Declassified: A Low-Key Guide to the High-Strung World of Classical Music

Insisting that classical music isn’t merely for snobs, former professional violinist Rauch teaches readers “how to hear and truly appreciate” the art form in her scrupulous debut. In addition to attempting to dispel common stereotypes—from the “type A violinists to the rowdy, bald, brass-playing fraternity brothers of the orchestra”—the Juilliard graduate offers insight on musical terms, composition choices, concert etiquette, and shares a brief history of prodigious musicians ranging from Mozart to contemporary late-bloomer Yo-Yo Ma (“He’s often referred to as a prodigy... but there’s a recording of him performing at a benefit concert when he was seven—and at that age, he wasn’t one”). She also dives into the darker side of classical music training, weaving in unsparing details of the extremes she went to, to ensure her success at Juilliard: “I once drank a whole liter of unsweetened, undiluted cranberry juice because I was peeing blood and I would have had to give up my practice room... to seek medical attention.” While she acknowledges that violinists “struggle with arrogance,” her acerbic humor unwittingly illustrates the fact: in one instance, Rauch sums up Juilliard’s renown as “great because it means I can go around using its name to intimidate my kids’ sing-along instructors.” This insider’s look at a rarefied world is sure to intrigue music lovers. (Oct.)