In Between the Lines
by composer Robert Bruce
In Between the Lines is a series of 3 books by composer Robert Bruce outlining a "natural philosophy" on music and offering an intuitive and composer-friendly method on the art and craft of writing music. This approach incorporates basic principles of music's spiritual origins that not only can, but must be custom-fitted to suit each individual.s natural musical tastes, styles and temperament. Experienced and beginning composers adopting this approach move at their own pace on an ongoing basis throughout their careers, discover and develop their own musical anchor points (their own "musical vocabulary") and mainly follow the musical pathways which are of most interest to them. This process, it is maintained and demonstrated, is the basic springboard from which all of the greatest and most effective music in our world, in any style or genre, is manifested.
In Between the Lines - Book One (10 years in the writing and completed in October, 2007. Now Available) lays the philosophical foundation on music with specific focuses on musical aesthetics, the spiritual origins of music and the therapeutic value of music. A significant amount of attention is also placed on the aspects of vibration and how every sound and piece of music reflects a particular state of consciousness; in effect, how music is a very broad and candid living language.
This book also takes a very frank and discerning look at the subject of "music therapy". While it is emphasized that music and every kind of creative expression has a degree of therapeutic value, sometimes a very high degree, the author shines a somewhat critical spotlight on what the so-called experts in this field really know and on the value of what they are offering. Robert Bruce, with an extensive background of his own in this area, takes some of the mystery and guesswork out of "music therapy" with by offering insights on music's original purpose.(Approx. 25,000 words)
In Between the Lines - Book Two (scheduled for release in 2009 but some of the contents also available as an online course . please be in touch if interested) is a detailed and insightful book on the principles of composition, writing music and the creative process. It not only points out how to develop one.s own compositional method and style but also details a number of elements that can be potentially damaging or confining to the creative process, particularly in the earlier stages of development when one.s habits, patterns and working methods are formed. Some of the things to be cautious of are so commonplace, subtle and seemingly innocent in nature that they are very often overlooked.
This book outlines how the path to writing deep, sincere, meaningful and effective music - that which people will naturally appreciate and respond to in a favourable way - is one that each person must travel in his or her own way. What exactly works for one will seldom work for another but there are a number of principles and elements in common to all creative processes in music. As certain basic principles are grasped, the person interested in writing music simply chooses, and continues to choose, all the musical brushes, colours, textures and canvases he or she desires to work with, and they become a living language of expression simply through the forces of desire, honesty and application. Confidence and clarity increase with practice and experience. Time, effort and dedication must be put in, but often in a casual, ongoing and non-strained manner, if one wishes to discover what works best and accomplish truly desirable results. At the same time the things that really work in writing music can often come quite easily, naturally and spontaneously and one need not necessarily go through long series. of pointless exercises and learn numerous techniques that are not at all suited to the styles and areas of music one is naturally suited for and/or interested in.
In Between the Lines - Book Three (release date not set at this time) is a musical autobiography of composer Robert Bruce detailing how he came to form his philosophy and compositional approach as well as his own musical style and ensemble which he has termed .Classical Nouveau..
Live Programs and Educational Workshops
Robert Bruce also offers several live programs that include a talk on his book series/philosophy and a live performance of a selection of his piano compositions that help illustrate various principles covered in his 3 books. Questions are taken from the audience or the program can be formatted into a workshop for music and/or composition students. These insightful and highly engaging integrated programs can be booked for a wide variety of groups including music students of all ages; art-related, health-related or philosophically-related groups; or audiences interested in spirituality, general interest, lifestyles and other related topics.