I have read The Musician’s Toolbox and am very
impressed with its content. I am happy to endorse this book.
Christoph Eschenbach
Music Director, The Philadelphia Orchestra
It is rare to find an easy to read, highly informative
collection of helpful hints and creative ideas in one publication,
but The Musician’s Toolbox by Diane and Nick Petrella is such
a find. Divided into sections focused on teaching, learning, performing,
general and health and wellness, the 111 tools, each of which includes
suggested projects to put the tools into action, are practical action-oriented
activities that will stimulate the growth of every musician. This
is a publication you’ll keep going back to when you want to
restart your engine.
Sandy Feldstein
Publisher, Composer, Author
Owner of PlayinTime Productions, Inc. and Sandy Feldstein Music
The Musician's Toolbox oozes with short, sharp and
totally invaluable "tools." The target audience for this
publication is EVERYONE simply because we can relate to the "tools"
even beyond the world of music. Whether you are embarking on your
first percussion lesson or you are the leader of the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, read this book! The realistic and practical action plans
are brilliant - they totally enhance our lateral and independent
thinking skills, and the fun of just being curious. There is no
doubt that this book will enhance all we do as musicians and as
human beings.
Evelyn Glennie OBE
International Percussion Soloist
The Musician’s Toolbox is full of practical ideas
to help you succeed in the classroom as well as in life. There is
real “take-home” value for everyone.
Joe Lamond
President and CEO
NAMM, the International Music Products Association
The Musician's Toolbox is an idea whose time has come. Diane and
Nick Petrella have efficiently and effectively created a blueprint-of-success
for anyone and everyone interested in the art of music-making, music-teaching,
and music-learning. Each of the 111 tools will generate an "AHA"
moment for the reader. From basic pragmatic suggestions ("How
to use a metronome”) to philosophical introspection ("Remember
your reactions to different teaching styles"), the content
is relevant, timely, and valuable. It's a MUST READ for all.
Tim Lautzenheiser
Attitude Concepts, Inc.
Conn-Selmer, Inc.
When I first saw The Musician’s Toolbox, I smiled and nodded
my head. The concepts in this book, and especially the toolbox analogy
fit 100% into my philosophy of teaching. Our American Band College
masters degree program for band directors does exactly what this
book does: It provides a logical vehicle for the mastery of tool
after tool. The way in which that can be presented guarantees that
the student will master the tools in a small box and then gradually
need a much bigger box in which to keep all the new tools obtained.
M. Max McKee
Executive Director
American Band College
Editor, Bandworld Magazine
A wise man once said “one action was worth 1000 conferences.”
If this is true, then the Musician’s Toolbox is like a notebook
filled with all the great “action ideas” from those conference
sessions… multiplied by 100! The Musician’s Toolbox is
packed with practical, applicable, real world strategies to help
any musician/music educator succeed on his or her career path. Diane
and Nick Petrella have created a long overdue guide that will certainly
become an important resource for most musicians for years to come.
Bob Morrison
Chairman and CEO
Music for All Foundation
Diane and Nick Petrella have compiled an impressive and practical
guide of do's and don'ts (111 of them to be precise) for everyone
from the novice to the experienced musician. Also included is a
comprehensive list of international music organizations. The Musicians
Toolbox is a "must have" for every musician’s library.
Kenneth R. Raessler
Professor and Director of the School of Music, Emeritus
Texas Christian University
This book truly is a toolbox filled with great insight
for the very beginner to the very experienced musician of all ages.
It is the compilation of two excellent musicians’ recognition
of the many challenges musicians face as they develop proficiency
in their specific instrument and also in life as a student, teacher,
and professional. The Musician’s Toolbox applies to anyone
desiring to participate in the joy of playing music.
Stephen West
Current AMC Board Member
Past Chairman NAMM
