Musician & Co. Book Club

Cal Newport's book is a countercultural invitation to do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and obsess over quality. You'll find a thoughtful, sustainable alternative to the busyness and overwhelm so many of us experience in our work and practical approaches to help you shift to a more timeless approach.Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)3 Ways to Organize Your WorkweekWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Denk's book is part memoir, part musical analysis, and part reflection on what it means to grow into a life in music. Ultimately, it's a story about becoming and the lessons learned along the way. You'll find humorous personal anecdotes, reflections on the realities of developing an artistic practice, and an appendix with Denk's most recommended pieces of classical music.Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Every Good Boy Does Fine playlistWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Violist and scholar, Dr. Molly Gebrian looks at the neuroscience of how we learn and memorize information and applies this to practicing and performance. This book is a practical guide for musicians of all levels, based on the principles of how the brain processes and stores information (short- and long-term).Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cal Newport has much to share on the topic of work, focus, and time management in this thoughtful, actionable, well-researched book. He reminds us that our time and attention are limited resources, and to foster deep work, there are a few rules we should follow (#2 may surprise you).Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Time-Blocking for Musicians: How to Structure Your WorkdayWhat I Learned from 6 Months of Time TrackingWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you’re still dreaming about your music career, actively building your portfolio, or simply trying to make smarter choices about where to invest your time and energy, The Long Game offers an important reminder: Carve your own path. Don’t feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing. Play your own game.Resource List:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)The Creative Habit (Twyla Tharp)Daily Rituals: Women at Work (Mason Currey)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I thought January was the perfect time to read The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success. This book teaches a small but important shift that can have a profound impact on your creative work and personal life.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Morgann DavisSlow Productivity (Cal Newport)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading Hidden Genius by Polina Pompliano. This book is a collection of stories, insights, and lessons learned from top performers, entrepreneurs, and creators. It all starts with this question: “What distinguishes the truly exceptional from the merely great?”Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 68, Ep. 69, Ep. 71What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading Feel Good Productivity by Dr. Ali Abdaal. As busy working musicians, we’re all familiar with the quest to be more productive—to get more done in less time. But what if it were simpler than that? Building on decades of psychological research, Dr. Abdaal discovered that the secret to productivity isn’t discipline... it’s joy. Here are my 5 big takeaways from this book.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 71How to Overcome Procrastination & Get More DoneWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading This Is Marketing by Seth Godin—timeless truths about marketing and how to share your creative work in a way that’s genuine and intentional and builds trust. Contrary to popular marketing gimmicks, Godin re-frames marketing as an act of generosity based on empathy, the power of connection, and the change we all seek. Here are my 5 big takeaways.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading Daily Rituals by Mason Currey—an inside look at the routines, rituals, and daily work schedules of 161 well-known writers, performers, composers, artists, philosophers, and other creatives along with insights into their creative processes. Through primary source materials (interviews, letters, and personal accounts), he pieces together a picture of the daily rituals of some of the most famous artists and creators.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz—a guide to organizing your finances and building a profitable business.We'll talk about how to use this framework + share tips for structuring your time and working more efficiently. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Profitable Pricing Guide for MusiciansPricing Calculators for MusiciansHow to Organize Your Finances As a MusicpreneurBookkeeping Templates for Self-Employed MusiciansWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been reading Company of One by Paul Jarvis, a field guide for building and running your own business. Jarvis talks about sustainability, purpose vs. passion, a new form of marketing, banking social capital, time management, financial planning, and more. Here are 7 key ideas to apply to your music career.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)The Practice (Seth Godin)7 Ways to Work on Your Business During Slow MonthsMaker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule (Paul Graham)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This supports the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This last month, we've been reading The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self by award-winning pianist and pedagogue William Westney.This book is all about embracing mistakes, recognizing the value of these moments and what they have to teach us, and cultivating this mindset in our students. Today, I'm sharing four practical insights for musicians and teachers of all instruments.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This past month, we've been reading The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin. This book is about cultivating a creative practice for your work: a routine that helps you show up consistently, tune out distractions, and get to work.Through a series of mini-chapters, Godin explores topics such as creating without guarantees, focusing on generosity over outcomes, embracing imposter syndrome (not trying to beat it or overcome it), and leaning into tension in our work as a means to create change. Let's begin.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)How to Navigate the Imposter Phenomenon As a Classical MusicianWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, we've been reading Soundtracks by New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff, designed to help you stop overthinking by asking whether your thoughts are true, letting go of unhelpful and unkind ideas, learning how to replace broken soundtracks with new ones, collecting thoughtful affirmations and mantras, and using symbols to remind you of positive thoughts.I had a lot of highlighted sections when I finished reading this book. Today, I'm sharing 5 big-picture takeaways, so let's dive in.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Digital Minimalism (Cal Newport)Braving the Wilderness (Brené Brown)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This summer, we've been reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.I read this book last summer and I loved coming back to some of the concepts and ideas he shares. I like his research-y writing approach and the things he includes from other fields to help us contemplate our relationship with digital media and social media platforms and the way we use technology.Here are six topics worth contemplating.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (Daniel H. Pink)The Secrets of Solitude (and Why We Need It)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're talking about "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink.He explores the science behind human motivation, which is something that's valuable to know as individuals, as leaders, and as teachers—learning about what drives us, but also what drives and motivates our students and those that we work with. It's really important to understand the psychology behind motivation and I thought this book would be a good introduction to that topic.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What Motivates You in Your Music Career?What Type of Music Career is Right for You? [Free Quiz]What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf + get curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs📖 Join the Musician & Co. Book Club + get a 4-week reading plan and links to our reviewsLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: [email protected] you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Looking to streamline your business workflows? Visit the ✨new✨ Musician & Co. shop + get customizable pre-written templates created specifically for self-employed musicians, starting at $37.Want to build a diversified portfolio career? Join the Musicpreneur Model and learn the essential business strategies you need as a classical musician in a post-pandemic, AI-generated world + use our proven model to build a portfolio career that's unique to you.Ready to work with us 1:1? From music career advising to professional writing reviews to brand and website audits, we'll bring our best business skills to the table to help you manage and curate your music career.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase through any of them, I will earn a small commission. This helps support the Musician & Co. blog and allows me to continue creating free content (like hosting this book club). Thank you for your support!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.