Unintentional Music

The last time you whistled a tune or hummed a song-why did you choose that one? You may not consider yourself a musical person, but your little act of unintended music may be the key to unlocking within you a wealth of unsuspected creativity-a kind of creativity that goes way beyond music, too.

Lane Arye, Ph.D., a musician himself, focuses on the music that people do not intend to make. Using the highly regarded psychological model called Process Work, developed by Arnold Mindell, Ph.D., Arye has been teaching students around the world how to awaken their creativity, using music as the starting point, but including all art forms and ways of expression.

The unintentional appears at moments when some hidden part of us, something beyond our usual awareness, suddenly tries to express itself. If we start paying attention to what is trying to happen rather than to what we think should happen, we open the door to self-discovery and creativity. Sometimes what we regard as "mistakes" in self-expression are in fact treasures.

The book is rich with real-life stories, ideas, and practical techniques for unlocking creativity, which Arye dispenses with humor, insight, and enthusiasm:

"Exploring the unintentional with curiosity and love can help us tap into the wellsprings of our deepest creativity, and make our music, our art, and, ultimately, our lives more authentic, meaningful, and original."

"This refreshingly original book is beautifully written, heartfelt, and soulful. With fun and excitement, it unveils a new world of music and creativity. The language itself reads like music."
-Arnold Mindell
Author of Dreaming While Awake and 13 other books

"An utterly new approach! This book has profoundly changed the way I play and teach music. Unintentional Music magically touches your soul at the same time it awakens your creativity."
-Magdalena Schatzmann
Conservatory of Music in Bern, Switzerland