The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music

by Victor L. Wooten

Overview

From Grammy-winning musical icon and legendary bassist Victor L. Wooten comes an inspiring parable of music, life, and the difference between playing all the right notes…and feeling them.

The Music Lesson is the story of a struggling young musician who wanted music to be his life, and who wanted his life to be great. Then, from nowhere it seemed, a teacher arrived. Part musical genius, part philosopher, part eccentric wise man, the teacher would guide the young musician on a spiritual journey, and teach him that the gifts we get from music mirror those from life, and every movement, phrase, and chord has its own meaning...All you have to do is find the song inside.

“The best book on music (and its connection to the mystic laws of life) that I've ever read. I learned so much on every level.”—Multiple Grammy Award–winning saxophonist Michael Brecker

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780425220931
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/01/2008
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	62,541
Product dimensions:	5.16(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.77(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Victor L. Wooten is an American bass player, composer, producer, and five-time Grammy Award winner, as well as an original member of the jazz and bluegrass band Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. He is also the author of the parable The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music.

Table of Contents

Grace Note     1
Prelude: The Beginning     5
Groove     13
Notes     35
Articulation/Duration     51
Technique     75
Emotion/Feel     97
Dynamics     117
Rhythm/Tempo     145
Tone     161
Phrasing     179
Space/Rest     195
Listening     235
The Dream?     247
Coda: Back to the Beginning     261

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"As music lessons go, this one is unique and can be enjoyed by both musicians and general listeners, especially those interested in the arts and creativity." —-AudioFile

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Music Lesson

“Victor Wooten has been doing things on the bass that nobody dreamed of, and we bass players can't help but hunger for some insight into what inspires him and how he does it. Here, as in his music, he surprises us and gives us more depth than we expected, more of himself than many would dare. This is his journey, his mystical quest, not merely to play the bass but to fully encounter and understand Music itself.”—Tony Levin, World Class Bassist with the Peter Gabriel Band

“A MUST-READ FOR ANY MUSIC ENTHUSIAST.”—Chuck Rainey, World Class Bassist and Recording Artist

“THE MUSIC LESSON IS A REVELATION.”—Chris Jisi, Senior Contributing Editor, Bass Player magazine

“BOTH ENTERTAINING AND ENLIGHTENING.”—Guitarnoise.com

From the Publisher

Grammy Award-winning bassist/composer Wooten (www.victorwooten.com), perhaps best known for his work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, shares an allegorical tale of his discovery of the power of music. Narrated by the author, the book centers on the first-person protagonist's series of humbling encounters with a mysterious teacher and spiritual adviser named Michael. Perhaps inspired by the similarly semiautobiographical, mystical tales of Carlos Castaneda, Wooten offers a lesson in personal growth with music as the central metaphor. The primary advantage of the audiobook to the printed edition is the inclusion of original music composed by Wooten, which functions as a backdrop to the spoken text. Recommended for Wooten's fans and those liking jazz and jam bands as well as for listeners interested in metaphysics and spiritual discovery.—Christopher Rager, Pasadena, CA

Library Journal

Author and bassist Victor L. Wooten's words take on a mesmerizing jazzy rhythm as he tells a parable about a mysterious teacher named Michael who instills in him a new love for music. Michael stimulates his pupil with offbeat imagery as he makes his points, which are augmented with music and sound effects to create a more theatrical experience. While listeners will learn about musical concepts and techniques, Wooten's story is primarily intended to be inspirational as he recalls the mystical events that boosted his motivation and ability at a time when he was experiencing a career ebb. As music lessons go, this one is unique and can be enjoyed by both musicians and general listeners, especially those interested in the arts and creativity. J.A.S. 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2010 - AudioFile