Last updated on November 29, 2023

Bruce Mishkit – Master Lessons for the Creative Musician

This is a short review of the Bruce Mishkit – Master Lessons For The Creative Musician (Published 2005). This book was originally published by Warner Bros. Publications in 1994, as Sax/Flute Lessons with the Greats. The book includes an audio CD with lesson examples.
As I remember, I read excerpts from this book back in the nineties in Saxophone Journal published by Dorn Pub., and I wished to buy it back then. Finally I bought it a couple of years ago directly from Bruce.

After a short foreword, the book is divided in seven chapters: Ernie Watts, Lenny Picket, Hubert Laws, Paquito D’Rivera, David Liebman, Joe Lovano and in the final chapter Bruce Mishkit shares some useful insights on jazz theory (scales/chords). Each chapter includes useful examples/exercises/fingering charts for altissimo, which are also recorded, so they can be listened to on the accompanying audio CD. In every lesson those six masters share their insights on technique, tone production, practicing, improvisation, pedagogy, doubling and their own thoughts on the music business. Every lesson is very special and individual. If I had to choose my favorite lessons from the book, those would be the one with Ernie Watts (insightful thoughts on life and business), Hubert Laws (great for flute players, saxophone players doubling on flute) and Dave Liebman, which I’m familiar with through his book Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound. 

I would highly recommend this book to every saxophone/flute or woodwind player, no matter if jazz or classical. The book is affordable ($32 – $36, depending on shipping location), and can be bought directly from Bruce’s website.
Keep on practicing! 😉