This is NOT a Concert

This is NOT a Concert is a blunt, experience-driven guide to what music is actually supposed to do — on the stage and in the sanctuary.
Drawing on decades of work as a musical director in theater, education, and the Church, Stephen DeCesare examines why music so often fails the people it is meant to serve — not because of bad intentions, but because of misplaced priorities, unclear authority, weak preparation, and a misunderstanding of purpose.

This book is not about style wars or personal taste. It’s about function.
In theater, music serves story.
In church, music serves prayer.
When those purposes are forgotten, music becomes noise — no matter how polished or heartfelt it sounds.

With honesty, humor, and zero tolerance for ego, DeCesare addresses auditions, rehearsal culture, professionalism, choirs, cantors, congregational singing, liturgical pacing, praise-and-worship excesses, clergy dynamics, and the discipline required to do the work well.

This book is for:
music directors and accompanists, singers and performers, church musicians and choir members, clergy and arts administrators, anyone who cares about craft, clarity, and service

If you’re looking for validation, this isn’t it.
If you’re looking for what actually works, this is not a concert.

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