Recommended Reading (and more)
Selections for students, musicians, and music lovers
Music Fundamentals/Reference-
'The Guitar Grimoire Chord Encyclopedia' by Adam Kadmon, is the most complete and comprehensive chord theory resource out there.
'The Real Book- Sixth Edition'
a collection of jazz standards for all skill levels.
'The Nashville Number System,' by Chas Williams, explains the concept and practical use of "the number system" as an efficient means of notation and communication in professional musical situations.
This book intended for self direction, presents complex concepts at beginner to advanced levels. With a heavier emphasis on diagrams and visuals, the author presents well thought out mathematic and geometric representations of music theory.
Pedal Steel Guitar-
'Pedal Steel Guitar,' by Winnie Winston, is the quintessential book for a beginning steel player. It allows the reader to begin reading PSG tab, learn country/folk standards, and gain familiarity with the primary movements involved in playing this instrument.
'Pedal Steel Guitar: A Manual of Style', compiled and edited by Winnie Winston, explores different playing styles and approaches of four highly regarded steel guitarists: Terry Bethel, Jimmie Crawford, John Hughey, and Weldon Myrick.
'Buddy Emmons: Steel Guitar Icon'
is a fascinating musical and personal portrait of one of the most influential and fervently driven musicians to grace the instrument.
Performance
'The Talent Code' by Daniel Coyle, approaches the cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes of learning, and how the understanding of these processes can help us efficiently develop gifts and optimize performance.
'Thinking, Fast and Slow,' by Daniel Kahneman, explains the two systems that drive the way we think. Understanding our cognitive biases can help us learn how to slow down and shape our judgements and desicions to better benefit our personal and professional lives.
A wonderful book that provides information that could help the reader create an efficient and logical practice regimen, and to assist in working towards mastery of any activity.
'Talent is Overrated,' by Geoff Colvin, presents the factors that affect an individual's performance and learning abilities, and how to apply new concepts for gain and progress in any chosen field of study. The book provides many examples of this working in action over a vast range of professional fields.
Physical Health & Playing Injuries-
"The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention, and Better Health' explains common injuries and overuse problems that working bassists (and guitarists) face, using easy to understand language and images.
Dr. Randall Kertz explains a large array of injuries using 3 simple points of focus: Ailment/symptoms, what it is, and treatment strategies.
Music - Science Domains
'Musicophilia- Tales of Music and the Brain,' by Oliver Sacks, is a fascinating exploration of the inner workings of the brain, detailing vast experiences of human understanding and experience of music. Neuroscience and medical perspectives.
A dense and fascinating read, Helmholtz's "On the Sensations of Tone" is a foundational study of modern acoustics. The mathematic, scientific, and acoustic concepts explored in this work, published in 1862, remain relevant to the study of acoustics and music cognition today.
"Musical Illusions and Phantom Words" by Diana Deutsch
Check out her website here:
https://deutsch.ucsd.edu/psychology/pages.php?i=101
"The Science- Music Borderlands"
A comprehensive, modern account of overlaps in music in science, published ~2024.
"Sweet Anticipation" by David Huron is a must-read for those interested in music cognition and mechanisms underlying musical enjoyment.
This is written through more of a history/humanities lens than a scientific one. This book will be of interest to those interested in the history of musical behaviors in humans.
Philosophy, Phenomenology, Musicianship
'The Mysticism of Sound and Music' is a collection of lectures and addresses given by Sufi teacher, Hazarat Inayat Khan. This is an interesting book that might appeal to someone looking to link music, sound, language, and the power of words to some sort of spiritual practice / exploration.
'Zen Guitar,' by Philip Toshio Sudo, links philosophy and musicianship, in a short but heavy read. Fantastic book to read and return to.
'Effortless Mastery,' by Kenny Werner, takes a mindful, whole approach to playing and practicing; the objective being to guide the reader in finding ways to practice, improvise, and perform effortlessly.
Sound and Symbol
by Victor Zuckerkandl.
"The present study attempts to reinstate music as an instrument of philosophical inquiry. It seeks not so much a philosophy of music, as a philosophy through music...." Interesting perspectives of musical behavior and thought for the open minded/ curious music listener and theorist.
Man the Musician
by Victor Zuckerkandl
"Sound and Symbol, Vol II," Taking concepts described in his prior mentioned publication, viewing 'musical experience' as a trait common to all human beings. Interesting perspectives of musical behavior and thought for the open minded/ curious music listener.
There are many important insights here that would be helpful for anyone. Frankl nods to "musical thinking,"
(a characterization taken from Viktor Zuckerkandl- to the left), and in his logotherapy chapter, he articulates thoughtful insights into breaking counterintuitive, fear-based loops
(ie: performance anxiety).
The Power of Sound
by Edmund Gurney
Public domain text. Published in 1880, manuscript from the Cornell University Library. The language is archaic, the font is small and blurry at times (depending on the edition). Still, it's great. A fascinating resource exploring ideas and theories of musical experience in the late 1800s.
Songwriting / Creative Process-
Mary Gauthier's "Saved By A Song" is a deep and honest contribution to the art of songwriting; Incredibly relatable and undeniably human... a sure read to ignite inspiration and connection.
"Chord Progressions for Songwriters" by Richard J. Scott is a great option for those interested in exploring chord theory in relation to structuring chord progressions, understanding chord relationships, and analyzing progressions in contemporary western music. The book also progresses from simple to more complex concepts and could be treated as a workbook moving through important concepts or a reference book.
Situational and Relational Awareness-
"The Gift of Fear," by Gavin de Becker, breaks down numerous systems involved in identifying and recognizing subtle signs of danger and violence.
I'd recommend this book to anyone- especially those who identify as part of a marginalized group who are working in the music industry, and/or have history of relational / societal trauma.
"How to Win Friends and Influence People"
by Dale Carnegie– observations that can help one navigate an unpredictable and unregulated industry, and hopefully provide insight about one's own behavior and personality traits.
Some students benefit from developing awareness around the trait of people-pleasing, and to strive for authenticity in their work.
This book may also be applicable to working with or managing challenging personality types as a side musician, participating in sensitive teamwork situations, being involved with complex/problematic gigs, etc.