The Art of Is

Improvising as a Way of Life

By: Stephen Nachmanovitch

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

A critically acclaimed musician and teacher presents a guide to the dynamics of improvisation.

It's easy to assume that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous and endlessly influential "I Have a Dream" speech was scripted beforehand, vetted by others, written, and rewritten. It was not. Instead, it was given on the fly, when from the audience, singer Mahalia Jackson urged King off his prepared text. The result has inspired millions.

The Art of Is contains breath-of-fresh-air thinking about how to cultivate the kind of game-changing creativity everyone seeks. Stephen Nachmanovitch shows exactly how the passion and immediacy of improvisation can be cultivated and how, in fact, we all improvise all the time - whether we are driving or deep in conversation. He explores ideas about being in the moment and reacting to people as they are, finding gold in unexpected distractions and roadblocks, and not only accepting, but also celebrating imperfections in everyday practices. This creative mindfulness also makes innovation the province not of solitary geniuses, but the result of engagement and interaction - and makes clear that improvising, creating, and innovating are only of value when rooted in an ethical and social foundation. The results, Nachmanovitch shows, foster meaningful change and invention - and may just ignite a dream.

©2019 Stephen Nachmanovitch (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Amazing work

I went into this book not knowing what to expect and received way more than I expected. A thoroughly “interesting” read, lots of philosophical questions and thoughts regarding how the present state of “is” is so much more than what we think. If you enjoy philosophical works and puzzling your mind about, you’ll love this one!

Amazing!!

Loved it!!! Also check out his book:
Free Play
It’s every bit as good :)
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Inspiring, insightful, and impactful

Nachmanovitch’s playful weaving of art and philosophy is delightful and delicious. His thoughts on improvising are easy to weave into the life you are already living and will elevate the work that you’re already engaged in.

Excellent book

The narration was excellent.
The writing is phenomenal and takes the reader to another place where art is treasured. The author teaches the reader how they can enter that land also.
Well worth your time

Book about art, improvisation and awearness

I didn't expect this book to be so deep! Wrote by a musician, step by step it shows you the great meaning behind the word art. The author teaches us to enjoy every moment of our life, and some Buddhist inspiration is clearly visible here. The nature of improvisation is another great part of the book. Stephen Nachmanovitch support his ideas with great stories. This book is very insightful and at the same time entertaining. Strongly recommend!