Thinking and Playing Music - by Sheryl Iott (Paperback)

About the Book

Sheryl Iott investigates the relevancy of cognitive science to musical development and distills cutting-edge teaching and learning methods for musicians of all skill levels based on these scientific concepts. Filled with over 100 musical examples, this book imparts practical s...

Book Synopsis

Sheryl Iott investigates the relevancy of cognitive science to musical development and distills cutting-edge teaching and learning methods for musicians of all skill levels based on these scientific concepts. Filled with over 100 musical examples, this book imparts practical suggestions and advice that anybody can incorporate into their practice.

Review Quotes

In accessible language, Iott imparts constructive, specific advice using over 100 musical examples and score images. In addition, there is an extensive bibliography and an index for ease of finding specific topics. As easy to read as it is practical and thought-provoking, this book contains much wisdom and specific instruction for students and teachers alike. Highly recommended for learners and teachers of every level!

Iott has done remarkable work synthesizing cognitive science and learning theory in a way that encompasses both teaching and deliberate practice, and any teacher interested in helping students learn

how to practice effectively would find a great deal of valuable information. Indeed, much of what Iott writes about learning can be applied to areas other than music; for example, I drew inspiration for new approaches to information literacy instruction from her discussion of the concepts underlying a foundational, rule-based approach to learning scales and arpeggios. This book is recommended for academic libraries serving faculty and students in music performance, education, and pedagogy programs.

There are times that we know there is research that would help us perform and teach better, but it's just too difficult to wade through the information. Sheryl Iott has done all that work for us in her new book, Thinking and Playing Music. Not only has she done all the difficult work for us, but she has also written it in a style that is easy to read and has connected the dots, so our practicing and teaching can be more insightful and effective.... Iott is an experienced performer and teacher and interlaces personal anecdotes throughout the book. This helps keep the tone readable and the material relevant. While this book is a pleasure to read because someone has "done the research for you," it is also enjoyable to read because you know the author is walking the journey with you.

Thinking and Playing Music is thoroughly researched, emits the kind of wisdom accrued through years of practical experience, and is chock-full of vivacious prose and vivid examples. It will help fill a lacuna in music studies, lending studio pedagogy the focus and scholarly heft it warrants.

Thinking and Playing Music synthesizes research and Iott's own experience as a pianist and teacher in a way that is effective, compelling, and interesting.

This book does what few do: it bridges the gap between the challenges faced by students and teachers and the science of learning. Such science-based learning makes students efficient and joyful.

This book is applicable to musicians of all instruments, but pianists will find it especially useful [...] Iott's book, grounded in both scientific study and practical experience, is one any musician will find compelling and valuable.

About the Author

Sheryl Iott is an active solo and collaborative performer, speaker, and adjudicator. Iott is on the faculty of Interlochen Arts Camp and has served on the faculties of Grand Rapids Community College, Hope College, Michigan State University, and Calvin College. She is also a member of the College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. Frequently published in music education and piano pedagogy books and magazines, Iott's current research is focusing on music cognition and cognition-enhanced practice strategies.