Instruction Books

I never considered "Gently twist the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece reciever," to be instructions for trumpet assembly before. I have been away from playing for 10 years and thought this might be a good book to help me get reaquainted with the horn. I was wrong...this book is VERY VERY simplistic.

If you are an absolute beginner, who has never even handled a trumpet and does not know anyone who plays trumpet, then get this book. If there is ANYONE that you can ask questions, who reads music or plays trumpet, then you can skip this book. Get something a little more complicated and just ask questions. If you are going to be taking lessons DEFINITELY do not buy this package. You will learn more during the first half-hour of your first lesson.

I bought this method for my eleven year old son, who is learning trumpet as his third instrument. I like the selection of songs and the easy pace of the book. Also, the video isn't bad, but disappointing from the fact that the video and CD both primarily cover only the first few pages in the book.

Got this for someone who wants to learn how to play and he really liked it.

Received my copy and cannot say enought good things about this book. The CD is the key to the teaching method, as with out it, a student wouldn't know if they were playing the right sound.It's like having your own teacher next to you, and one can learn at their own pace. Highly recommend it.

Play Trumpet Today! - Level 1 (The Ultimate Self-Teaching Method)
The best - the DVD is excellant and so simple to understand. The CD is terrific and the book is wonderful but you do need to be able to read music for the book as my son only started the DVD was the best part as it did describe everything he needed to understand with first time trumpet.
He has played this to his friends that come over and rehearse with him and they also found it wonderful, they are only 10 and 11 years old and understand it easily.
Also Amazon products arrive in the best packaging and safely delivered by courier, the books and items will never be damaged due the terrific packaging and their impecible service and communication is just refreshing to come across. Thanks for such good service and products and undersstanding when being asked many questions with fast and speedy answers

This is the definitive review of the lovably subversive Rat Fink, the iconic mascot of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth.
This history of Rat Fink (along with some of his cohorts) evokes the heyday of Ed Roth and the Kustom Kulture he inspired.
Rat Fink personified the 'Anti-Disney' take on the world, popular among social outlaws (of the time) including hot rodders, bikers, and even skateboarders and surfers.
Never serious, but a sincere rebel, R. F. maintained his macabre sense of humor, which endeared him to his devotees, and confused the citizens not in on the joke.

A great book for Ed Roth fans. Very nicely done. I would also get Ed "Big Daddy" Roth: His Life, Times, Cars, and Art for even nicer pictures. Long live Big Daddy!

The various individuals involved with this great man truly did him well by this book. It has motivated me to get out my mack stripers and get some! I'm even pinstriping my toilet seats, anything I can get my hands on! Some great stories and from a truly personal perspective. Great pics to go w/stories too!

Book was in excellent condition. Speedy delivery. Thanks so much.

growing up in the 50's and 60's i can remember many of ed roths creations from custom autos to his wild artwork. this book is just packed with everything. its a joy to read and look at no matter what your age. its worth every penny and much more. dont think about it......buy it!

This is an excellent book that shows how students can become great readers when they are given the chance to have independent reading time and be in control of their reading choices. This is a must read for all teachers!

How does a kid learn to read...by reading. Get your students into the Reading Zone. I was sucked into the guided reading, small groups, centers, rotations, strategies method of teaching too. However, my students just were not progressing or developing that "love of reading" that I wanted for them. Within a month of reading this book and changing my approach, almost all my students have jumped into the ZONE. This book will change how you teach. It's the next step in your evolution as a reading teacher. Happy reading!

I wish every LA/English/Reading teacher would read this book. Atwell, in her experience and wisdom continues to advocate independent reading and a reading workshop approach as the single most important element of any English classroom. Her language is more blunt and direct than in any of her previous books. Her argument here is that, like most things, if you want to learn to read, you read. All other "related" strategy, vocabulary, grammar, worksheet, book report type activities are a waste of time. Notice the title, though, if that sounds wrong to you. She clearly explains how having students read in a workshop along with teacher conversation, whole group sharing, and a written response in the form of a "letter-essay" are all that is required to create "skilled, passionate, habitual, critical readers." Also includes an excellent chapter on what reading/writing instruction should look like in high school. The book is written with clear, direct, concise language. It is a quick and important read. I agree with her position and her approach. Buy this book!

Another great work by Nancie Atwell. So inspiring and logical. Filled with practical suggestions. I wish my teachers had read this when I was in school. Will challenge all teachers of reading and literature.

