The Maestro and Me

Lessons in Violin and Life with Julian Brodetsky

By: Leonard Wibberley

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

With his trademark wit, Wibberley shares stories that shaped his journey with the violin—from his beginnings as a young student in London to his transformative studies with Russian maestro Julian Brodetsky in Los Angeles.

Brodetsky, once a celebrated concert violinist in Europe and friend to luminaries like Segovia and Pavlova, chose teaching over performing when he settled in California. His rigorous standards and deep compassion made him not only an exceptional teacher but also a cherished friend to Wibberley.

The Maestro and Me is both a memoir and a musical instruction manual that delves into Brodetsky’s belief in “deliberate practice,” a method of learning music that focuses on targeted, thoughtful exercises rather than mindless repetition, designed to enhance performance, technique, and musical interpretation.

Wibberley paints a vivid picture of the profound impact Brodetsky had on those around him, including Wibberley, whose life was forever changed by this unique maestro-student relationship. This book is a must-read for musicians of all ages and levels, music lovers, and anyone who values the transformative power of friendship. This book was first published with the title: Ah Julian! A Memoir of Julian Brodetsky.

Leonard Wibberley wrote over 100 books. He was also an adventurer, sailor, violin player, and violin maker.

Winner of Commonwealth Club of California Book Award for Non-Fiction 1963

“The theme is dedicated to a greater and more endearing purpose; to reveal the true story of his friendship with a noble man… the pupil became a friend, and the friend began to play the violin. The happy association is narrated with Wibberley’s best sparkle.”—Kirkus Reviews

“In Mr. Wibberley’s loving portrait, Julian Brodetsky emerges as an idealist with a passion for his profession, a moody inspirational philosopher, a man full of colorful stories about his native land. Like many Irishmen, Mr. Wibberley writes with a mixture of engaging wit and sentimentality.”—The New York Times