketing : Turning Strangers Into Friends And Friends Into Customers by Seth Godin
Seth Godin is the ultimate marketing master, and if your goal is to break into the music industry, you’ll need to know a thing or two about marketing yourself as an artist. Simply posting your music on your dated MySpace page isn’t going to cut it these days! From earning fans (customers, essentially) to publicizing your next show, Godin’s marketing strategies can easily translate to your success as a musician.
– Suzy S., TakeLessons staff member and blogger
Now it’s your turn: what books would you recommend to the aspiring musician, or to music lovers in general? Comment below, or stop by our Facebook page to give your recommendation!
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Photo by luvmyslr!
Suzy S.