Music Books

I own several screenwriting books and consider this one to be in the top 3 (McKee and Vogler being the other 2). The reason is because this is one of the few screenwriting books with information coming straight from successful screenwriters. This is key, because through their insights you can better understand how they work, think, and live. And this ultimately affects your writing positively because a lot of the uncertainties during the writing process are discussed. It won't teach you about structure etc, but it contains information that to me was equally vital: how to think as a successful screenwriter.

In real estate they discuss the three "L's" Location, location, location. This is the three "W's" Write, Write and Write more. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to write a screen play.

I always find it frustrating when I go to Amazon and look at the reviews that are posted and find that they are at least 2 to 3 years old. So I decided to at least make a more up-to-date review.

First and foremost, this book is NOT a `How to Write a great Script' book. This book is about screenwriters and their knowledgeable insight on the practice we all know as Screenwriting. These established screenwriters ( Akiva Goldman: A Beautiful Mind, A Time to Kill, and the up coming The Da Vinci Code Steven E. de Souza: Die Hard, 48 Hours.) reference their past experience on what works, what does not work, and what habits you need to establish to have a successful career in the shark infested waters of Hollywood. Not sure how many hours you need to write day in day out? Thinking that you are the only one with a spouse and kids, fearing that you will not have enough time to write? Arrived at Hollywood lost with no plan of action on how to get your script read? Worried that you born yesterday and began sending inquiry letters to agents and producers? Fear of rejection (it is inevitable) from everyone? All these topics are discussed and more in this book.

This book is required reading for all serious screenwriters. I also suggest Breakfast with sharks by Michael Lent, The Art of Dramatic writing by Lajos Egri, Story by Robert Mckee, Making a good script Great by Linda Seger, and The Writer Got Screwed by Brooke A. Wharton.

This is a must read for anyone who aspires to be a screen writer. Any wannabe writer has their own personal favorite blogs, a blog that helps inspire, motivate and teach them. This book is almost a best of those blogs from successful writers whose movies they have written have actually BEEN PRODUCED.
The one main theme of this book is just write and write and write because you love writing and not because you want the Hollywood celebrity lifestyle. Great writing will open a lot of doors for one and most importantly, keep that door open.
In my opinion, I like to study and and read how successful writers from all genres got their first break, their work ethic and how most importantly they work through writer's block and rejection. Again, Karl Iglesias' book does that successfully.

I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Iglesias at the Screenwriting Expo. He knows his craft, he loves the business. And he's brutally honest in conveying the realistic odds of breaking into Hollywood. While no one ever says it's easy, he can tell you just how hard. This book is a must read for any aspiring screenwriter. Interviewing some of the greatest screenwriters, they all are forthcoming in telling their own tales of struggle, achievement, success, and most of them, frustration.

This book may be geared toward all screenwriters, however it succeeds in leaps and bounds, by telling the realistic truth any up-and-coming screenwriter needs to hear. Too often people are putting together a script hoping to win the lotttery, sell it for mid-six figures, and not taking the time to understand that the money should never be the motivating factor of writing any script. And if that's your only motivation, you'll never succeed in making your dream come true. This book reminds those of us that do it for a different reason, what that reason is. It's the love of writing. Anything else, any other reason, is simply a waste of time and energy.

Mr. Iglesias lays it out in plain view, through interview after interview, just how much of an uphill battle it is get someone to simply give your script a look, and even then, chances of your selling it are slim. Nicholas Kazan once spoke at a seminar. He told them to go turn in their registration forms and go home. He then told them that if any of them seriously entertained that advice, they would never make it. It's all about challenge and it's all about sacrifice. This book will help you realize how important both of those things are.

Michael has done it again. Reading both $30 Film School and $30 Music School back to back has definitely given my confidence and knowledge a jump-start.
With the $30 series and the documentary DIY OR DIE, Michael W Dean has created a foundation to start your own artistic journey and equip you with enough knowledge to survive in what can be a very cutthroat environment.

It is time to wake up, take control of what is left of your life and make an impression to last the ages. The $30 series is here to help prevent you from making the mistake of living old with regret.
For $30 you get way more than what you pay for.

The book's OK, but it's not about music: it's about running a garage band -- which is very different: in music school you study your instrument, solfege, harmony, and counterpoint; in a band you need to know how to find gigs, how to fight with your bandmates and come on top -- every time, all the time, how to deal with the gear, etc. With this in mind, the book is a good read for a newbie (but if you have a couple of years' experience in that area it is unlikely that you'll find anything you don't already know).

