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 explains his unique views on vitality and liberation through music. Its views on perfectionism are enlightening, down-to-earth, and empowering - and they apply to all readers, whether or not they are musicians.

Currently in its second printing in softcover, the book has sold over 13,000 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.

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?"

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

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?”

From Polanyi to the 21st Century (conference proceedings 1991). "Tacit Knowing at the Piano Bench"

MUSICAL EDITIONS    

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

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