Although Ms. Atwell teaches middle school students, this book applies to grades K-12. She devotes a chapter to high school teachers. The Reading Zone occurs when a reader becomes completely immersed in and engaged with a text. Atwell is convinced that this can happen only when students are given time to read and choice of books. She provides compelling evidence that "the only delivery system for reading comprehension is reading" from published research as well as her many years' experience in the classroom. There is healthy controversy for discussion to be found here, as Atwell argues that the place for reading strategy instruction is in the content area classrooms. With the plethora of reading strategy books out there, this is A MUST READ!

Robert Irwin has lived his life as both a solitary creator and unrelenting seeker to the same consummate degree that only Dante Alighieri, Agnes Martin, Meister Eckhart, Lao Tsu, and a handful of others have sought. If you haven't heard of him, you should read this anyway. Remember, it even took Bach two centuries to get his proper due. Regardless, this book changed a lot for me. I am forever grateful.

Weschler's prose is Irwin's lighting. His book good as this biography junkie has ever read, and he does it in only 203 pages. As I write this, you can buy this book used for the price of a Domino's pizza - that's all i'm saying.

If you're an artist, you need this book. Even if you don't like Irwin's work (or never heard of him.) Remarkably, this biography of the most minimal of minimal artists contains no abstruse language, no mysteriously self-important pronouncements, nor even a single reference to any French esthetic theorist. Not only is this written in clean, straightforward prose; you can hardly put it down. It also raises critical, fascinating questions about the nature of art, and of the way we see. I've recommended this book to several people. It's never what they expect. They've always thanked me.

*

I am fascinated by the creative process. I am fascinated by physical manifestations born from the spark of an idea. I am fascinated by the complex psychology, rigorous philosophy and simple backbone evinced by those devotees of method. And I am blown-away by Robert Irwin.

My first contact with Robert Irwin's work came in graduate school when a few friends and I drove from Philadelphia to Manhattan to visit the Dia Center for the Arts. There on an upper floor I encountered a truly shocking, yet subduing, experience. Irwin had taken over the entire level and divided into rooms demarcated with translucent scrim. I walked slowly, from space to space, enclosed but not, silent in presence yet bursting with internal applause, and in awe. I marveled at the solidity of light that slid through the Dia's industrial steel windows, tracing its way across two layers of the thin white fabric and gently landing on the concrete floor. My eyes were tickled by the subtlety of color emanating from the vertical fluorescent lights wrapped in gels. There must have been thirty others there at the same time, meandering like ghosts whitened by one, two, three layers of scrim, yet the space was absolutely quiet. This was the first time that I truly understood the word ?perception.? It came in a space filled with exacted simplicity.

Since then I have tried to follow Irwin's work, both past and present, only to find that it is rarely photographed, as the medium cannot do the work justice. However, Lawrence Weschler's biography on the artist is a tremendous piece of writing that will give you much more appreciation for Irwin than any catalog ever could. Weschler spent years interviewing the artist, tracking down collaborators and researching the works. He exhibits an amazing understanding of Irwin's intentions and adds much needed commentary to keep the story straight while tracing the complex and highly personal evolution of the man and his art. From descriptions of Irwin's self-imposed eight month exile in Ibiza, to his two year long rigorous exercise (and again, exile) to create what amounted to twenty lines, Weschler gives us an in depth look at the zen-like disposition of the artist in his search for the perceptual (and hence, not conceptual). Irwin's diligence and rigor will stupefy even those most devoted to their process, and discussion of his material experimentation will act to spur imaginations. Robert Irwin supplies the majority of storytelling, however, and lets the reader in on often humorous tales of the art world from the point of view of a very personable and highly influential artist.

In short, I highly recommend that anyone devoted to design, be it fine art or architecture, read this book. I also recommend that you travel to San Diego to see the first major exhibition of Irwin?s work since 1993, "Robert Irwin: Primaries and Secondaries" at the MCASD through February 23rd.

Note: The installation at the Dia Center was reviewed thoroughly, with an included history of the artist?s work, in an article entitled "Robert Irwin?s Doors of Perception" by Carol Diehl in Art in America magazine, December, 1999, findarticles.com

This is simply the best book about art I have ever read. Like other reviewers, I can say that this book permanently altered the way I see the world (and art). Irwin did it and he still does it.

I picked up this book in 1984 because it was on a reading list for an Art History class I was taking at Oberlin College. I stayed up all night in the library that night. I couldn't put it down. My mind has never been the same.

I still often think of it,tell stories from it and give it as a gift. I always say "skip the first chapter-it gets much better." If I remember right, the book begins with a description of Irwin's perfectionism when cleaning the engine of his car. I figure that will bore my friends.

