Customer Reviews
making music making more passionate 
2005-09-20
I first read this book when a band director friend loaned it to me and I was instantly blown away by how easy to read it was and by just how fascinating it was at the same time, Now I am in my first year teaching band and choir and by reading this book I have a lot to think about daily. This book definately helped me and I recomend it to anyone in the music field as a way of energizing not only your students but also yourself.
If you can do what this man teachs--wow! 2005-01-16
I just returned from a concert conducted by Peter Boonshaft. It was an all-county band concert (high-school aged musicians chosen for participation through an audition process) where roughly 125 students meet and work with a guest conductor for three days then present four or five pieces in-concert. (Henrico County, VA)
Wow. I have seen plenty of student concerts in the years my son has participated in our county's first-class music program, but, from the moment Boonshaft raised his baton, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary.
If this book helps you communicate ten percent as effectively as Dr. Boonshaft communicated with these students and this audience, it is well worth twice the price. The students were truly, truly inspired and the audience was simply spellbound. Three standing ovations later, I realized I had witnessed a rare professional who is so confident about what he does that he transends self and is able to help those around him to experience his passion themselves--amazing.
The Book I Always Wanted. 2003-11-10
This is the book I always wanted to find. I have taught music for years and this is a book that blends inspiration with ideas to try. I love this book. I wish I had it when I first started teaching, but I am so glad I have it now. Read it and you will never forget it! It is simply a perfect book.
Great Book! 2003-11-08
This is a great book! I was told to buy it by three friends who are choir directors. They said it was a really great book. They were right!! It is so well written, and the ideas presented worked so well when I tried them in rehearsals. My students saw a difference almost immediately. The best thing about the book is that it is positive. I feel better about teaching, and am a better teacher every time I read a part of the book. My friends were right, this is a great book. Every music teacher should read it!
Every Music Teacher NEEDS to read this 2003-11-07
Teaching music with passion was the just the pick-me up I needed. If you're even considering this book, chances are you're a music educator that is spread a bit to thin but loves their "kids" (even when you don't always like them..)After reading this book I have vowed to read it every March, when june seems oh so far away and april vacation is but a distant memory. Teaching music with passion is filled with awesome practical information some of which served as a great refresher course and some that inspired me to try new things with my high school band. It's also filled with countless anticdotes that entertain but most importantly tell a story that is likely to remind you how much you love teaching and why you chose this profession in the first place.
Thankful customer 
2007-09-24
Good book for my needs. I'm a rookie conductor-director of orchestral ensembles and use materials like this regularly. Thanks and good luck with whatever new undertakings may leave you feeling as vulnerable and under-prepared as I!
Rob Rife
I haven't even finished the book yet! 2007-06-28
I have been so fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Boonshaft in performance. He recently conducted the community band that I have been involved with. My parents, who were audience members, and I were so impressed with Dr. Boonshaft, that my mother hopped on the computer and ordered this book as soon as we got home from the performance. I have since been reading it, a little at a time, finding it so full of amazing information, awesome advise, and well thought out structure that I have been savoring it and trying to absorb as much of it as possible. Currently, I have finished the first chapter and I am compelled to write the review!
For a girl who loves quotes, there are many, many quotes from astute thinkers from every realm in this book that are so ridiculously relevant to the subject Dr. Boonshaft is delving into. I highly recommend this book to ALL TEACHERS not just music teachers. Even though this book is titled "Teaching MUSIC with Passion" there are many concepts that are relevant for ALL teachers.
Practical advice you didn't learn in college 2007-01-16
I wish I had been taught all of these little tricks of the trade before I was tossed in and baptized by fire. My first years of teaching would have been DRASTICALLY different. I also find this book to be quite a good pick-me-up as well as cheerleader as I flirt with burnout on the occasion. Highly recommended!
Worth a Read 2006-09-04
I am a former student of Dr. Boonshaft, and was introduced to this book when it was assigned as my class text for the semester. The book was very consistent with my Secondary Band Methods class, and reading it allows outsiders to share in Dr. B's funny anecdotes and useful tips. It's almost like taking a class with him. It was interesting enough to read beyond the assigned sections each night. He touches on lots of useful rehearsal techniques and also gives advice on how to deal with different situations. Well known for his conducting, he breaks down different methods in Laymen's terms.
I highly recommend this book, for it an extremely useful read to keep on a nearby shelf for reference. Years later I still refer back to it on a regular basis. It speaks to the the director, the instrumentalist, the conductor and most importantly, the teacher.
If you're like me, it will definitely leave you inspired.
Teaching Music with Passion 2006-07-25
Dr. Boonshaft was a lecturer at The Complete Band Directors Workshop this year at Capital University. His presentation gave me many ideas for this school year to use with my middle school bands. I am about 3/4 of the way through his book and know I'll reread it because it has so many useful ideas for rehearsals. This is one to keep on your director's bookshelf.
