The Inner Game of Music , the breakout hit that became a standard primer in the music world, has taught thousands of musicians—professionals and amateurs alike—how to overcome self-consciousness and stage fright and to recapture a youthful, almost effortless capacity to learn. Now, in his follow-up book, The Mastery of Music , Barry Green turns his expert hand to the artistic qualities that make an extraordinary musician. Culling advice from dozens of interviews with legends including Joshua Bell, Dave Brubeck, Jeffrey Kahane, Bobby McFerrin, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Frederica von Stade, the Harlem Boys Choir, and the Turtle Island String Quartet, he reveals that it’s not enough to have a cerebral and emotional connection to the notes. Green hows how musical excellence, exhibited by true virtuosos, requires a mastery of ten unique qualities of the soul and the human spirit, such as confidence, passion, discipline, creativity, and relaxed concentration, and he discusses specific ways in which all musicians, composers, and conductors can take their skills to higher levels. He carefully incorporates all instruments and techniques in his rejuvenating discussions, inspiring the stifled student to have fun again and the over-rehearsed performer to rediscover the joy of passionate expression. Essential reading for every musician, The Mastery of Music strikes a beautiful new chord. “In his newest book, Barry Green has provided the glorious counterpoint of musical discovery, mentorship, and visionary styles of learning from some of the greatest performers of our time. The Mastery of Music fills us with inspiration, vision, and potential for better listening, enjoyment, and nourishment.” Don Campbell, musician and author of The Mozart Effect "The Inner Game of Music, the breakout hit that became a standard primer in the music world, has taught thousands of musicians--professionals and amateurs alike--how to overcome self-consciousness and stage fright and to recapture a youthful, almost effortless capacity to learn. Now, in his follow-up book, "The Mastery of Music, Barry Green turns his expert hand to the artistic qualities that make an extraordinary musician. Culling advice from dozens of interviews with legends including Joshua Bell, Dave Brubeck, Jeffrey Kahane, Bobby McFerrin, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Frederica von Stade, the Harlem Boys Choir, and the Turtle Island String Quartet, he reveals that it's not enough to have a cerebral and emotional connection to the notes. Green hows how musical excellence, exhibited by true virtuosos, requires a mastery of ten unique qualities of the soul and the human spirit, such as confidence, passion, discipline, creativity, and relaxed concentration, and he discusses specific ways in which all musicians, composers, and conductors can take their skills to higher levels. He carefully incorporates all instruments and techniques in his rejuvenating discussions, inspiring the stifled student to have fun again and the over-rehearsed performer to rediscover the joy of passionate expression. Essential reading for every musician, "The Mastery of Music strikes a beautiful new chord. Barry Green served as principal bassist of the Cincinnati Symphony for twenty-eight years. Currently the principal bassist with the California Symphony and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and active as a bass soloist and teacher, he teaches bass at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and for the young bassist program of the San Francisco Symphony Education Department. Green has been performing for young audiences in schools in the Bay Area, as well as performing bass workshops and concerts on tour. He is also the author of The Inner Game of Music with W. Timothy Gallwey and has written seven Inner Game of Music workbooks for keyboard, voice, instruments, and ensembles. He conducts Inner Game seminars throughout the world. He lives with his wife in Oakland, California. For information on Green’s personal appearances and publications, please contact his website at www.innergameofmusic.com and www.themasteryofmusic.com . one COMMUNICATION: THE SILENT RHYTHM (Duos, Chamber Ensembles, Popular Combos, and Conductors) Most of the time we feel separate from one another: we call ourselves "individuals," and we know that even our disagreements are proof that each one of us is indeed a very different person. Something happens, though, when you see eye to eye with someone, and discover rich layers of agreement on the details that other people "never quite understood"--or when your body appears able to dance flawlessly with another person, with no fumbling awkwardness, just two bodies together seemingly following the same rhythm, the same lilt and sway. At times like these, we rejoice in finding a "perfect match," a "soul mate," a "twin." In this chapter, I am going to make the bold assumption that this feeling of togetherness--not togetherness as in some rigid lock ste