Joan Oliver Goldsmith

How Can We Keep from Singing

Music and the Passionate Life

"Full of shrewd observations on creativity, friendship, and love, [this is] a book, in other words, about life."—American Way

In this "rousing book that salutes the passion, the joy, and the pleasures of singing, music, and practice" (Spirituality and Health), Joan Oliver Goldsmith celebrates America's over 20 million singers and "teaches us that...to pursue a creative passion is a true act of love" (New Age). She guides us not only behind the scenes of choirs and ensembles but inside the making and hearing of harmonious sound. "Her words soar, growl, cry and whisper. And they inspire" (Publishers Weekly, starred review). As Goldsmith shares wisdom about finding one's voice, making mistakes, teaching, friendship, and the essential elements of creativity, "you'll learn [that] much of what she's learned from music is applicable to almost any life" (Minneapolis Star Tribune).

"'Singing for your life' is what Goldsmith's book is all about. Read it and sing!"—Bobby McFerrin


Joan Oliver Goldsmith is a freelance writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She sings with the Minnesota Chorale, performing with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and other orchestras.
How Can We Keep from Singing book jacket


December 2002 / paperback / ISBN 0-393-32364-1 / 6" x 8" / 224 pages / Music
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