When I first started reading Ed Ayres book, Whole Notes - Life Lessons Through Music I wasn’t ready to experience this journey. Seventeen months later I once more came across this book and got myself a copy as the original one I had via NetGalley had expired.

I can now say I was delighted to read this book. Ed’s journey from Emma to Ed and his music experiences was very insightful. Learning to play an instrument as an adult is different and the experience is absolutely wonderful as it certainly gives one insight into ones own self. How one learns and progresses is part of that journey - trying to do too much too quickly is obviously common but one eventually comes to realise that one needs to take ones time and enjoy the journey; enjoy the music and the experience. As an adult I have taken up two instruments - in my forties I took up the flute and then in my sixties I started learning the clarinet - so I truly understand the musical journey that Ed discusses. At the same time I admire him for sharing with his readers the transition that he has gone through in his life.

A very insightful but unusual story.


This review is based on an initial complimentary copy from HarperCollins Publishers Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#WholeNotes #Netgalley

‘This is the moment, before the music begins.’

About twelve years ago, I started listening to ABC Classic in the mornings. A presenter called Emma Ayres introduced me to a world of beautiful music and accompanied me as I gradually started walking my way from ill health to fitness. And over the past twelve years, I have followed Emma through her adventures and books. I missed Emma when she left ABC Classic and then, reading ‘Danger Music’ understood why. Emma's transition to Eddie has enabled him to find happiness in the gender he belongs to. And now, I can hear Ed on ABC Classic (on Weekend Breakfast).

‘This book is an ode to music, and a celebration of humanity’s greatest creation.’

This is a wonderful book, about life, about finding yourself, and about the role of music in that journey — for Ed — and for others. I particularly enjoyed the passages about teaching music to others, about working out what works best for student and teacher. And then there’s Ed’s journey as a student, as he learns to play the horn.
There’s mention of a period when Ed wasn’t playing music and I can imagine what a loss that must have been for him: missing that particularly beautiful part of life.

There is also Ed’s honest, open account of his transition from female to male. He had waited a long time, thinking it would be too difficult. And, yes, it is a difficult process but a necessary one for Ed. I finished the book overjoyed that Ed has found himself. It is never too late, is it?

At the end of the book is a list of music tied to each section of the book I know some of this music (thanks, ABC Classic) and will be exploring the rest.

Bravo, Ed, on having the courage to take this journey and thank you for sharing it with us.

‘There is no such thing as talent, there is only love. Love for what you are learning, and therefore a desire to know it more deeply, more comprehensively, to have that knowledge become part of you, and you of it.’

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes. I have now bought my own copy.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I was looking forward to reading this book unfortunately only a very short extract was available. I particularly like books featuring music.
The music theme looked interesting, I would have liked to a few more pages to get a better feel of the book. The main theme is music but there are other themes being explored as well. I was inspired to have a go at relearning to play the piano.

From this short excerpt, I can tell that this is going to be an incredible book. Music is such a powerful tool in so many ways, and exploring it through the lens of someone in the LGBTQ+ community is very interesting and touching.

I look forward to reading this book.

I read a short extract of Whole Notes via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ed Ayres writes beautifully about both his music career as a viola player, and as a transgender man who began transitioning later in life.

"In listening, we find what we need, not what we want."

This section, Bravery, was only a few pages long. However I do want to pick up the complete book soon to read more of Ayres' journey, as a man and musician.