Eros at the Piano

In this bold and insightful book, William Westney grapples with elusive questions about music as a 'life force' and comes up with compelling answers. He finds guides (almost soulmates) in a panoply of philosophers, poets, and performers--from Plato to Jung, Martin Buber to Yo-Yo Ma. Westney draws upon decades of experience as an exemplary pianist and empowering teacher to offer fresh approaches to practicing, technique, and trusting one's musical, emotional, and sensual instincts.--Anthony Tommasini, former chief classical music critic, The New York Times Original, bold, and enlightening! As a musician, and music teacher, I loved this book.--Jon Kimura Parker, concert artist; professor of piano, Rice University William Westney's luminous book courageously opens a mysterious realm rarely mentioned in conventional studies of piano pedagogy. With humor and wisdom, he leads the reader to explore how the life-energy of Eros can be transformative, inspiring creative practice, insightful teaching, and rewarding performance.--Janet Hammock, Professor Emeritus of Music, Mount Allison University A must-read for all musicians! This brilliantly researched book reminds us that the essence of magical performance is body/soul participation, spirituality, and surrendering to something greater than ourselves. Even more importantly, William Westney gets to the core of the most effective practice skills--a process free of ego and filled with joy.--Antoinette Van Zabner, professor of piano (emerita), University of Music and the Performing Arts, Vienna, Austria William Westney's astonishingly readable, practical, and inspiringly useful book reminds us all that piano playing is about love and creativity. His friendly yet scholarly style is useful for musicians of all instruments and persuasions--not just keyboardists. It will remain at my piano bench for referencing and re-nourishment. There is nothing quite like it. I want to share it with everyone!--Murray McLachlan, pianist, writer, educator I have been thirsting for this life-affirming perspective on classical music. An alternative to the hyper-intellectualism of so much modern aesthetic theory, Westney's message is as transparent, clear, and refreshing as water itself.--William Bauer, College of Staten Island/CUNY I love this book! I love that it crackles with inspiration and also offers practical, down to earth advice. I'm grateful that William Westney has found words to describe how music goes beyond words. He illuminates music's power and magic and helps us to invite those qualities into our playing, singing, and teaching.--John Steinmetz, professor, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music The concept of Eros, as broadly conceived by Westney, becomes more and more compelling as a template for understanding the human significance not only of classical music but of all the arts. That concept is beautifully exemplified by the writing itself, which in its engagement and lucidity holds the reader in its warm embrace.--Charles Fisk, Phyllis H. Carey Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College Westney shares an abundance of inspired ideas from philosophers, scientists, former teachers, and other musicians in this wonderful new book. Musicians will gain insight into their performances from the numerous philosophical and pedagogical ideas that are presented in this creative and fascinating work. This is a book that explores the love, energy, and transformation that all performers constantly strive to achieve.--Dennis Alexander, pianist, teacher, composer Mining the rich mythology of Eros, William Westney guides us back to the life-giving act of making music, and he does it the way he always has--with imagination, humor, and love. In exploring what it means to be a human performer, he helps us strengthen and cherish the ways in which we connect.--Buddy Bray, The Cliburn