Former students often thank their music teachers for what they were taught about music and about life. Play it from the Heart uses stories and concepts from music education as models for success. Making music together requires exceptional cooperation, and ensembles are the ultimate cooperative organizations. J. Steven Moore relates what he and his students have learned about excellence, leadership, responsibility, cooperation, and passion from being in the band. Calling on personal experience, student feedback, and resources ranging from Tim Lautzenheiser to Mahatma Gandhi, Moore shares the lessons of playing from the heart.

"J. Steven Moore's Play It from the Heart looks at how students learn and grow through participating in music programs...His new book discusses what he and his students have learned about excellence, leadership, responsibility, cooperation, and passion from being in the band. The book uses stories and concepts from music education as models for success." - Teaching Music

"Play it from the Heart is inspiring, encouraging, and rich in the author’s personal growth and discoveries." - American Music Teacher