Play Life More Beautifully Reflections on Music, Friendship & Creativity

When 86-year-old pianist and teacher Seymour Bernstein met Ethan Hawke, international film star, at a dinner party, the two quickly discovered they shared a common malady: stage fright. Based on his familiarity with nervousness prior to concerts, Seymour was able to provide Ethan with invaluable insight and advice. That was the beginning of a deep friendship. Renowned spiritual scholar and activist Andrew Harvey was a fellow dinner guest that auspicious night and contributed to the decision to create a documentary about Seymour exploring his unique combination of accomplished musician, teacher, and seasoned elder. The film, Seymour: An Introduction, directed by Ethan Hawke, has received enthusiastic critical acclaim. Seymour and Andrew’s friendship has continued to thrive with a shared curiosity and appreciation for the intersection of life and art. The trusting conversations captured in this book meld memory with philosophy, and observations with reflections, dissolving the line between teacher and pupil. With equal parts candor and generosity, Seymour and Andrew offer a master class in playing life with our fullest, most gracious selves.

Andrew Harvey is an internationally acclaimed poet, novelist, translator, mystical scholar, and spiritual teacher. He has written and edited such books as The Hope and The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. He has taught at Oxford University, Cornell University, the California Institute of Integral Studies, and the University of Creation Spirituality, as well as at various spiritual centers. He is the founder and director of the Institute of Sacred Activism. www.andrewharvey.netSeymour Bernstein is an American pianist, composer, and teacher. He is the subject of the documentary Seymour: An Introduction. One of the most sought-after clinicians in this country and abroad, Mr. Bernstein is also a prolific composer. He continues to perform as a guest artist with chamber ensembles and serves regularly on the juries of a number of international competitions. He maintains a private studio in New York City and is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Music and Music Education at New York University. www.seymourbernstein.com