I’m so proud of my client CCbass today she is celebrating the launch of her new book Play Confidently: Quiet Your Inner Critic. She has worked so hard and the books is so good. I love watching a dream come true! So if you are a musician and you want to play more confidently or if you just a person who want to quiet you inner critic pick up your copy today. It’s a great read.
CC’s book has some concrete advice on what: play heads up, make eye contact, look like you’re enjoying yourself – as in smile once a century, move around a little. We’re also supposed to aim for having the material down to muscle memory (she’s first to admit that takes some doing – keep it as an earnest goal, and we’ll be fine). One tip from the book I’m using is to get off the bench and play standing up, something I rarely do. It’s a quick read and time well spent.
~ Pete Reppert
I really enjoyed reading your book. General readers can relate to and benefit from the principles you wrote for fellow musicians. Your transparency was refreshing and is likely to help your readers realize that they can conquer doubt, fear, low self-esteem and the other challenges addressed. Your book is a much needed reminder of the importance of being careful about our thoughts, pushing ourselves to excel, and getting help when we need it. Your narrative will reassure readers who thought “It is just me. No one else has these experiences and feelings.” Your story and principles will restore readers’ who have fallen, and doubt their ability to get up and recover.
~ Dr. Regina Akers
I first decided to learn to play the guitar after retiring from a long career in education. However, along the way, there have been several times that I nearly abandoned that pursuit, giving up and walking away altogether. This was true despite enrolling in group classes several times or getting the instruction and support through private lessons. The idea that this was a goal that I could realistically accomplish at an older age became a daunting thought. When trying to learn a new skill later in life, it can often be overwhelming in the midst of the learning process and quickly lead to feelings of defeat.
Along my journey, I met CC. After reading her book, we began having conversations about her own story which included some of the challenges she has faced, along with obstacles she has had to overcome to be the skilled and talented bass guitarist she is today. Getting to know her as a musician, started to reenergize me and fueled my desire to continue pursuing my own goal of learning to play no matter how long it would take.
CC has been both a coach and mentor who continues to guide, encourage, and support me. I’ve been most inspired by her willingness to be honest and transparent about her own journey which can help build confidence in others who want to learn to play an instrument.
~ Patrice Smith