What's next for the author? I'm hoping for a $30 Brain Surgery School book, why not. After having starved in the company of beautiful women, one realizes that a man's gotta eat. ;-) God bless.

The title of this book caught my eye and I bought it after reading 1 page. It is well written and informative without being dry. Along with the practical advice given on purchasing gear, dealing with bandmembers, club owners, recording and other facets of getting your music heard, integrity and win/win situations are stressed throughout it. I have already applied some of the info presented and have undergone some major attitude adjustments (positive ones) toward my music and my musical goals. Although there is a lot of humor and an easygoing style about this book, it is very serious in its focus on how to get your music out there. Anybody who wants to pursue music further than garage band status should read this book. People who want to be big rock stars would benefit from $30 Music School, too, as it may prove to be a reality check for them.

Michael W. Dean's $30 Music School is the best book on this subject I've encountered. Mr. Dean (Dr. Dean?) covers every aspect of music-making: the politics of bands, writing songs, getting gear, practice spaces, booking shows, recording, making cds, the music business and the internet, and touring are all addressed at length in a personal, avuncular style that is always inspiring to read. Mr. Dean's enthusiasm is infectious. His DIY aesthetic is uncompromising but his attitude couldn't be more positive. This is a book for people who want to get out there and start living their art life instead of merely thinking about it. I've been a musician for over 20 years and every chapter in this book fired my imagination. If you read this book and don't feel inspired to begin or reinvigorate a DIY music career, you probably have a different calling altogether. I'm hoping he writes a sequel (graduate school?) that addresses many of these subjects at greater length. In the meantime, I'm on my own! Ha! If you liked this book, check out the others in the $30 music school series as well as Mr. Dean's fiction works and his film D.I.Y. or Die. Hooray for Michael Dean for doing so much of the hard work for the rest of us!

Michael's writing style realy makes this an enjoyable read. This how-to for garage banding covers everything from managers and road managers and bookers to the handful of guitar and keyboard chords you need for rock 'n roll to tutorials for various software packages. Hmm. Like a boyscout manual for punk rockers. Lots of anecdotes and real-world advise.

I've loved this book ever since I checked it out from the library years ago. Now, I finally own it and I read it almost every day. The writings are very deep and insightful, and the pictures are beautiful. (My favorite pic is on page 62. :D) If you're an MJ fan you HAVE to have this book, or at least read it at the library or something.

Dancing the dream is a glimpse into the soul of Michael Jackson. It's a must have for any fan. It gives you a MUCH MUCH MUCH better idea of who he is than his 'autobiography' Moonwalk (which was little more than a recounting of his career). This book shows you the idealistic, perhaps naive, and sometimes sappy core of Michael.

If you're looking for the world's best poetry or writings, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a glimpse of Michael Jackson's heart, if you want to escape the harsh realities of everyday life and indulge in the idealistic dreams of someone who genuinely looks for the good in the world, then this is the book for you.

Any time I'm feeling down, I can always pick up this book and read a few pages and it always makes me feel better :)

After checking it out from the library, reading it twice, and not wanting to return it, I had to have my own copy, which I just received (used) from this site.

It is truly inspiring and I will undoubtedly read through it many times in the days and years to come when I'm feeling down and need a lift in my spirit.

Best 8 bucks I've spent in many moons.

Michael Jackson has always amazed and stunned us in more ways than one. His amazing vocal talent that no one compares to, his unbeatable dance moves that no one but himself can do, his some what hectic life style, and just his pure innocence and love for life has made the whole world crazy about him since the day he was born. No one has ever compared to Michael, no does compare to Michael, and I know for a fact that no one ever WILL compare to The KING, MICHEAL JACKSON. This book, like his first autobiography,MOONWALK, will leave you in tears. Before I read MOONWALK, I was not a fan of MJJ. After I finshed the book, I could feel i had changed. This book is no different. Michael means the world to me, and I know so many others who feel the same way too. Read DANCING THE DREAM and meet the REAL MAN IN THE MIRROR!!!

This book is truly amazing and has so much insight on different things. You see Michael in a completely different light. It was almost like it was written directly for me. It had everything that i needed/wanted to hear, especially about trust and courage and even about the love of God. It was like it was direct advice to me personally. I like this book so much that i think anybody would enjoy it. It's so beautiful. You really get to see his pain and what's going on inside his head and i think if everyone read it, they would be like, "Wait, Michael Jackson wrote all of these?" He's so talented and i love him even more after reading this book. By the way, the pictures are great, i love them all!

