The Listening Book by William Allaudin Mathieu
I read "The Listening Book" by William Allaudin Mathieu.
William Allaudin Mathieu is a composer, pianist, choir director, music teacher, and author. Mathieu has composed and recorded solo piano works, chamber pieces, choral music, and song cycles (Apple Music), and he has written four books on music:
I enjoyed listening to Songs of Samsara and Streaming Wisdom.
"The Listening Book" is engaging and easy to read; he makes complex concepts easy to understand for readers at all levels of musical expertise.
Although I found the book a bit boring to read (I kept putting it away), here are some of the takeaways:
- Active (mindful) listening: practice listening to the sounds around you, which can enhance your awareness and presence in daily life.
- Patience and attention: slow down and truly listen without rushing through life.
- Creativity and playfulness: apply creativity and playfulness to problem-solving and daily tasks to encourage a more innovative and open approach.
- Empathy and understanding: better listening skills can foster empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.
Details
- Amazon
- Publisher: Shambhala
- Published: November 15, 2011
- ISBN-10: 159030831X
- ISBN-13: 978-1590308318