Book Recommendations

She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, And Potential Of Heredity (Carl Zimmer, 2018)
An amazing, well researched and organized book that addresses the misconceptions of heredity. While lengthy and dense, it is written beautifully and pairs well with The Talent Code (see below) by Daniel Coyle. Between these two books, the idea of “natural musical talent” is pretty much debunked. A great read for any teacher, student, or parent.
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The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. (Daniel Coyle, 2009)
Using musicians, athletes, the military, and just about every other example of found talent you can think of, Coyle really puts into perspective what talent actually is. As a quick but intense read. Please note: this is not a self-help book. It is well-researched that dives into psychology, biology, neurology, and sociology.
Website | Amazon

The Practice of Practice (Jonathan Harnum, 2014)
While The Talent Code gets behind the neural science of growing talent, The Practice of Practice pretty much walks you through putting together an actual tailored plan. This book doesn’t debate the source of talent but how to more effectively practice. A good read for anyone, but any musician will find it helpful. You don’t have to be a teacher to find 100% of the book relevant.
Website | Amazon

The Complexity of Greatness (Scott Barry Kaufman, 2013)
This is probably the most “academic” book I have in my book recommendations. Pricey at $91 a pop, I found it at a used store for much less. With that said, this is the where the research behind talent is sourced and you get a lot of information close to source without searching through journals.
Website | Amazon

Zen Guitar (Philip Toshio Sudo, 1998)
An easy but comforting book about practicing and becoming a better musician. I find that this book gets passed around a lot and many musicians will find common ground to talk over.
Amazon

Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within (Kenny Werner, 1998)
A book that became such a classic that Kenny Werner has traveled the world giving clinics on the subject. For “any musician who finds themselves having reached a plateau in their development,” Effortless Mastery reminds us that to achieve greatness, we must not always struggle. Often I talk about how musicians sound the way they practice and this book helps us practice being great.
Website | Amazon

The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music (Victor Wooten, 2008)
When I explain examples from this book people tend to give me the side-eye. It’s definitely… out there. However, I find myself remembering so many words of advice from it that I sometimes can’t believe it. The audiobook is very enjoyable and ready by bass virtuoso Wooten himself. I highly recommend this easy and fun read.
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The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload (Daniel J. Levitin, 2015)
This book isn’t necessarily for musicians, per se. But it uses musicians for a lot of research and examples. Pairing well with The Talent Code and The Practice of Practice, Levitin, who has written many books about music, helps us understand the possibilities and limitations of the mind. One of my favorite books. Some people may think this is a self-help book, but it is not at all. Very well researched and organized.
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Musicophelia (Oliver Sacks, 2007)
One of the most important books about music. Ever. I’m not even going to give you my description. Just read it at the website.
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How Music Works (David Byrne, 2012)
Talking Heads frontman David Byrne has had an amazing career both in the music and art world. In his book, he takes you on an interesting and enlightening journey through the eyes of a music, musicologist, fan, and expert. A fun read whether you’re a Talking Heads fan or not.
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This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession (Daniel J. Levitin, 2007)
The same author as The Organized Mind, Levitin is a great writer to keep an eye on because he is so thorough. A subject such as this can make some eyes roll at just thought of cracking a book with this title. But Levitin never disappoints. It’s scientifically backed, academically tested, and insightful without seeming bland or arrogant. He leaves room for the subjective and challenges those who dismiss music as a luxury rather than a necessity.
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The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body (Steven Mithen, 2007)
This is the first book I read that really lit a fire for understanding how music is music. While it may be outdated now, research only further supports the ideas in this book. Music, as one of the oldest forms of communication known to humankind, if not the oldest art form at all, is presented as a fundamental part of humanity and an important part of our evolution.
Website | Amazon