International Journal of Education & the Arts

Book Reviewed: Randles, C. (2020). To create: Imagining the good life through music. GIA Publications.

Citation: Pitsiladis, E. J. (2021). To create: Imagining the good life through music: A review essay. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 22(Review 1). Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.26209/ijea22r1

Clint Randles’ To create: Imagining the good life through music (2020) explores notions of creativity and eudaimonia from the perspective of music and music education. Drawing from several sources, including personal accounts, ancient Chinese philosophy, and the life stories of several musicians, the author argues that we are truly happiest when we create. The book comprises nine chapters, which are organized into three parts: “Life, Music, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” “Making Sense of Creativity,” and “Positioning Ourselves for a Better Tomorrow.” The topic is timely among the burgeoning area of research exploring creativity and eudaimonia in education, and is wholly pertinent to general readers, academics, musicians, and music educators.