I tell my students about Irwin's many years attempt to make the perfect line, to his wife's chagrin and his painting the back side of his paintings because it matters to him. They like the story of the riots that occured in South America due to the disorientation of his discs-concave and convex-the viewers couldn't tell where the wall started and the disc stopped. I have given the book as a graduation present.

I thought about this book at the mechanic the other day. My engine is very, very dirty.

I will never forget,forgetting. Great book.

I first learned about Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves from my girlfriend...literally! We were at a dinner party and someone mentioned some obscure acronym for male genitalia and the next thing I knew, my sweetie launched into a litany of one liners about "spare legs, squirmin' Hermans, big Macs, baloney ponys, trouser trouts, skin flutes..." and so on. We were hysterical if not a bit 'shocked' (especially after she treated us to an equally impressive list of nicknames for female genitals).

The list of names along with the interesting history of genital nicknaming certainly makes for great conversation fodder -- but Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves takes the reader far beyond this superficial falderal by delving into such topics as the connection between modern-day religion and ancient genital worship; the history of circumcision (more disturbing than one might imagine); odd (really odd!) things folks do to their own 'flutes' and 'gloves'; just to name a few. Dr. Hamilton also provides clear and fascinating info about genitals in general (nice chapters on male/female anatomy - the section on "the black rose" was mind boggling!)

Engaging yet easy read, memorable/unusual factoids, highly entertaining... highly recommended!!!

In spite of its price (new hardcover), this book was well worth it. I'm currently reading it for the second time. I own many books on genitalia, and this is by far the best. I liked the mix of facts and fun. It's an historical treasure for anyone wanting to research the topic. The "Dicktionary" and the bibliography are particularly useful. Dr. Hamilton is to be commended for this very useful (and entertaining) book!

This book is hilarious! Dr. Hamilton is as humorous as she is serious and factual in presenting the sometimes awkward subject of sex and genitals. This is not material covered in Med. School for sure. I learned more from this book than I've ever learned from any medical text, "street knowledge" or "sex ed." Dr. Hamilton has written a fun, humorous, fact-filled book about almost anything and everything one has ever wondered about the organs between our legs. Because of her use of the coloquial and straight-forward, no nonsense talk approach of the subject matter...I wouldn't recommend this as a "sex ed." book for teens as much as I would recommend that every parent own a copy of this book to be better educated on the subject matter. This book is written with wit, humor and facts in a very comfortable format...While the title may be vulgar to some...the book is anything but. I enjoyed this read with a smile and occassional belly laugh, mainly because Dr. Hamilton presented answers or facts to questions I thought were too warped to ever contemplate finding an answer to. I highly recommend this book for anyone remotely curious about their private parts (or other's for that matter!).

my background is not dissimilar to that of dr. hamilton's, and, as such, i am often asked to recommend reading material (by students and clients alike) related to the subject of human sexuality. rarely have i come across something so well-compiled as Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves. my goodness, the research is nothing short of phenomenal -- allowing the author to fill her pages with rich, full and, i might add, entertaining content.

a number of my students have not only found this book enlightening, but impetus for further study (as least in regard to the broader subject of human sexuality and it's role in psychology/society) especially important is the fact that this particular volume covers both genders--something no other offering in this field can boast.

i readily give "Skin Flutes & Velvet Glove" a 5+ star rating because it supplies a substantial and impressive amount of information in a well-written and amusing fashion. i hope dr. hamilton will continue to impart her unique, intelligent 'voice' upon those of us who find her works so delightful. how nice to read something that is just...so nicely written, so full of wonderful information, and so capable of giving us more than a few laughs along the way!! BRAVO!

After reading reviews from readers on this site I was excited about enlighting my knowledge on the male and female "goods", but found myself bored within the first couple of chapters. The so called doc - constantly kills the interest with one liners that leave you yearning for nothing. She desperately tries to appear witty and experienced only to come off as a preformance anxiety filled writer(2-3 stars at best). The physical layout of the book is a desk top publishing nightmare - with the margins so far in on all sides to give minimal words per page, yet streching the length of the book (perhaps an attempt of overconpensation, hehe). This book had huge potential and its a shame a better writer didn't grasp the idea between his/her hands before Hamilton. I'm guessing if you are easily entertained and you've got 20+ bucks to spare, then this would be a good book. Other wise, spend the money on your significant other and learn about the curiosities first hand!

