Preview
  • Every Good Boy Does Fine

  • A Love Story, in Music Lessons
  • By: Jeremy Denk
  • Narrated by: Jeremy Denk
  • Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (200 ratings)

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Every Good Boy Does Fine

By: Jeremy Denk
Narrated by: Jeremy Denk
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Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A beautifully written, witty memoir that is also an immersive exploration of classical music—its power, its meanings, and what it can teach us about ourselves—from the MacArthur “Genius” Grant–winning pianist

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL • “Jeremy Denk has written a love letter to the music, and especially to the music teachers, in his life.”—Conrad Tao, pianist and composer


ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker

In Every Good Boy Does Fine, renowned pianist Jeremy Denk traces an implausible journey. His life is already a little tough as a precocious, temperamental six-year-old piano prodigy in New Jersey, and then a family meltdown forces a move to New Mexico. There, Denk must please a new taskmaster, an embittered but devoted professor, while navigating junior high school. At sixteen he escapes to college in Ohio, only to encounter a bewildering new cast of music teachers, both kind and cruel. After many humiliations and a few triumphs, he ultimately finds his way as a world-touring pianist, a MacArthur “Genius,” and a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall.

Many classical music memoirs focus on famous musicians and professional accomplishments, but this book focuses on the everyday: neighborhood teacher, high school orchestra, local conductor. There are few writers capable of so deeply illuminating the trials of artistic practice—hours of daily repetition, mystifying advice, pressure from parents and teachers. But under all this struggle is a love letter to the act of teaching.

In lively, endlessly imaginative prose, Denk dives deeply into the pieces and composers that have shaped him—Bach, Mozart, and Brahms, among others—and offers lessons on melody, harmony, and rhythm. How do melodies work? Why is harmony such a mystery to most people? Why are teachers so obsessed with the metronome?

In Every Good Boy Does Fine, Denk shares the most meaningful lessons of his life, and tries to repay a debt to his teachers. He also reminds us that we must never stop asking questions about music and its purposes: consolation, an armor against disillusionment, pure pleasure, a diversion, a refuge, and a vehicle for empathy.

©2022 Jeremy Denk (P)2022 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

“Wildly ambitious, far exceeding the author’s modest description of it as ‘the story of piano lessons.’ . . . [Jeremy] Denk writes feelingly on the artist’s self-dramatization, the formation of a self . . . the conviction that you have something special to contribute to the appreciation of what you are performing, grasping whatever gives you the audacity to present yourself before the public. These are as much the subject of the book as its ostensible subject, piano lessons; these are life lessons.”—Simon Callow, The New York Review of Books

“Lucid and bittersweet . . . Like Bach, whose ‘Goldberg Variations’ he has recorded with great rigor and warmth, Denk knows how to spin rich counterpoint out of multiple lines. And like Mozart, who with a harmonic sleight of hand can find the sublime in mere scales, Denk knows how to make art out of ‘a love for the steps, the joys of growing and outgrowing and being outgrown.’”The New York Times

“A boy tumbles into manhood while learning classical piano in this raucous coming-of-age memoir . . . Denk’s sparkling prose, frankness, and humor make for an indelible portrait of the musician as a bewildered kid.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)

What listeners say about Every Good Boy Does Fine

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Musical examples make this shine

I started reading the book but then was told that the audiobook had musical examples, which completely changed the reading / listening experience.

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Frazier

I enjoyed the authors journey but couldn’t help imagining it as a spin off of the TV series Frazier. The main character, of course, being Niles Crane.

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Brilliant

This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Denk is not only a brilliant pianist but also a brilliant writer. I read the book on paper and then listened to Denk’s reading. He enhances the experience with the excerpts he plays. Memorable.

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The best reader, in all of audible

I’ve never heard a narrator, more expressive and impactful.. Jeremy Denk’s reading of his own book accompanied with his exceptional piano playing is transforming. I truly will listen to this again. I wished the book went on for another 600 pages.

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Good but not great

I read this on the recommendation of a friend. I loved the book initially. It felt a little bogged down in the middle at times. Then, I picked up again towards the end. The ending feels a bit unresolved though. The writing is superb. Such beautiful descriptions of both life and music. But, at times it was a little boring in the details of it all. Still, I’m glad I read it.

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A complete pleasure

The best book on music by a musician I have ever read. Honest and clear. Bridges the gap between performing virtuoso and ordinary music lover. Imparts major insights into the importance of the student teacher relationship with humor, sensitivity and insight. The Superb writing is a bonus.

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Best Audio Book I’ve Listened To

The elegant incorporation of music played by the author into the text takes this to a new place. The text is great on its own, but the addition of the music enhances the experience greatly. Mr. Denk is also a very good reader, and that adds to the effect as well. If you like music and in particular classical music, this book is a must listen.

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Stunning

One of the most amazing performances I have ever “read..” Jeremy Denk takes us on a roller coaster of brilliance, music, love and metaphor. Can’t wait to listen to it again!

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How determined he was .

I'm enjoying listening to this book .I can identify with the story . I just couldn't take Piano lessons until now , At the age of 64 I'm taking Piano lessons and I'm enjoying every moment . Thank you 😊.

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Great book.

I’m a pianist and have taught piano for 50 years. This was the best book I’ve ever read about the difficult process of training as a musician. I loved reading about the inspiring teaching of Georgy Sebok as much as I loved the anecdotes about teaching less than sterling students. Denk is marvelous musician with a beautifully imaginative and sensitive way of talking about music. He’s also got a wonderful sense of humor! I loved this book.

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