Whenever You're Ready
How to Compose the Life of Your Dreams
by Jeeyoon Kim
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Pub Date Aug 24 2021 | Archive Date Sep 14 2021
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press
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Description
Jeeyoon Kim is a professional concert pianist who has performed in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago. As an accomplished performing artist and award-winning music educator, she credits her success to key disciplines, practices, and mindsets that she lives out every day. In Whenever You’re Ready, she gives readers a personal glimpse into her life, shares wisdom and insights she’s gained from her experiences, and shows people how to achieve their own personal and professional success.
Structured like one of the concerts she performs, this self-help book starts with a prelude and contains five movements, each focused on a different theme, such as forming habits and boosting creativity. Each movement is followed by a quick intermission that takes readers through a mini master class to help them gain an appreciation of classical music.
Before every performance, Jeeyoon prepares herself mentally, emotionally, and physically in the green room. She knows she’ll soon step onto the stage, where people have come to see what she has to offer the world. In the final moment when she’s backstage and about to meet her audience, she notes that someone, with their hand on the stage door, always waits for her cue. “Whenever you’re ready . . .” they tell her. She nods, they open the door, and it’s time for her to perform.
This book is about helping readers prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for their own performances. Whether they are hoping to land a job, practicing for a speech, training for a marathon, or trying to accomplish a goal, Jeeyoon’s book will offer them advice, encouragement, and practical exercises they can use to help them perform at their best and achieve their dreams. With warmth, honesty, and compassion, Jeeyoon speaks to readers who are in their own green rooms and invites them to live the life they hope for.
Advance Praise
“What a delightful lesson this book is! A caring and empathetic teacher, Jeeyoon teaches us how to nurture curiosity, seek our inner child, and embrace a more balanced approach to pursuing our dreams.”
—Karen Thickstun, NCTM, Piano Pedagogy faculty member at Butler University
“Like the succinct distillation of human emotion she creates in her powerful piano performances, Jeeyoon shares with us in these pages her personal ‘tool kit for life.’ With these simple yet profound techniques, practices, and intentions, we are gently guided and encouraged to be open to new potential and possibilities within ourselves and taught how to bring them into reality to live the life we long for. A beautifully articulated, rare glimpse into the inner mind of a consummate musician and human being . . .”
—Susan Kitterman, Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of the New World Youth Orchestra
“Part inspiration, part practical guide, Jeeyoon Kim serves up nuggets of wisdom—whether you’re truly stuck or just seeking a nudge. Open up to any page the next time you need a pep talk.”
—Karen Zorn, President of Longy School of Music
“In the rarified world of classical music, talent is never enough. With Whenever You’re Ready, classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim reveals the secrets of success in five life-changing movements. Charming, insightful, inspiring, and practical, this is a must-read for anyone with dreams.”
—Tim Wilson, Executive Director of Western Arts Alliance
“I wish I had had this book at the beginning of my musical career, and I am fortunate to have it now. Jeeyoon has given us an inspirational set of tools at our fingertips. I would recommend this book to any aspiring performer and established professional.”
—John Stubbs, Conductor and Music Director of California Ballet Company
“What a gem! This book is a gracious invitation to fully engage with what it means to compose our life in an intentional and thoughtful way. As accessible and eloquent as Jeeyoon’s presence on stage, the pages are full of practical wisdom that inspire the reader to deeper reflection on their own performance. Each chapter closes with a gentle summons to try something new and in doing so, emerge fully onto the stage of our life when we are ready.”
—Julianne Miranda, ACC, Certified Life Coach and Bereavement Specialist
“Whenever You’re Ready is the perfect resource guide for anyone who wants to improve upon their long-term professional or personal goals. It weaves together practical, easy-to-follow principles for success, recommendations to improve personal habits, and suggestions to find that ever-so-difficult balance within. For musicians and non-musicians alike, Jeeyoon’s well-thought-out musical structure and beautifully crafted narrative give you the lift you need to improve your mindset and perhaps appreciate some beautiful music in the process.”