A couple years ago I just happened to be browsing the music section of my local Borders, looking for some inspiration, and stumbled upon this book. It is truly great, and has had large effect on my outlook (and skills.) I read through it regularly, write in all the margins, and should really be putting more effort into mastering these ideas. Buy a copy if you can, even at the current used price of $45. It's worth it, if you can only see the knowledge it contains and truly adopt this performance outlook for yourself.

If you want to "entertain" an audience, Liv can tell you how to do it. This book is concise, entertaining, and a MUST read. The author provides some real-world reality checks, shows you how to engage the audience, and does it all with humility and good humour. It is truly unfortunate that the book is out of print. It shouldn't be.

Buy it, if you can find it. Borrow a copy, check the library, but definately READ this one! It is short, to the point, and it is even a FUN read! I would sell my copy to you, but I want keep it so that I can read it again!

RHB

I have seen Liv live on a number of occasions. He is an amazing performer - not as technically proficient as, say, Vince Gill, but he never claims to me. One walks away from his concert feeling as though their emotions have undergone Ty-Bo.

He mixes grace, humor, and modesty in a way that few have managed to master. For the new (or experienced) performmer, this book is a great way to begin that Mastery process.

Highly recommended, to say the least.

Excellent, engaging, compassionate, humorous, with lots of useful information on myriad facets of the music business. This material is the fruit of 30 years of experience, and is laced with gritty, funny anecdotes that bring each of Taylor's "lessons" to life. I'm buying another two copies for friends.

Liv Taylor's book is an excellent resource for all musicians and performers who engage in live performance or touring. As a writer, Taylor brings the reader into his Berklee College of Music Stage Performance Class, where assorted characters (based on real students) receive coaching and wisdom Liv has garnered from his 30+ years of performing and touring experience.

Taylor's primary message is one of cultivating a sensitive and attentive relationship between the performer and his or her audience. He also presents useful thoughts on stage presence, performance anxiety, audience interaction, life on the road, and the requirements for maintaining a viable performing career.

Though Taylor's book is primarily targeted at young, aspiring popular musicians at the beginning of their careers, more experienced artists, musicians from other disciplines, and even actors and public speakers can benefit as well.

-Doc Wallace, Faculty, the Juilliard School

Good book for my needs. I'm a rookie conductor-director of orchestral ensembles and use materials like this regularly. Thanks and good luck with whatever new undertakings may leave you feeling as vulnerable and under-prepared as I!

Rob Rife

I have been so fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Boonshaft in performance. He recently conducted the community band that I have been involved with. My parents, who were audience members, and I were so impressed with Dr. Boonshaft, that my mother hopped on the computer and ordered this book as soon as we got home from the performance. I have since been reading it, a little at a time, finding it so full of amazing information, awesome advise, and well thought out structure that I have been savoring it and trying to absorb as much of it as possible. Currently, I have finished the first chapter and I am compelled to write the review!

For a girl who loves quotes, there are many, many quotes from astute thinkers from every realm in this book that are so ridiculously relevant to the subject Dr. Boonshaft is delving into. I highly recommend this book to ALL TEACHERS not just music teachers. Even though this book is titled "Teaching MUSIC with Passion" there are many concepts that are relevant for ALL teachers.

I wish I had been taught all of these little tricks of the trade before I was tossed in and baptized by fire. My first years of teaching would have been DRASTICALLY different. I also find this book to be quite a good pick-me-up as well as cheerleader as I flirt with burnout on the occasion. Highly recommended!

Dr. Boonshaft was a lecturer at The Complete Band Directors Workshop this year at Capital University. His presentation gave me many ideas for this school year to use with my middle school bands. I am about 3/4 of the way through his book and know I'll reread it because it has so many useful ideas for rehearsals. This is one to keep on your director's bookshelf.

I am a former student of Dr. Boonshaft, and was introduced to this book when it was assigned as my class text for the semester. The book was very consistent with my Secondary Band Methods class, and reading it allows outsiders to share in Dr. B's funny anecdotes and useful tips. It's almost like taking a class with him. It was interesting enough to read beyond the assigned sections each night. He touches on lots of useful rehearsal techniques and also gives advice on how to deal with different situations. Well known for his conducting, he breaks down different methods in Laymen's terms.

I highly recommend this book, for it an extremely useful read to keep on a nearby shelf for reference. Years later I still refer back to it on a regular basis. It speaks to the the director, the instrumentalist, the conductor and most importantly, the teacher.

