Publications

BOOKS

(1) THE PERFECT WRONG NOTE: LEARNING TO TRUST YOUR MUSICAL SELF

Now available in "Kindle" format through Amazon.com

In November 2003, Amadeus Press released William Westney’s first book, THE PERFECT WRONG NOTE: LEARNING TO TRUST YOUR MUSICAL SELF. The culmination of 15 years of work, it outlines his unique views on vitality and liberation through music. Its perspective on perfectionism is enlightening, down-to-earth, and applicable to a wide readership – musicians and non-musicians alike.

Currently in its second printing in softcover, the book has sold over 15,000 copies worldwide.

Pre-publication response was strongly positive: "the work of a master teacher" (Betty Edwards, author of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain); "immensely inspiring, thought provoking, and fascinating," (Paul Sheftel, faculty, Juilliard School of Music); "This book has the potential to change lives" (Dee Coulter, faculty, Naropa University)

Enthusiastic reviews from around the world are echoing that assessment (almost every writer uses the word "refreshing" at some point): "rewarding and refreshing" (American Record Guide): "an absolute joy to read" (The Piano Professional - U.K.); "comprehensive, provocative, full of great advice" (Bass World - International Society of Bassists); "controversial, amusing, highly informative" (Pianist magazine - U.K.); "elegant, sensitive, and openhearted - Read this book!" (American Dalcroze Journal)

For the book-jacket description, click HERE.
For more quotes about the book, click HERE.
To view the Table of Contents, click HERE.
For Reader Comments (from Amazon.com) click HERE.

(2) Research report in photo-essay in book form (November 2010): - Music, Movement, Performance & Perception: Perspectives on Cross-Disciplinary Research and Teaching within NNIMIPA (Nordic Network for the Integration of Music Informatics, Performance and Aesthetics).

An essay in words and pictures recounting the NordPlus-sponsored Coordination Meeting for NNIMIPA held at the University of Oslo, February 18-19, 2010. Text: Cynthia M. Grund and William Westney. Photography: Cynthia M. Grund. Online version available HERE.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

Grund, C. M. and Westney, W.  "Narrative and Music: A Flexible Partnership on the Performing Stage and in the Rehearsal Studio."
Working with Stories. Narrative as a Meeting Place for Theory, Analysis and Practice: Proceedings from the 2nd ENN Conference, Kolding (Denmark) 2011, pp. 78-92. Publisher: European Narratology Network (ENN) | www.narratology.net. Collected by Per Krogh Hansen, Chairman of the ENN.

W. Westney. "Tacit Knowing at the Piano Bench."
From Polanyi to the 21st Century. Annual meeting of The Polanyi Society, Kent State University, Ohio, 1991.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Mothering: May/June 2004: "Juicy Mistakes"

SELECTED JOURNAL ARTICLES

American Music Teacher: June/July 2005. "Essential Skills: Risks and Rewards" (winner, Article of the Year)

American Music Teacher: Dec./Jan 2003-4. "Out of Control? The Fulfilling Drama of Performing"

American Music Teacher: Aug./Sept. 1999. "Let’s Re-think our Contest-Judging Criteria"

Piano Life: March 1998. "If Piano Lessons are to Survive . . ."

American Music Teacher: Feb./March 1997. "What's Right about Wrong Notes?"

Piano Life: April 1997. "The Un-Master Class - What is it?"

Keyboard Companion: Spring 1994 Column “You and Your Piano”; topic: “Does Piano Study Help Children in Other Aspects of School Study?”; Winter 1996 Column “Home Practice”; topic: “I played it well at home – why not here?”

Clavier: April 1993 Lead Article - "Why Piano Lessons Matter"; Jan. 1980. Article - "Pianistic Bravura - Can it be Taught?"

MUSICAL EDITIONS

Selected Studies, op. 45 and 46 by Stephen Heller
(with CD recording) 2005. Schirmer "Performance Editions" (Hal Leonard Publications)

Etudes, op. 109 by Friedrich Burgmüller (with CD recording) 2009. Schirmer "Performance Editions" (Hal Leonard Publications).

Review in Clavier Companion July/August 2011:
(after opening link, click on page to enlarge text)