

Musician & Co. Book Club
Ashley Danyew
Welcome to the Musician & Co. Book Club! Join us as we read and review books on business, the creative process, music teaching, entrepreneurship, and being a musician. Have a friend who would enjoy these book recommendations and reviews? Invite them to sign up to be the first to know about our book picks each quarter, get reading plans and reflective questions, links to these book reviews, and other reading-related news. 📚About us: Musician & Co. is a resource for self-employed musicians, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. We talk about how to manage the business side of being a musician including how to market yourself, web design and branding, managing your accounting and taxes, organizing your finances, running a private studio, copyright and licensing, and the creative process. Browse the template shop, peruse our services, or check out the free resource library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 1, 2026 • 14min
Every Good Boy Does Fine
Jeremy Denk's book is part memoir, part musical analysis, and part reflection on what it means to grow into a life in music. Ultimately, it's a story about becoming and the lessons learned along the way. You'll find humorous personal anecdotes, reflections on the realities of developing an artistic practice, and an appendix with Denk's most recommended pieces of classical music.Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Every Good Boy Does Fine playlistWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 2025 • 19min
How to Learn Faster and Perform Better
Violist and scholar, Dr. Molly Gebrian looks at the neuroscience of how we learn and memorize information and applies this to practicing and performance. This book is a practical guide for musicians of all levels, based on the principles of how the brain processes and stores information (short- and long-term).Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2025 • 15min
The Deep Work Mindset
Explore the power of deep work and how it transforms productivity for musicians and creatives. Discover surprising rules to foster focus and the importance of distraction-free environments. Personal stories reveal how embracing boredom can enhance cognitive engagement. Plus, learn practical time-blocking strategies tailored for busy artists. This thoughtful discussion dives into effective time management and the impact of limiting technology on creative output.

May 1, 2025 • 16min
Play the Long Game
Whether you’re still dreaming about your music career, actively building your portfolio, or simply trying to make smarter choices about where to invest your time and energy, The Long Game offers an important reminder: Carve your own path. Don’t feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing. Play your own game.Resource List:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)The Creative Habit (Twyla Tharp)Daily Rituals: Women at Work (Mason Currey)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: book recommendations for musicians, teachers & entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 IG: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2025 • 15min
A Shift in Perspective
Explore the transformative ideas from 'The Gap and the Gain' that encourage a shift in mindset. Discover how focusing on progress rather than perfection can enhance happiness and creativity. Learn to celebrate small victories while pursuing your goals. The importance of being present and embracing challenges in your journey unfolds, especially for musicians. Insights on redefining success and fostering resilience make this discussion a fresh take on personal and professional growth.

Nov 1, 2024 • 15min
How to Be Truly Exceptional
We've been reading Hidden Genius by Polina Pompliano. This book is a collection of stories, insights, and lessons learned from top performers, entrepreneurs, and creators. It all starts with this question: “What distinguishes the truly exceptional from the merely great?”Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 68, Ep. 69, Ep. 71What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2024 • 16min
The Secret to Productivity...
We've been reading Feel Good Productivity by Dr. Ali Abdaal. As busy working musicians, we’re all familiar with the quest to be more productive—to get more done in less time. But what if it were simpler than that? Building on decades of psychological research, Dr. Abdaal discovered that the secret to productivity isn’t discipline... it’s joy. Here are my 5 big takeaways from this book.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Field Notes on Music Teaching & Learning - Ep. 71How to Overcome Procrastination & Get More DoneWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 1, 2024 • 19min
An Act of Generosity
We've been reading This Is Marketing by Seth Godin—timeless truths about marketing and how to share your creative work in a way that’s genuine and intentional and builds trust. Contrary to popular marketing gimmicks, Godin re-frames marketing as an act of generosity based on empathy, the power of connection, and the change we all seek. Here are my 5 big takeaways.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 2024 • 14min
On Developing a Daily Ritual
We've been reading Daily Rituals by Mason Currey—an inside look at the routines, rituals, and daily work schedules of 161 well-known writers, performers, composers, artists, philosophers, and other creatives along with insights into their creative processes. Through primary source materials (interviews, letters, and personal accounts), he pieces together a picture of the daily rituals of some of the most famous artists and creators.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)What to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 2023 • 17min
Building a Profitable Business From Day One
We've been reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz—a guide to organizing your finances and building a profitable business.We'll talk about how to use this framework + share tips for structuring your time and working more efficiently. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.Resource list:Buy this book on AmazonBuy this book on Bookshop (support independent bookstores 🙌)Profitable Pricing Guide for MusiciansPricing Calculators for MusiciansHow to Organize Your Finances As a MusicpreneurBookkeeping Templates for Self-Employed MusiciansWhat to read next:📚 See what's on our bookshelf: curated reading recommendations for musicians, teachers, and entrepreneursLet's be friends:📱 Find me on Instagram: @ashleydanyew✉️ Email me: hello@musicianandcompany.comWhenever you're ready, here are 3 ways we can work together:Music Business Templates - tools to help you manage the business side of your music career, starting at $37.The Musicpreneur Model - a self-paced course to help you build and manage a diversified portfolio career in music.1:1 Consulting - in-depth strategy sessions, résumé & CV writing reviews, and brand design.DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Thank you for supporting Musician & Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


