There are many ways a musician can hone their skills and be inspired, and reading books can stimulate a creative mind and lead to creative breakthroughs.
here are some amazing books (in no particular order) that a musician should read in their lifetime.
You are reading: Best books for musicians
book #1: bringing out the best in people: how to enjoy helping others excel by alan loy mcginnis
This is the perfect book to start with. the idea is to adopt 12 principles within its collaborations. The author has studied many famous personalities and has come up with amazing ways to bring out the best in his readers. Although it’s general reading in the motivational genre, musicians can apply what they learn to their creative teams.
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book #2: zen in the art of archery by eugen herrigel, d.t. suzuki
Essentially based on Japanese Zen philosophy, this book has been translated by R.F.C. peel. Zen philosophy is quite old and the book was published in 1953. The fact that it is still considered relevant today says a lot about its content.
Now you may be wondering what archery has to do with music. the author considers archery an art, a heritage and a meticulously followed tradition and not just a sport. it is much more spiritual than physical. this book can open up new levels of thinking in terms of spirituality for the reader.
With the suggestions of this literary work, musicians can explore their own inner desires and talents.
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book #3: bob dylan chronicles
chronicles, written by famous musician bob dylan, is a journey through his losses and discoveries. The book records his early days as a budding musician in glittering New York City through his successful years topping the charts.
His story may not be that inspiring to you at the time, but it can be a huge eye-opener for those hoping to be welcomed with open arms by a glittering industry. There’s a lot of gray behind all those glitters, so you have to be ready to embrace them and swim through the strong currents to achieve success. is a must read for a musician.
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book #4: kill your friends by john niven
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This is an excellent book for budding artists planning to launch into the big bad music industry. it tells you how some people deal with the competition and competitors. Although it is funny and satirical, at times it makes us all think about the kind of competition that exists to get to the top. fact or fiction, killing your friends is an eye-opener on what the competition is like, or how it can be managed.
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book #5: the music lesson: a spiritual quest for growth through music by victor l wooten
Getting back to taking music seriously, the music lesson is definitely something every musician should read. opens new ways of thinking and delves into the spiritual side of musical creation.
what makes it an interesting read is the way it has been presented: like a novel! It’s definitely a great way to make reading interesting for a music enthusiast and music for an avid reader. the book is a winner both ways. If you fall into one of these categories and haven’t read it yet, grab a copy now.
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book #6: the art of practicing: a guide to making music from the heart by madeline bruser, deline bruser
art comes from the heart. true artists are those who feel what they create and create what they feel.
the art of practicing: a guide to making music from the heart helps you discover how to do it. talk about how you can hone your skills to be more creative from the heart. talks about how to cultivate better listening and interpretation skills to communicate exactly what you intend.
if you don’t like to break the charts and want to create more soulful music, this is the book for you.
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book #7: beyond talent: creating a successful career in music by angela myles beeching
This book is a guide to guide yourself towards a successful career in music. talent is something you can nurture through constant practice. success is a whole different game and requires much more than just talent and practice.
This book by Angela Myles takes you through the different aspects of how you can make a successful career in music without losing the heart and soul of your creativity. an interactive presentation makes this book more interesting and easy to understand. Musicians can use this book as a step-by-step guide to success in establishing a music career.
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Book #8: Hack the Music Business: Build Your Own Career by Dave Kusek
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This is the perfect read for the new generation of musicians. talks about the latest music industry and how you can handle it like a pro. It’s a great read if you’re in the process of renewing your music career, or if you’re just starting out and want to get it right the first time.
The book is about treating your career like a startup and handling it professionally. it’s the practical side of managing a career professionally.
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book #9: audio effects, mixing and mastering by metin bektas
This book is about the technical aspects of audio mixing and mastering. those new to the technical aspects of music recording will find it quite informative and easy to understand. dig deeper to learn the basics of mixing and recording sound in a studio.
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book #10: last train to memphis: the rise of elvis presley by peter guralnick
This book is about elvis presley, the king of rock and roll. peter guralnick, a staunch fan of elvis, has portrayed the life of his idol from its beginnings to his successful musical career.
In The Rise of Elvis Presley, you’ll learn about Elvis’s popular albums and about people close to the legendary singer during this course of his life and career.
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conclusion
There are many other amazing books on the subject of music and the music industry in general.
There is much more for you to explore, but the 10 books above will teach you about creativity, how to manage a team, the competitive aspect of the industry, and how to establish yourself in modern times.
What books have you read about the music industry? Is there one that really inspired you?
let us know in the comments below.
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