Sculpting the Art in Music: Observations of a Flutist explores the practice of playing music as it relates to the broader practice of the arts.
Written in short essay style sections, the book is a combination of personal memoir, instruction, history and social outlook, and encourages us to look beyond standard viewpoints to more expansive approaches.
The author acknowledges that the arts are related in process and in meaning, and they are a search for truth. She adds, “Observing the calls of screech owls or learning from ballet dancers are translated into lessons for a musician, a flutist, an artist.”
What people are saying:
In Sculpting the Art in Music, Anne Stackpole-Cuellar shares with her readers a lifetime of experience as a flute player and as someone who has thought deeply about their craft. In addition to providing a wealth of invaluable technical advice to her fellow instrumentalists, Anne also taps into the rich vein of thinking about music and art to guide us through the various physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of performance; in the process, she reminds us of the strong link that exists between mind, body, and soul and that lies at the core of creativity and interpretation. Musicians and non-musicians alike will find much in these pages to savor and contemplate.
Bob Abbey, musician, composer, professor, librarian
… Made me feel that a friend is generously sharing lessons lived and learned over a lifetime, giving permission to slow down and savor, to rediscover the discipline to delve into music or writing or any art and become who I’m yearning to be.
Ellen Hansen, writer, fiddler, international tour manager
Detailed instructions and observations for flute players start the book. These are also interesting for the non-musician for understanding the intricacies musicians face while playing. The book goes beyond flute playing to the many aspects facing creativity for artists and how to maintain artistic integrity in a fractured, busy world. Of special interest is the section on the seldom told history women played in musical development. There are numerous personal, often humorous anecdotes which give a personal touch throughout the book. A fine read.
Kay Loa Knifer, artist, librarian
Sculpting the Art in Music strikes a resounding chord. Anne Stackpole-Cuellar creates a lyrical and poetic symphony comprised of essays on playing the flute, music, and art. She infuses memoir and philosophy into a rich tapestry that hits a crescendo at the coda. Lovely and life-affirming!
Susan K. Field, author, editor