Book Review: Amy Porter’s “The Anatomy of Sound” by Marianne Gedigian

When I learned Amy Porter, internationally acclaimed virtuoso and renowned professor at the University of Michigan, had released her first book, "The Anatomy of Sound: An Invitation to Discover the Inner Musician", I purchased it the moment it became available.  Amy’s previous contributions have been stellar, whether in recorded works or performance DVDs with verbal instruction, so I knew this would be a comprehensive and meaningful addition to our libraries.

This collection of commentary, reflection, and guidance is hefty. It is part autobiography, inspirational commentary, and, at its heart, a how-to guide toward motivation, self-discovery, and possibility. Amy offers an unabashed bird’s-eye view into her own artistic journey and her mentorship of hundreds of aspiring artists over the years. Now, Amy managed to organize her in-person summer workshop, Anatomy of Sound, where she partnered with beloved colleagues Laura Dwyer and Jerald Schwibert (to whom this book is dedicated) to bring it to book form.

This resource gold mine offers practical advice (basic instrument maintenance), specific guidance on all flute fundamentals, vulnerable personal stories, body-breath-sound connections, practice philosophy and implementation of practice, mindset, communication, performance empowerment, mental and emotional reflection, and vision with the ever-present intention.

For those who know Amy, you will smile at her stories and unique delivery, knowing she has put her entire being into these pages. For those who do not yet know Amy, you will as you turn each page. By the end, you may discover you have learned a great deal about the iconic artist-mentor Amy Porter and have learned even more about yourself.

Marianne Gedigian, Professor of Flute, Rice University Shepherd School of Music

Order the book HERE