Free Play exists somewhere in the mystic realm. This stance is necessary as Nachmanovitch is attempting to provide possibilities for harnessing the intangible: creativity. The book is fairly concise and can quickly be read from cover to cover, but Free Play, as with many inspirational texts, is great for repeated reference. During episodes of creative lows, reading a few pages or a single chapter of Free Play can help get the juices flowing once again.

Similar to a survey course in improvisation and creativity, Stephen Nachmanovitch references the masters from various fields including Bach, William Blake, Carl Jung, and a multitude of ancient cultures. Free Play introduces the reader to many “thinkers” and philosophies offering the potential for further study.

The following quote from Free Play stresses the importance and unavoidable nature of improvisation in our everyday lives.

“The fact that improvisation vanishes makes us appreciate that every moment of life is unique—a kiss, a sunset, a dance, a joke. None will ever recur in quite the same way. Each happens only once in the history of the universe.”

Nachmanovitch’s Free Play is a worthwhile read and resource. Not only for the musician, but the layman as well. Check it out!