Art by Efes Kitap

Table of Contents:  (click links to read excerpts)
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​Prelude 

Chapter 1: Discover the Benefits                                                    
Music Deepens Emotions; Music Strengthens Social Bonds; Music Improves Memory and Thinking; Music Engages and Strengthens the Senses; Music Boosts Creativity and Life Satisfaction; Nine Benefits of Making Music

Chapter 2: Learn and Practice                                                        
What Instrument is Best for You?; What about Lessons?; Using the Internet; Why Practice?; Setting Big Picture Goals; Setting Practice Goals; Classical Versus Folk Approaches; How to Practice; Practicing Without Your Instrument; Learning with Others; Twelve Mini-lessons to Improve Your Musicianship

Chapter 3: Jam a Lot                                                                              
What is Jamming?; Jams Teach Musical Essentials; Jams have Their Own Etiquette; Eight Tips to Enjoy Jamming; Jams and Singing; Drum Circle Jams; Jamming is Social;  Preparing for Jams; Finding Jams; Jam Spotlight
                       
Chapter 4: Find Your Voice                                                               
Why Sing?; Get a Teacher; Work on Your Ears; Listen to the World Around You; Sing with Others: Choral groups, A cappella and Barbershop, Musical Theater, Folk/Roots Song Circles, Religious Choirs, Gospel, Rock & Roll Choruses; Seven Ways to Improve Your Voice; Singer Spotlight
           
Chapter 5: Go to Camp                                                                     
What is Music Camp?; Going to Camp as an Adult; Preparing for Camp; Songwriting Camps; Find the Right Camp for You; Camper Spotlight
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Chapter 6: Hear Music Live
Live Music Teaches; Musicians Make Music a Habit; Where to Listen: Local Venues, House Concerts, Music Festivals, Concerts; Fifteen Reasons to Listen Live; Venue Host Spotlight
 
Chapter 7: Band Together                                                                
Your Musical Progression; Choosing Your Configuration; Making it Work; Finding Band Mates; Help for Your Band; Playing As a Grown-up; Get the Most From Your Band; Band Spotlight      ​

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Art by Efes Kitap

Chapter 8: Gig for Fun                                                                             
Getting Ready: Make a Set List, Polish Your Songs, Rehearse and Record, Get a Sound System; At the Gig; Finding Venues; Overcoming Fear; Gigging After 40; Gigging Heightens Your Emotions; Performer Spotlight
                       
Chapter 9: Go on Record                                                                    
Why Record?; Home Versus Studio Recording; Getting Ready; In the Studio; Mixing, Mastering, and Manufacturing; Sharing Your Music Online; What About CD Design?; Now It’s Done; Learn More about Recording; Recording Spotlight
                       
Chapter 10: Play for the Long Haul                                                   
Prevention; Play Your Instrument Smarter; Change Instruments; Sing Smarter; Change the Ways You Learn; Be Inspired by the Pros; Set New Goals; Eleven Tips for the Long Haul; Lifetime Spotlight
                       
Chapter 11: Build a Music Community                                               
Support a Music Venue; Host a House Concert; Teach Music to Novices; Mentor the Next Generation; Create a Jam Group; Found a Community Orchestra; Perform to Lift Up Others; Nine National Nonprofits that Build Community; Community Spotlight
 
Finale: Savor Your Journey                                                                                                                                      
Index                                                                                                   
Endnotes      ​

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