[sent on behalf of Dr Warren Brodsky]
more information available here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/seasoned-musicians-playing-beyond-the-5th-decade-9780198956471?cc=gb&lang=en&
Just Published (August 14th 2025) by Oxford University Press:
Seasoned Musicians Playing Beyond the 5th Decade; A Case Study on Symphony Orchestra Lifestyle and Ageing.
480 Pages. 6 Figures. 50 Tables. ISBN: 9780198956471
By: Warren Brodsky
This investigation into the vicissitudes of ageing and the orchestral community suggests there is a more positive and successful process of ageing than previously imagined. The book is based on over 50 interviews, a tapping study, two music performance studies, and a think-aloud protocol during deliberate practice. The participants were with full-time contract professional Symphony Orchestra musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Halle Orchestra (UK), the Jerusalem Symphony Broadcasting Orchestra and the Israel Sinfoneitta Orchestra (Israel), and the Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra (Germany).
PART I. Background and Foreground
1:Rationale, Methodology, and Book Outline
2:On Becoming and Being an Orchestra Musician
PART II. The Interview Study
3:Mental Considerations for Positive Ageing Among Orchestra Players
4:Motor Considerations for Positive Ageing Among Orchestra Players
5:Emotional Considerations for Positive Ageing Among Orchestra Players
6:Music Performance Considerations for Positive Ageing Among Orchestra Players
7:Environmental and Organizational Considerations for Positive Ageing Among Orchestra Players
Part III. Performance Analysis
8:Psychomotor Tapping
9:Performing Music, Part A: Think Aloud Protocols
10:Performing Music, Part B: Music Performance Evaluation
Part IV. Seasoned Musicians
11:Positive Ageing and Creative Resilience
12:Looking Back from Retirement
13:Finale: Musical Gerontivity
Appendix A. Music Score Notation
Appendix B. Keele Assessment of Auditory Style
References
Index