If you're like me, it will definitely leave you inspired.

i am a pen & ink artist and although my talent - for the most part - has come naturally to me all my life, i love to learn techniques from artists whose work i truly admire. gary simmons is one of the BEST pen & ink artists in the world...his artwork is detailed and precise which is my favorite way to work. i also use koh-i-noor rapidograph pens exclusively, which are the main drawing instruments in this book. if you want to be proficient at this medium, this is the book to get you started. Also, for pen & ink artists and especially for those wishing to learn this form of art, I suggest another great artist, Claudia Nice, who has many books on pen & ink drawing for everyone and on almost every subject. BUY THIS BOOK & check out some books by Claudia Nice :))

This book does not yet have a rival. That is, if you are working with lines that are unvariable.

Excellent to see a good variety of different techniques. Great step-by-step tutorial. I found new ways to render lots of different textures. A must-have!

Of the 15 or so art instruction books I've bought over the last few months, this is one of my favorites. This is ironic, since I originally was turned off somewhat by the subject matter and/or style of many of the works inside (nothing wrong with it, just not my particular cup-o-tea).

However, on deeper consideration I realized that Simmons offers really great instruction on the use of technical pen, so who cares whether one likes the artwork itself. Take for example the "monk" drawing that is depicted on the cover. I don't care for the drawing at all, no matter how it's rendered. However, this drawing is used to demonstrate a couple dozen rendering options, and these renderings are a great teaching tool.

Simmons spends plenty of time on the technical details of using a technical pen for both tight and loose rendering, and that's what makes this book great.

The book is just plain awesome. Besides taking the time to explain how to care for the technical pen, how to do the different strokes, and what type of beginner mistakes to be aware of, the artwork is the best pen work I've ever seen. If you work with pen and ink, or even if you don't, you will love this book!

This is one of the most awesome soundtrack sheet music books I've ever seen! All of the pieces sound like they do in the movie, and the grand staff notes are close enough to the original melody to sing along to. The key is hard to get used to, but once you do, it's amazing!!

This book is a challenge even for the most experienced pianist. His music is fun and intricate and complex. I recommend this book for anyone who is not only a fan of the movie but a fan of excellent music who is looking for music that takes their knowledge of music theory to the max.

I love all things tim burton, especially the soundtracks to his movies. danny elfman is possibly the most talented composer in hollywood and it baffles me that not all his music is sold as a piano vocal series, since it is so very suitable for just that. consequently I was thrilled to find this little book, and I was not disappointed. it is simple enough for a novice to play along based on the chords, and yet sophisticated enough for the more experienced pianist to get a lot out of the instrument. as has been noted elsewhere, the guitar chords are indeed systematically drawn every tim they occur, which to me is a fantastic idea. every tim burton/danny elfman fan who likes singing and playing the piano should own a copy of this!

the second I got my hands on it, I went directly to my piano and did not get up for the next four hours. that's how great it is to be your very own nightmare before christmas soundtrack!

I'm not musically gifted like the rest of my family; I only took 4 years of violin to get out of gym, but wouldn't know what to do with one if I picked it up today. But I do know that this music/lyric book has every song from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" movie. anyone that's watched it KNOWS that every song is hauntingly, melodiously beautiful, just like any other Tim Burton production. Even if you can't carry a tune or don't know the words, you have to try to sing along. But with this musicbook you can! -at least know the words -you know best if you can actually sing... I would highly recommend this product! Kudos to the Hal Leonard Corp for making it available! :)

There's lot of stuff in this tiny cheap book. It's obviously not aimed at orchestrators but more at the movie fans who expect some nice evenings, singing these excellent tunes.
I give this book a 5 because of the guitar chords which are systematically drawn each time they occur. It wasn't expected, especially as we're dealing with a piano vocal song book, so: 2 thumbs up=5 stars !

I have really enjoyed this book and video. Kalani explains various methods in the book, but it's very helpful to watch him execute them on the DVD. I even like the section of the DVD where he plays various instruments to demonstrate them. Being a very amateur percussionist, I had never thought of some of the techniques he demonstrates.

This book is the best guide on learning drum circle facilitation techniques. Kalani is a master recreational music facilitator, and provides straight forward information on how you too can learn to facilitate a drum circle.

Together in Rhythm is an incredible resource that I use on a regular basis. Kalani's ideas and explanations are truly inspiring. The DVD brings everything to life, and offers excellent footage. This book is a must have!

If you are in music, education and rhythm. And how to share with others. You need to read this book.

The book outlines specifics well, but I think it is important to see from beginning to end, how a drum circle excercise/rhythm is followed through. The video just shows excerpts. Also, no syncopated rhythms were broken down visually or in the book. You have order the next installment to get the drum circle rhythms! The instructor's method is great, but I was left feeling that some crucial beginner elements were missing from this video.