The Musician's Soul: A Journey Examining Spirituality for Performers, Teachers, Composers, Conductors, and Music Educators

Jordan's book allows for the reader to explore his or her own musical experiences at a level of depth and passion that is often forgotten. I learned of this book from a well-known choral director who said it changed her life. . .I went out and bought it immediately and while saying that it has 'changed my life' sounds very cliché, it has changed my conscious relationship with music. When I was teaching high school choir, I read excerpts to my choirs. I continue to read sections of it, especially the quotes, as one might read a devotional book. Some may feel that Jordan does not expand enough on certain ideas, I feel that he expands just enough allowing each individual the opportunity to struggle with the ideas presented and come to his or her own conclusions. This is a book that I would work into my curriculum at the college/university level.

This book is an emotional and spiritual approach to making music. This is the aspect of music that is so often forgotten. As band directors we are more focused on technique and often forget that the primary purpose of music is to express emotions. The book focuses the reader inward under the premise that the performer's spirituality affects the performance of the music. One chapter focuses mimetics and envy. The author makes the point that many if not all problems conductors and performers have are a result of envy. The author includes several exercises that would be useful for young and experienced performers. The book is also full of thought- provoking quotes. This is an excellent book for any performer.

This book should be required reading for all musicians who teach, conduct, or otherwise guide the progress of other musicians. Dr. Jordan speaks about the unspoken: how we feel about the teaching we do and how our self-image impacts the quality of our teaching. We cannot do our best work (and neither can our students, musicians, etc.) if we do not accept ourselves because we cannot create a healthy environment. Dr. Jordan's work resonates deeply within all musicians who have been hard on themselves and their colleagues (which means all musicians!). His ideas have changed the way I teach, sing, and feel about all of it. I hope this book leads to further discussion on how musicians affect each other and themselves.

This is a marvelous book! It speaks to the inner musician, the core of the artist. Jordan discusses not how we make music as much as why. Young musicians would do well to use thses ideas to help tap into their expressive potential. Older musicians have the opportunity to reflect on a lifetime relationship with beauty. Truly uplifting.

This book easily fits into both categories of music and spirituality. In fact, it should be required reading for any creative and artistic person. Music, like all creative endeavors, is a manifestation of the person's interior life. The more conscious the musician is of the self, the greater his/her ability to bring music into the world. The author has definitely made a significant contribution to an area of musical life that deserves to be explored, discussed, and taught. Young musicians will find much wisdom in the author's insights and his words will resonate among those of us more seasoned in the art. Every serious student of music should add this to his/her library. Conscientious teachers of music should recommend, if not review, this book with their students.