A bold, new book by William Westney, author of the bestselling The Perfect Wrong Note,takes a fresh and creative look at the human dimension of classical music-making and why it matters more than ever in the contemporary world. Eros at the Piano takes readers on a remarkable journey, combining intellectual vigor with down-to-earth wisdom for performers, teachers, and students. Using a conversational tone and rich with cross-disciplinary insight, Westney weaves together the philosophical concept of Eros with the art and practice of classical musicians. Why Eros? Eros was the ancient Greek god not only of love and sensuality but of all human creativity and interconnectedness, symbolizing a great realm of feeling and of wordless understanding. It has always been a challenge to capture in words the ineffable experience of music. Eros offers a useful concept, a way to refer to that embodied realm of knowing, and it can inspire virtually every aspect of musical life: practicing, teaching, technique and connecting with audiences. Westney draws upon a lifetime as concert artist and educator to bring to life a newer vision of classical music today.

William Westney is author of The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self, an international bestseller which has become a pedagogical classic. He personifies a rare combination of abilities, having achieved distinction as concert artist, author, and award-winning educator. Winner of numerous performance prizes, most notably the Geneva International Competition, he has concertized on four continents. Westneys trailblazing performance workshop "The Un-Master Class" (R) was profiled in a New York Times article and has been given at conservatories around the world. Westney is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Texas Tech University.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Overview

Chapter 1: Tone

Chapter 2: Exploring Eros

Chapter 3: Logos, Eros and the Integrated Musician

Chapter 4: Dissolving Boundaries

Chapter 5: Luxuriant Technique

Chapter 6: Practicing: The Pleasure of Process

Chapter 7: Performing: Joining the Flow

Chapter 8: The Teaching Connection

Chapter 9: Research: The “Enjoyment Mode”

Chapter 10: Love, Energy and Transformation

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

In this bold and insightful book, William Westney grapples with elusive questions about music as a ‘life force’ and comes up with compelling answers. He finds guides (almost soulmates) in a panoply of philosophers, poets, and performers—from Plato to Jung, Martin Buber to Yo-Yo Ma. Westney draws upon decades of experience as an exemplary pianist and empowering teacher to offer fresh approaches to practicing, technique, and trusting one’s musical, emotional, and sensual instincts.
— Anthony Tommasini, former chief classical music critic, The New York Times

Mining the rich mythology of Eros, William Westney guides us back to the life-giving act of making music, and he does it the way he always has—with imagination, humor, and love. In exploring what it means to be a human performer, he helps us strengthen and cherish the ways in which we connect.
— Buddy Bray, The Cliburn

The concept of Eros, as broadly conceived by Westney, becomes more and more compelling as a template for understanding the human significance not only of classical music but of all the arts. That concept is beautifully exemplified by the writing itself, which in its engagement and lucidity holds the reader in its warm embrace.
— Charles Fisk, Phyllis H. Carey Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College

Westney shares an abundance of inspired ideas from philosophers, scientists, former teachers, and other musicians in this wonderful new book. Musicians will gain insight into their performances from the numerous philosophical and pedagogical ideas that are presented in this creative and fascinating work. This is a book that explores the love, energy, and transformation that all performers constantly strive to achieve.
— Dennis Alexander, pianist, teacher, composer

I have been thirsting for this life-affirming perspective on classical music. An alternative to the hyper-intellectualism of so much modern aesthetic theory, Westney’s message is as transparent, clear, and refreshing as water itself.
— William Bauer, College of Staten Island/CUNY

I love this book! I love that it crackles with inspiration and also offers practical, down to earth advice. Im grateful that William Westney has found words to describe how music goes beyond words. He illuminates musics power and magic and helps us to invite those qualities into our playing, singing, and teaching.
— John Steinmetz, professor, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

William Westney’s astonishingly readable, practical, and inspiringly useful book reminds us all that piano playing is about love and creativity. His friendly yet scholarly style is useful for musicians of all instruments and persuasions—not just keyboardists. It will remain at my piano bench for referencing and re-nourishment. There is nothing quite like it. I want to share it with everyone!
— Murray McLachlan, pianist, writer, educator

A must-read for all musicians! This brilliantly researched book reminds us that the essence of magical performance is body/soul participation, spirituality, and surrendering to something greater than ourselves. Even more importantly, William Westney gets to the core of the most effective practice skills—a process free of ego and filled with joy.
— Antoinette Van Zabner, professor of piano (emerita), University of Music and the Performing Arts, Vienna, Austria

Original, bold, and enlightening! As a musician, and music teacher, I loved this book.
— Jon Kimura Parker, concert artist; professor of piano, Rice University

William Westney’s luminous book courageously opens a mysterious realm rarely mentioned in conventional studies of piano pedagogy. With humor and wisdom, he leads the reader to explore how the life-energy of Eros can be transformative, inspiring creative practice, insightful teaching, and rewarding performance.
— Janet Hammock, Professor Emeritus of Music, Mount Allison University

With insights into areas of music-making rarely discussed and pearls of wisdom on every page, William Westney empowers us to find our own voice as musicians and teachers. It’s a hugely creative and insightful exploration of the process of music making from practice room to concert stage. A must-read for all pianists!
— Graham Fitch, pianist, founder of practisingthepiano.com

This captivating book offers a compelling approach to finding deeper meaning as we make music. Westney seamlessly weaves together literature, philosophy, and his own experiences in an exploration of the multifaceted concept of Eros and how it can help us to develop a healthier technique, tap into our individual creativity, and create a stronger musical connection with others. A fascinating read!
— Lois Svard, Professor Emerita of Music, Bucknell University, author of The Musical Brain

I know of few musicians who possess not only a deep understanding of what is arguably the highest form of human expression but also a distinctive gift for storytelling. Westney’s latest offering is a masterclass in how a consummate artist and skillful teacher can provide great insight into what music is really about.
— Robert A. Duke, author of Intelligent Music Teaching