As others have often said about David Darling and in particular these recordings, I believe he has the ability to change the way people listen to and play their music. The Darling conversations are a must for anyone who is either a musician and wants to go deeper, or a musical listener who wants to explore their own musicality.
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The unique model for being who you are, in a musical way, is perhaps nowhere else more clearly stated than in the decades-in-the-making offerings of cello artist and mentor, David Darling.  I, as someone who must create and deliver original songs on a regular basis in the form of singing telegrams, can name no more influential source of inspiration than the teachings developed by this innovative and dedicated master.  
We now have a distillation of the thousands of hours' evolution of this treasure chest of technique brilliantly discussed and illuminated by both David Darling and Julie Weber, the driving force behind the teaching arm of the Music for People Organization.  Each aspect of the concepts examined here is ingeniously demonstrated with very clear musical samplings of many diverse artists, culled from years of recorded archival material.  
It seems a gift beyond expectation to be able to have these two deeply dedicated musicians share their most profound artistic perceptions with me at home, right inside my own CD player!  My music has not been the same since first experiencing these teachings.  With these marvelous learning CDs I now get to understand the reason why.
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I began the Musicianship/Leadership program with Music for People last year, and it has changed my life. I've been a musician since childhood, but never "felt" like one. I actually quit playing for about ten years out of frustration. Music for People was my last hope and they delivered. I am now exploring new sounds and enjoying the process of finding my unique musical voice. This CD set is amazing! It's packed with inspiring and motivating words of wisdom. After years of formal, classical study, it's a wonderfully refreshing approach to music making. The recording itself it beautifully produced and the "conversations" are insightful and compelling. I have recommended this to all of my students and friends. I highly recommend it to all musicians at all levels.
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This wonderful 3-CD set truly captures the essence of what the Music for People philosophy is all about. It's a perfect blend of informative and fun  dialog and wonderful musical examples of inspiring improvisations. I graduated from Music for People in 2000 and have been using the many techniques discussed on the CD in my work as an educator, as well as a performer. This CD set is a great reminder of how much I learned. When musicians (from beginner to professional) ask me about Music for People, I tell them they have to experience the program in person to understand what it's all about. Now I can tell people, listen to The Darling Conversations for an in-depth initiation, and THEN go attend a workshop. I highly recommend this CD set to anyone with even the slightest interest in music as an art form and as a means of self-expression. Bravo David and Julie!
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