—Tommy Phillips, President and Artistic Director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County
“Jeeyoon combines her contagious passion for music and joy for life into a thought-provoking guidebook for a more productive and satisfying existence. Pianos are welcome, but definitely not required.”
—Pedja Muzijevic, pianist, artistic administrator at Baryshnikov Arts Center, and artistic advisor to Tippet Rise Art Center
“Jeeyoon’s brilliant artistry is only matched by her unique ability to reach the audience, manage her own career, and constantly reinvent herself as a true artist in the 21st century.”
—Jim Fung, Founder of Captivate Artists, presenter, and promoter
“What this book reveals is a very courageous lady who chose not to follow but to create her own path. And in so doing Jeeyoon became an inspiration for thousands who have a dream. She made that first impossible step and set an example for others to follow. The book is the triumph of a dream realized.”
—Allen T. Brown, author of Dancing Through Life
“Jeeyoon Kim is an extraordinarily talented pianist whose musicianship combines brilliant technical skills, deeply personal expressivity, and a communicative approach to concertizing that has captured the hearts and minds of audiences wherever she performs. In Whenever You’re Ready, Ms. Kim offers a practical guide to creating a successful career. Distilled from principles that she formulated while developing her own career, she presents a step-by-step methodology for achieving a lifestyle directed to succeed in any walk of life. The combination of life-enriching daily routines, both physical and mental, and supplemental exercises are designed to create an orderly life that should enrich anyone’s personal as well as artistic goals. Written with a deep, abiding love of music, this book avoids intellectualizing while providing a user-friendly way of developing routines that, if diligently applied, can enhance career goals as well as structure the fulfillment of other life goals.”
—Lewis M. Smoley, president of Classical Podcasts
“Inspiring yet practical! Jeeyoon provides a tool kit that demystifies the creativity within us and welcomes us to keep trying to find our own path in life.”
—Eunbi Kim, pianist and co-founder of bespoken
“What enlightening and delightful storytelling by an award-winning performing artist! Jeeyoon finally reveals secrets to her life success as a pianist and educator. Reading her book was a truly life-changing, magical experience, just like attending one of her breathtaking piano concerts for the first time.”
—Kyunghee Clara Hayashigawa, educator and pianist
“A captivating journey into the heart and soul of a concert pianist. She also has the heart of a teacher and presents to the reader, based on personal experience, highly effective tools to succeed in real-life circumstances, both personally and professionally, and does so with candor, kindness, and thoughtfulness. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book to my family, friends, colleagues, and students.”
—John Corban, Independent piano teacher based in Oregon
“What a pleasure to read. It feels like sitting at a coffee shop with Jeeyoon and discussing life and music for hours. Jeeyoon effortlessly convinces and motivates us to use good habits and hard work to achieve amazing results. She shows us not only what is possible, but how to have endless fun on the way.”
—Igor Pandurski, violinist from San Diego Symphony
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781626348561 |
| PRICE | $20.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 264 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mariam S, Reviewer
As a pianist, this book really touches my heart. From the format of the book, to the contents within, it feels as though Jeeyoon Kim is personally speaking to me one-on-one. A beautiful and quick read.
Sophie B, Reviewer
This is a lovely self-help book, perfect for musicians and music lovers. As a pianist, I connected really well to the book, seeing several similarities between myself and the author. I loved how this was set out like a concert programme.
Full of insights to help the reader achieve their goals with topics such as habit building and creativity. There's helpful exercises at the end of each chapter.
I would thoroughly recommend. A heartfelt, honest and passionate self-help book.
Alejandra O, Reviewer
Whenever You're Ready is the self-help book I did not know I needed it. Honestly, I chose to read this book before reading its description because I liked its cover. Once I realized that it was a self-help book, I feared it would be slow and boring. However, I am happy to confirm that my worst fears did not come true. It happened exactly the opposite. This book was really easy to read, the advice it contains seems sound, and it is interesting because tells a little bit about the author's life as a professional pianist. Even though I am not a musician, I did not have a problem relating to some of the author's troubles, and I loved that the book format was like a concert program. Actually, it made me want to play the piano again after 10 years. I am looking forward to applying everything I learned in this book. Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group, I had the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Suzette B, Reviewer
So many books in the self-help genre feel regurgitated. This book is not that.
