Sound in Motion: A Performer's Guide to Greater Musical Expression Paperback – March 17, 2009

I'm only halfway through the book, but already I've been cured of several bad habits and disabused of several simplistic ideas. Maestro McGill's writing is easily accessible, and absolutely persuasive. I'm sad to encounter these foundational ideas so late in musical journey, but better late than never!

The books content: Finally, a book out there that actually teaches one how to interpret music in a logical way, that breaks things down in a way that anyone (with sufficient musical training) can understand. It's not rigid, but it gives a framework for different interpretive choices and reasoning behind them.It's effect on me: I always felt uncertain in my musical interpretations and searched for years for a book to help out. I wish I had bought this as soon as I saw it, rather than waiting a few years.It's made me understand the saying "It's hard to play music poorly". I have severe stage fright and haven't performed for years. I chalked it up to technical deficiencies; this book helped me realize that the reason I wasn't satisfied with my playing wasn't that I couldn't play fast enough or my fingers ended up in the wrong place, but that I wasn't playing in a musical way. On a subconscious level, I think I know that (and most players do), but couldn't put two and two together. Now, with this book, I've thought about what I'm playing in a much more expressive and musical way. This has helped me notice the places where the idiosyncrasies of my instrument make musical playing more challenging. I feel more conviction in my interpretations, and this conviction has compelled me to prepare for my first performances in a decade.I wrote the author a personal thank-you email for what this book has done for me.Note: While this might be useful for the casual musician, it's pretty dense and best suited to professional and/or performing classical musicians with a solid grasp of theory.

Back in the day, we only had Thurmond's "Note Grouping." It was ok, but due to its writing style (a college thesis), it is written in a highly technical matter.Now we have McGill's "Sound in Motion," a more realistic approach to phrasing, with better examples of how to execute the concept set forth in this book. Another reviewer, Peter Biddlecombe, criticizes this book with many examples, however, I don't agree with any of his criticism. There is a purpose behind every word and illustration that McGill uses and he explains what note grouping is better than anyone so far. My copy of Sound in Motion is falling apart because I've re-read it so many times. I will be buying another copy.

I found this to be an excellent manual on how to play "musically". I grew up in a musical family, started piano at 6 yrs old (from my mom, who later earned a masters degree in organ performance ) and graduated to bassoon at 12. Over the last 40+ years of playing principal bassoonist for many professional and semi-professional orchestras & bands, I have picked a lot of what is in this book. This book systematizes the technique. I have found it very usefull perfecting my own technique & I am recommending it to ALL of my intrumentalist friends. This book should be required reading for every instrumentalist who wants to be a "Musician".

If you made it this far and you play an instrument.i would strongly recommend a slow strong read.. quite possibly will shine a light on new thoughts for you

This was recommended to my sister by her retired bassoon professor. He said if he was still teaching he would make this required reading in all his classes.

Every page of this book is a necessity to any musician. I decided to pick it up a week ago and I can't believe I've never been taught any of this basic, enlightened information by any music teacher I've ever had. It's brilliant. It will take an ordinary musician, and make an extraordinary musician out of her. Not reading this would be a serious mistake if you want to be above average in your music. I'm so glad to have discovered it and very happy to be recommending it to other musicians. It's a goldmine!!!!

Whether your venue is Carnegie Hall or the local band shell, McGill's book provides insights about musicianship that will elevate your playing. Superbly written, every page contains wise observations that will improve your ability to reach your audience, bolster your self confidence, and even impress your conductor! Not just a musician who writes well or a writer who happens to play well, McGill is a virtuoso in both realms and this book is ample proof. If I could take only one book to my next audition, "Sound in Motion" would be it!