When it comes to musical skill, why is it that some people achieve so much more than others? We are frequently led to believe this is because of a talent hardwired into their DNA. Now, music educator Michael Griffin dismisses that age-old notion in favour of another known factor: practice. His new book, Learning Strategies for Musical Success illustrates how the quantity and quality of practice is the greatest predictor of musical success so that aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities can best bring about expert performance. This inspiring, accessible guide will equip students, teachers, adult learners, and parents with the methods and mindset to improve the likelihood of learning music successfully."Deeply impressive; the breadth of research is fascinating!" - Victorian Music Teachers Association"Terrific...eminently practical...excellent discussion...I came away inspired and excited." - The Music Trust, Australia"This book really does deliver" - American Music Teacher"I can't think of any other book that draws on so many resources to create a new understanding of learning music. Every serious music student, music teacher, and parent of a music student will find important information in this book. Griffin gives clear examples of how concepts are applied that make for enjoyable reading. This book has a potential for making lifelong differences in the lives of music students, parents and teachers." - Roy Ernst, PhD, LLD Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music of The University of Rochester"A must buy for every music teacher and music student. Bravo on a most stimulating read. This draws together old wisdom and the latest research. I am re-reading this excellent book for the third time, highlighter pen in hand." 5 stars (Amazon Rank) - William Bruce, Guildhall UK."A most stimulating read that has given me a great deal to think about." - Nicholas Carpenter, Prebendal, UK."Fantastic book...simply brilliant!" - Ian Cooper, Norfolk Music Service, UK."A must read for all music educators. Michael Griffin has collected lessons from his own experience - which is extensive, and pertinent, recent research to provide a detailed overview of how we learn, and how students can be empowered and trained to become effective, efficient and independent learners. The book is well documented, making it convenient to go on to further reading about the topics of each chapter. The language is concise and easily understood, yet deeply practical and useful." - 5 stars Robert Adams, Music Educator, New Haven, USA."Don't miss this opportunity!" - 5 stars Mary George, USA.
About the Author: Australian Michael Griffin, M.Ed Studies, B.Ed Music, A.Mus.A, is a classical pianist, conductor, educator and author. Griffin has consulted in schools and spoken at conferences in more than twenty countries. Notable keynote and consultant speaker invitations include the European Council of International Schools conferences in Nice (2010) and Hamburg (2009), The Association of Independent Schools of Africa in Johannesburg (2012), the 7th Annual Leadership Conference in Brunei (2012), Association of Geneva Private Schools (2011) and British Schools of the Middle East in Oman (2010). Adjudication duties in Australia include the National Eisteddfod, Canberra, 2011, 2012. He has authored books for the classroom in jazz harmony, classroom keyboard pedagogy, and choral methodology. As a conductor, Griffin's ensembles have received numerous awards, including the 2004 Australasian Open Choral Championship. He has also adjudicated at several eisteddfods in Australia, including the National Eisteddfod in Canberra in 2011 and 2012. As a pianist, Griffin has held residencies at Dubai's Burj al Arab and Australia's Hayman Island. Griffin was awarded the South Australian Education and Arts Ministers' Prize in 2006, and is listed in the Who's Who South Australia for 2007 and 2008. His website is www.musiceducationworld.com.