I loved this book, although it broke my heart to think of what happened to the sweet, caring, fun-loving young boy later in life. June is so "real", I felt I would love to have been one of her friends. I also purchased the DVD "Elvis and June" and once again after seeing June on the DVD thought she was a really fun, strong woman. It was indeed a special time for Elvis and June and she shares her memories freely. The end of their love story was so sad, I wished there had been a way to "rewrite" history to make them both as happy as they had been that wonderful summer. Highly recommended.

This book was very enjoyable to read. It gives lots of insight to Elvis and what he was like when he was just starting out in the music business. Decisions that were made and promises broken but such a great story. Any Elvis fan would enjoy reading this story.

I did love this book. I only wish the book didn't end. At the end I was wanting more!

A very good experience. I received the product in a timely manner and did not incur any problems.

I'm a huge Elvis fan and have read a lot of books on him. This book is one of my faves. It shows a sweet, funny, and sexy side of him before he hit it big. June did a great job on this book and really shows Elvis in a wonderful light. Not only is it a great story about him, but it's a great love story in general. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed reading this book in fact I read it twice. The bond that Eddie Levert has with his family is remarkable.The love and respect that he has for his ex wife Martha Levert is admirable, though they had their differences according to the book.Also even though Gerald Levert was a star he was always family 1st.I have read a lot of books about famous celebrities,and I have to say this one took the cake. Kudos also to Lyah Beth Leflore.

this is a very heart felt book i like how close they were as father and son and know how far to go with each other as friend

I love eddie levert as well as gerald levert I enjoyed the read and realize they shared a special relationship I will proudly add this book to my biography collection

I just received this book on Monday, December 17, 2007 and I finished it today. This is a lovely book to give to anyone as a gift. Regardless of how famous Eddie & Gerald Levert became as music artist. The family bond is powerful. The relationship of father and son is awesome. The mother of Eddie's children is given the utmost respect of how she held this family together with her love and strength. I'm a single mom and I learned so much about my own relationship that I had with my father when he was alive and the relationship I'm developing with my daughter.

I thought this was a very poignant novel it's goes through the ups and downs of their relationship and also what it's like to be in the music business. Although Gerald Levert will be missed his memory will carry on thru. Put it on your miss read list.

We have enjoyed many hours playing our own way of I spy. Thank you for your promt delivery.

Recieved this for christmas and Believe it or not my 2 year old loves all the I spy books. She is very good at them and loves to just ask what everything is and then find whatever I ask her to look for. Illustrations are great.

Thank you to the earlier reviewers.... I (as well as my husband, father, and mother--not to mention my five year old!!) have been going CRAZY looking for the striped cat!!!

These books are just incredible--my son is well on his way to collecting ALL of them! And, we already have ALL of the CD-Rom games--he's solved them all several times. These are the perfect books (and software) for kids--and has occupied more than a few hours of my time since I discovered them. Even my 18 year old daughter has been challenged and frustrated by these books! There's not much out there that can entertain (or drive crazy) both kids and adults.

There are small differences in the books and software--some kids like the spooky motif of this book--while other kids seem to prefer the space or school motifs--but, all-in-all, any of these books and software are WELL worth the $$ you put into them. Enjoy!!! (Dang that striped cat! LOL)

The bat on page 19 is a baseball bat, held by the boy in the picture glued to the inside right door (just above the word "workshop").

The I Spy Spooky Night book is one of many 'I Spy' books our family has enjoyed. We have the 'I Spy Extreme Challenger!',
'I Spy Super Challenger', 'I Spy School Days', 'I Spy Treasure Hunt' and the 'I Spy Mystery' book just to name a few of them. They will entertain no matter what your age. Our children and now our grandchildren have pulled these books out many times. They are like magnets and will draw in whoever is around to your side to help find the hidden I Spy items. Here's a hint. If, no - when, you have trouble finding any of the objects turn the book upside down and that just might help. The I Spy Spooky Night Book in combination with the Boo-opoly Game will provide some frighteningly good Halloween entertainment. ~ Mrs. B.

