Is there a book you’ve read that influenced the way you play or perform? 
Books can be an amazing inspiration, from fiction, to biographies, to self-help, and even sports psychology! These books can be absolutely inspiring to us as musicians. Are there any you’ve read that have stuck with you and changed the way you see your instrument, the way you play, or the way you perform? Let’s get a book list going!
I can’t wait to see everyone’s book lists!
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The Inner Game of Tennis - the original Inner Game book by Timothy Gallwey. I read it at age 23 or so, and it changed the way I think about learning, skills, being.
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Dave McLellan Dave McLellan I know the book well. Have your ever read Golf in the Kingdom? I once wrote a book with Dr. Eugene Gauron called Mental Training for Peak Performance. It's full of good tips on how to achieve success.
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Stephen Holland thanks. I will check out Golf and yours.
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So many books ... One book I find inspiring is Learning Disabilities and Life Stories by Pano Rodis, Andrew Garrod, and Mary Lynn Boscardin. In this book, a few with learning disabilities author their stories of coping with challenges. This book helps me to see another's perspective. I will also mention a book I wrote - Talkin" Dan Gable. It was more the writing of the book. Gable is an Olympic wrestler who worked hard to achieve his goals. This focuses on his intensity. I do not have a a great musical talent, but I am willing to work hard. Working hard - and smart - goes a fair distance on the path to success.
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Molly Gebrian’s “Learn Faster, Perform Better.” And its opposite, “The Perfect Wrong Note,” by William Westney.
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For folks who mentioned the inner game books, I recommend the Inner Game of Music, by Barry Green. It changed the way I practice for performance. https://theinnergame.com/inner-game-books/inner-game-of-music/
