Play it from the Heart captures the true spirit of the gift of music. It is something that every administrator, school board member and parent should read and a book that every teacher of music will love. This is a book that needed to be written, and Steven Moore does it with humor, compassion, and a keen insight into the world of music and music-making.
Paula A. Crider, president, The American Bandmasters Association, Professor Emerita, The University of Texas The emotional energy infused into any performance becomes the life blood of true music making. This book is a must read for not only young educators but even we stayed veterans who must never forget this important aspect of musical fulfillment. There is no substitute for diligence, desire and heartfelt passion for producing outstanding achievement. This publication contains helpful and practical commentary on the impact that Play it from the Heart can bring to students and teachers alike.
Ray E. Cramer, professor emeritus, Indiana University J. Steven Moore's Play It from the Heart looks at how students learn and grow through participating in music programs...His new book discusses what he and his students have learned about excellence, leadership, responsibility, cooperation, and passion from being in the band. The book uses stories and concepts from music education as models for success.
Teaching Music
Play it from the Heart is inspiring, encouraging, and rich in the author’s personal growth and discoveries.
American Music Teacher
Steven Moore's book Play it from the Heart is a must read for every band director. It is a journey through life experiences as a musician and band director. 'Enlightening,' 'sensitive,' and 'inspiring' best describe this important contribution to our profession. I truly enjoyed the beautiful journey that Steve has documented...Read it!!
Edward S. Lisk, clinician, conductor, author Play it from the Heart is a significant resource for music educators and music majors because it is a unique approach to the thought processes about the importance of music in everyone's lives—whether they teach it, perform it, or simply love it. It intensifies the intrinsic passion for the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students and makes us reflect upon the rewards that will follow.
Gary E. Smith, president, Smith Walbridge Clinics Steven Moore's Play It from the Heart rang so many bells for me. It's stories brought to mind many students and experiences from my career, all while bringing real lessons on how to live, teach, and be successful. A very engaging book, it will certainly be of great value for music teachers, but it does not stop there. Play It from the Heart reaches out with heartfelt messages to everyone concerned with excellence, success, leadership, and teamwork. The power of the experience of playing in a band (especially a great one), has long been known those those who have experienced it. Now, folks without that great experience have a chance to see the power of ensemble performance and to see how the dynamic lessons learned there can be applied to other areas of work and life.
Greg Bimm, director of bands, Marian Catholic High School, Illinois An amazing look at how we all learn and grow as human beings through the wonderful life experience of participating in music—particularly bands. This book—by a master educator, musician, conductor and mentor—is a must read for those who love people and aspire to give more of themselves to others through music.
James Curnow, composer, conductor, and music educator