Looking through the book again after all these years. Back when a fast modem was 14.4 and AOheLl was new. It is good to see the faces and the "Stories We Could Tell" To learn of the 'roots' of Parrot Head Madness, this book is a must. Phlockings keep us from Growing Older But Not Up. Great to re-live the moments captured in the photos of "The Evolution of a PHan" Happy to see they are not Poloroids barely in PHocus. We can look at when we finally slow down. Great job Jackson (BubbaFreak) Quigley
"Bank Of Bad Habits" Card carrier 282

BubbaJePH
the Bubba of Buckroe

PHinally, the PHirst and PHinal PHixating PHlourish of PHan-PHlocking-tastic PHlockings, PHilosoPHy, PHreaks (BubbaFreak), and PHriends--da collectors' Book set.

It's worth any price--if only to see all the other PHans that you may have only heard about on the internet, or just IM'ed or emailed once--even ole Unca Rum is in da book.. hehehehe (you'll have to buy it and read it to find me--I'm not naming pages.. lol)

My personalized copy cost me a tix to Jimmy's Initial N'awlins Arena Bash (for BubbaFreak), and it was more than worth it. =)

The best part of this book, isn't Jimmy Buffett, but the PHs and their PHlockings that make wasted away in Margaritaville on island time a national pastime PHor those that love a bit of escapism PHrom modern times.

At a time when too many downplay healthy escapism, Jackson shows how da PHlock merges good old PHasioned PHun with more than just a lil bit of charitable civil involvement. Party hard--but also help others, harder...

BTW, I hear there will be a copy of BubbaFreak (Jackson) and Rum showing off their outlawed Bank of Bad Habits ATM cards in the sequal. =)

A parrot-heads `Alice in Wonderland".
I over paid for an autographed copy of this book at our club's annual charity event, and have loved every page - A must for your collection. -Beverly Metzger, Chicago, IL.

I usally don't write reviews but i am making an exception. If you are a parrot head or wondering what one is. this book is a must have. It is well written and the information is great. Alll around fun book. And if you ever went to a concert watch out you might be in the book:-)

You all read my pre-review: "It was 1971 and had been a long 3 months at sea and Subic Bay looked mighty good. I hooked up with my old Honey Ko, had a few San Miguel's and headed for the hotel...a shower, shave and then to bed. In the middle of a very passionate session she blurted out "Jackson Quigley". I could live with that. Afterall, I'd never promised her anything. Marriage was the last thing on my mind. Later, as she reach climax, she yelled out "JimmyDOTcom". For some silly reason I took that as an omen and the search began. 30 years later I finally found the answer......"
Now that it's here, the book is much more than I had hoped for. The amount of research and work Jackson put into this is incredible...... thankfully the "research" was enjoyable. To say this captures the "whole" parrothead experience is an understatement. Years from now (or this evening) when someone asks what a parrothead is, just hand them this. This will do what you could never put into just words and will more than answer the question. I'm just wondering what future civilizations will think when they uncover this in someone's library.... phins up, Mayday.

The book "Sound Design", the expressive power of music, voice, and sound effects in cinema, is one of my favorite in my collection. I always recommend it to colleagues and customer. During my technical seminars-workshop and product training sessions, I have often taken inspiration from the book, particularly the sections "TRY THIS" that the author has included in various parts inside it.

The book is written with great passion!

Sonnenschein effectively covers the theory behind shaping the soundtrack, and gives great examples of the ideas in action. I loved the candid quotes from masters like Ben Burtt, Gary Rydstrom, Walter Murch, Dane Davis, and others. I started noting down all of the films he mentions as examples of good sound design, until I noticed Sonnenschein was one step ahead and had already noted them all in the back. Only 4 stars 'cause I personally wanted more technique and a little less theory.

This eloquently written book describes the rhyme and reason behind all the sounds - music, effects, and dialogue - that are blended together to create the sophisticated soundtracks we're accustomed to. Sonnenschein, a director, musician, and award-winning sound designer, combines practical wisdom with sound theory and exercises to inspire and educate both new and experienced sound professionals. The book will appeal to non-professionals and other filmmakers as well because it's fun, entertaining, and enlightening. The author clearly loves and knows the world of sound and it's a joy to be brought into this world.

This was an interesting book, and it really gave me some new perspectives on sound design. Sonnenschein focuses on the organization and mindset of sound design, rather than the technicalities. I especially liked the excerpts from top sound designers such as Dane Davis (The Matrix, Drugstore Cowboy), Gary Rydstrom (Backdraft, Saving Private Ryan), and Ben Burtt (Star Wars, Indiana Jones).

My only knock on the book is that Sonnenschein was repetitive at times. The book would be about 30 pages shorter if he didn't repeat points that were made in previous chapters. Never the less, it was an interesting read, and I still think it is a great resource.

