Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within

Rating:
Summary: It means well...
Review: Sorry, but I just couldn't take this seriously enough for it to be helpful. I can see the point it's trying to make about positive thinking, but I actually found the CD rather funny,especially when it says "Relax your kidneys" How on earth do you do that? Perhaps we Brits are just too cynical.

Rating:
Summary: Read this book for the wisdom at its climax.
Review: The title of Werner's book is misleading; the subtitle is much more to the point. Anyone attracted to this interesting work already knows from experience that mastery is anything but effortless, but oh how we yearn for the quick fix this very marketable title promises. I found the most valuable portion of this engaging book close to its end, in the four-step section and in its "Afterthought." Here is where great effort, consistent and correct practice habits, and infinite patience -- along with honest self-evaluation of one's technical ability -- are realistically discussed. Finally, Mr. Werner veers away from his "I Am Perfect (guaranteed to produce anxiety and tension), I Am A Master" mantras in favor of practical, down-to-earth directions. With a candor that seems to be at odds with the greater portion of the book, he discusses the years of serious mental and physical work that is involved in musical mastery. In this excellent section, he leads the musician, always with hope, toward acceptance of all that must be confronted -- which is not effortless -- if goals are to be fulfilled and satisfaction achieved.

Rating:
Summary: good reminder of what its all about
Review: This book is great as it has helped me realize why i play the trumpet and helps me drop any ego i have. I enjoy playing the trumpet and it is truly easier to sit down and just practice something now because of the books great view points and explanations. great book for any musician