Overview

Life Lessons Through Music Shortlisted for The Age Non-fiction Book of the Year; People's Choice, Queensland Books of the Year; Booksellers' Choice Non-fiction Book of the Year. How can we pause long enough to repair ourselves? How can we make space and time in our lives to know ourselves? One way is through music - learning music, listening to music, being open to music. Because music consoles and restores us. Through music, whether we are listening or playing, we know ourselves more intimately, more honestly, and more clearly with every note. And with every note, music offers us a hand to the beyond. Through music, we can say what we didn't even know we felt. This book is an ode to music, and a celebration of humanity's greatest creation. It is not a call to arms, but a call to instruments. In music, Ed Ayres finds answers to the big questions life throws at us. Using personal anecdotes - including those relating to his transition from Emma to Ed - and observations from teaching and learning music, Ed finds hope in our desire to become whole, with some simple music lessons along the way. PRAISE 'Whole Notes may appear to be about music, but really, it's simply about how to be kind and how to listen without judgement. Which is the best definition of love, no?' Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald 'A truly beguiling account' Geraldine Doogue 'An almost divine presence' Rick Morton 'This is a gorgeous read. It is entertaining and educating in equal measure, and will leave its readers inspired' Celia Cobb, The Strad 'Don't miss this book - it is an ode to music, by a truly inspirational teacher' Inge Southcott, Loud Mouth, Music Trust e-zine 'Ayres communicates with joy, and clarity, inviting us to walk the journey of life with openness to others' Bishop Ian Palmer, The Melbourne Anglican 'With his collection of essayistic reflections on the beauty of music and what the process of learning it can teach us about life, Ayres has gifted his reader with something truly generous and utterly joyful' Stella Charls, Readings

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Ed Ayres is a writer, musician and broadcaster. He was born on the White Cliffs of Dover and began playing music when he was six years old. He studied music in Manchester, Berlin and London, played professionally in the UK and Hong Kong and moved to Australia in 2003. Ed is the presenter of ABC Classic's Weekend Breakfast. Ed has written three other books: Cadence, about his journey by bicycle from England to Hong Kong with only a violin for company; Danger Music, describing his year teaching music in Afghanistan; and Sonam and the Silence, a children's book about the importance of music. Ed's books have been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. Ed was born Emma and transitioned just before his fiftieth birthday. Better late than never.

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