From the get-go you feel the love of a wiser sister, who shares her life journey and lessons from a number of choices most of us wouldn’t even dream to consider. Yes, it is self-help, but only in the sense that it does help - and that it gives you new perspective about yourself.
Touching on talent, practice, self-talk, self-care and the need for connection, amongst others, you flow easily from one movement to the next, with intermissions to bring you closer to her performance of key musical pieces. This was a joy to read and experience, and has felt like a homecoming to classical music - one that would make a great introduction as well.
Mary Pauline M, Reviewer
When I reflect on the highlights of my year 2021, ' Whenever You're Ready ' will most certainly be at the very top of my list. To call this a book is an understatement. This was an experience, a wonderful life-changing experience, and a true blessing. I've already have one person in mind to whom I am gifting a copy, and I am sure I will continue to gift copies for a long time to come. A perfect blend of reading and participating to truly change your life. Very adaptable to your personal circumstances.
Please note I did receive a complimentary copy from the publisher, and I am leaving this review completely honestly.
Darcy S, Reviewer
A fascinating, practical guide to achieving your dreams, “Whenever You’re Ready” is expertly done. Jeeyoon Kim’s approach to this book, writing it as though it is a musical composition, is brilliant. I enjoyed the personal stories she told, as well as the musical history provided for each intermission. I will recommend this book to everyone! Thank you NetGalley for my copy. All of my comments and opinions are my own.
Dan S, Media/Journalist
I've seen her YouTube channel before reading this so it was helpful to have more context about her life journey and the self-help advice is worthy of consideration. I also think this book would be helpful for young people, especially those in music or the performing arts. It could be a useful way to teach them some of the lessons she talks about it, but be more relatable given her musical background. Also, I read a lot of NetGalley books and this is certainly one of the best covers of this year so far.
Note: I voluntarily requested, read, and reviewed this book. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sending me a temporary digital advance reading copy/advance review (ARC) galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own and do not represent my co-host or the podcast. I request, read, and review many books prior to publication to explore possible future guests for the podcast. I wish we could interview the author of every one of these books because I'm so impressed by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and wisdom shared through the temporary books I get through NetGalley.
Bethany D, Reviewer
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc!
I used to read a lot of self help books: fewer now but I still enjoy them. This was full of some fairly common advice, but the narrative of the author's life as a classical musician really made it all tie together and I left the book feeling inspired to live a simple, happy life!
I read this on a train with no reception, so I couldn't listen to the suggested music, but I would like to go back and do so.
Mel K, Reviewer
You can read this book as a memoir or as a self-help book. But for me, it was more than just that.
I didn’t know the pianist Jeeyoon Kim before, so I watched some of her live performances on YouTube. She plays the piano very well, and I think we can learn a great deal from musicians like her. They go through enormous pressures and tests to achieve what she did. So she can now play so well in front of a demanding audience.
I listened to an audiobook and read the book at the same time. The book is like a concert list. It contains a prelude, five movements, and an encore. I loved intermissions about classical pieces that Jeeyoon loves. In both versions, the author invites you to listen to these pieces on her Podcast.
Both formats are great. If you are interested in the self-help part of the book, an ebook or a physical copy is maybe a slightly better choice. You have those “Something to think about whenever you’re ready“ parts at the end of each chapter, and it can be a better experience to see that written.
If you read a lot of self-help books about how to create a habit, stay positive, be successful, etc, you may know some of these tactics. But the format and the unique way the author presents this content deserves a five star from me.
James K, Librarian
Korean concert pianist writes a conversational self-help book/memoir that displays the wisdom she has gathered while becoming successful in a demanding discipline. She talks about her love of classical music and her wanting to share and spread that love. She includes insights on some of her favorite pieces. A lovely self-help book that will help anyone, not just those in the arts.
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