GAYLA M. MILLS
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Leave your seat and join the band…

Millions of people play music when they’re young but set it aside while they create families and careers. As they get older and miss the joys of making and sharing music, where can they turn for inspiration and ideas so they can bring music back into their lives?
 
If you want to return to music—or take it up anew— I can help you take your next step, whether you play jazz, roots, classical, or rock. You'll become a better musician, with hundreds of tips on practicing, singing, jamming, enjoying adult music camps, gigging, and recording. Learn how to bring more music to your community too. Most importantly, discover how music can help you live and age well.

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Making Music For Life “is a doorway into the endless joys of making music, for everyone at any age.”
~Bernard Holland, music critic emeritus, New York Times
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 Dover Publications​

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Support our local bookstores! Pick up a copy at:

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Featured in:
  • Charlottesville's Daily Progress: "Author Aims to Help Lapsed Musicians Get Back into the Groove"
  • Richmond Magazine: "The Perfect Strum"
  • Bass Musician: "Interview with Bassist and Author Gayla Mills"
Reviewed in:
  • Bluegrass Unlimited: "Making Music for Life"
  • Boomer Magazine: "Books for Baby Boomer Readers"
Endorsements
Book quotes
PictureArt 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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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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  • Home
  • Book
    • Purchase
  • Essays & Features
    • On Music >
      • All Steamed Up
      • Music Under a Tennessee Moon
      • A Future Imagined
      • Nashville Lights
      • Finding the Right Key
      • Practice
      • 12 Reasons Live Music
    • On Family >
      • Opening a Closed Book
      • Powers of Two
      • A Father's Spring
      • The Last Day >
        • Spry Interview
    • On Home >
      • Brick by Brick
      • Best not to Know
      • The Bouquet
    • On Mortality >
      • Dead Bodies
      • Being Whole
      • Shaken Ground
      • Soft Spot
    • On Living Fully >
      • Everything's in Color
      • Becoming Human
      • The Immortal Years
      • The Cost of Jury Duty
      • Broken Bones
  • Fiction
    • Enraptured
    • Buried Treasure
    • Soaring
    • Evening
  • Events
  • Media
  • Contact