Mastering the Art of Performance
A Primer for Musicians
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:12th Jan '06
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£27.49(9780195398724)
In Mastering the Art of Performance: A Primer for Musicians, Stewart Gordon offers seasoned advice to musicians intent on meeting the challenges of performance. Through real-life examples and pre-performance exercises, this accessible manual gives musicians and other performers practical insights into every aspect of performance. While other books merely identify and describe the problems associated with performance, this book offers detailed suggestions for solving them. First, Gordon tackles the critical planning and preparatory stages, helping performers to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. The book's easy-to-follow exercises address the self-doubt and anxiety many musicians contend with, helping them to analyze why they perform, set goals and assess the level of energy needed to achieve them, and develop a performance philosophy. The book also offers techniques that will help musicians deal with some of the classic pitfalls of performance preparation, including repetition and drill, changing bad habits, and developing memory. For the performance itself, Gordon's insights help musicians with pacing and managing stage fright. For the aftermath, Gordon arms performers with strategies for dealing with criticism and conducting a constructive self-evaluation, equipping them to face the challenges of a lifetime of performances, including career plateaus and burnout. Gordon draws from more than forty years of experience in front of audiences to offer readers invaluable tips and personal reflections. While aimed primarily at musicians, the book will be useful to anyone facing the pressures of performance, such as actors, dancers, and even public speakers.
It is the best book I have read on the topic and is full of wisdom and insights ... The book is a very effective and informative work manual and would be an ideal text for students at tertiary institutions. * Andrew Lorenz, AUSTA National Journal Reviews *
This is profound writing at its very best. * Andrew Lorenz, AUSTA Stringendo *
It is a useful, in depth guide for musicians, beautifully presented in both hardback and paperback, that deserves space on the book shelves of all those involved in instrumental teaching and learning. * Tania Lisboa, B.J Music Ed., vol 2/13 2008 *
- Winner of *Choice* Outstanding Academic Book 2006.
ISBN: 9780195177435
Dimensions: 164mm x 237mm x 22mm
Weight: 476g
224 pages