I am very glad, that I found this book. It helps me think about making sound design in a very deep point of view.
I love it!!!
Thank you David Sonnenschein:-)

Jan Sleska
student of sound engineering

Sandra Boyton and Michael Ford have birthed their fourth book & cd package (Rhinocerus Tap, Philadelphia Chickens & Dog Train). Using singers from the 50s thru 70s singing wonderfully silly lyrics makes both the parents (or grandparents) and kids all happy. If you wondered where some of the Beach Boys, Davy Jones and Neil Sedaka went - well, here they are! Sandra's illustrations and witty words truly compliment the sounds of Michael Ford. My Personal Penguin (sung by Davy Jones) is my personal favorite. Get this one to put you in a "Happy Days" mood. Get all of the others for some great Rock and Roll!

Humor is excellent, songs are fun for both kids (my son is 2 and loves this CD, and adults. The variety of music genres is also impressive - rock, blues, big band, and lullaby. Love it!

At the moment I like this book and album more than my kids do, but they're only two and a half (twins) and they're catching on quick. This combo meets the Sesame Street standard -- accessible and entertaining for kids (at least, say, ages 2 and up), but smart enough to interest adults too. I still can't help tapping my toes and singing along to "Singing in the Shower," and I've heard it several dozen times and counting. And although the words and melodies are complex and interesting, the concept of each song is simple enough that when my two-year-olds ask "What dis song about?", I can explain it to them -- "It's about singing in the shower." "It's about how much I love your nose." "It's about a turtle that wears sneakers."

Listening to the music while reading the book is even more rewarding, though it requires enough attention span that it might work better with slightly older kids. Next on my list: Philadelphia Chickens!

My two daughters, ages 5 and 8 can't get enough of this CD ... they play it nearly everyday. The toons are just delightful and not only for kids to jump and sing to, but trust me, it will tickle your grownup ears likewise. If you love that great old 50's sound, you'll enjoy this treat. Great music for everyone! Don't hesitate to purchase for yourself or as a gift.

Another great collection, tied neck-and-neck with Dog Train, I think, for wit, whimsy and so much fun. These collections are great for kids--and for adults who may be listening in. If you get this as a gift for a child, you will want to keep it yourself (just buy two). It's obvious Boynton has fun doing what she does so well--and if these songs don't put a smile on your face, you really ARE working too hard!

This book is great for a K-2 general music lesson. It has a great introduction to jazz music and improvisation. All my students wanted to hear more jazz and move to jazz after reading this book. Can also be easily used as a sub lesson, since the whole book is on CD.

I first heard the cd that comes with this book when my 5th grade teacher played it in class. Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen even two kids who hardly ever stop talking. My teacher's a drummer and so am I so we LOVED the jazz beat. I read that another reviewer thought the beats were on 1 and 3. Anyone can hear the hi-hat clicking on beats 2 and 4. This is real jazz played by real jazz musicians! (I don't think that reviewer is a musician.) The thing I liked most about The Jazz Fly besides the music, was the illustrations and the way it introduce scat as a kind of language. It IS a language, ZA-BA-ZA-BOO-ZA-BA. Everyone can speak it their own way.

This book is solid! One of the best books on the market today about jazz for young kids. This is the story of a jazz fly who ultimately gigs on drums at a club following his encounters with several other creatures. The fly riffs off their contributions to create his own improvised session. Children love the rhyme scheme and enjoy scatting to the sounds of za ba za boo za ba zee za ro nee ... Read it aloud and children can't resist trying to repeat the syllables in song. The book is sold with a CD that compliments the text and informs the reader on how it should be read aloud rhythmically. I highly recommend this book to anyone who teaches young children or has a child of their own that they want to expose to jazz.

I've given several copies of this book/CD as gifts to my friend's children. It's always enthusiastically received.

Most conventional music education seems to ignore jazz, which is puzzling since it is our own music, not a European implant. Matthew Golub has found a way to make the learning process truly enjoyable. The rhythms are infectious; you find yourself singing along with the CD. And the cartoon-like text is fun for children of all ages. This is a book to own, if you have a musically inclined child.

Jazz can get elitest sometimes. Jazz musicians can narrowly define jazz as only rhythm change or blues. I love this book because it does not put jazz in a box - it gives life to jazz sounds. This book gives kids and those who read to kids a chance to just "dig it." There is no over-emphasizing the roots of jazz or making the rhythm too complicated to follow, it's just a fun introduction to different scat sounds that even a little kid can relate to and follow.