The Piano and the Couch: Music and Psyche

"A brilliant exploration of the nature of creativity itself."
-- Robin Lakoff, professor emerita, University of California at Berkeley

"Elson has done a masterful job of illustrating the interplay between music and
psychology, and how one informs the other."
-- Paul Sheftel, pianist, teacher, former faculty member at the Juilliard School, and
piano editor for Carl Fischer

"Illuminating and provocative..."
-- Dr. Sandra Bemesderfer, psychologist and psychoanalyst

"Whether you're a piano teacher or student, a psychotherapist or client, Margret
Elson's book is a must-read. It offers vivid, moment-by-moment accounts of the
psychological origins of three musicians' anguish as they attempt to overcome
their demons."
-- Nadine M. Payn, PhD, former psychology talk-radio host,
KGO Radio, San Francisco

"I love this book. The writing is so clear, perceptive and empathetic. It dances
elegantly between music and psychology."
-- Phyllis Lehrer, internationally recognized pianist and professor of piano studies,
Westminster Choir College

Margret Elson is both a master piano teacher and a psychotherapist. For over forty years, she has done pioneering work in integrated wellness for performers and artists. Margret's musical background includes ten years as a scholarship student at Juilliard Preparatory Division where she studied with Edgar Roberts; in the San Francisco Bay Area where she studied with Alexander Libermann and Marjorie Petray; and in Paris and New York City. Margret attended Hunter College High School; the University of California, Berkeley; and John F. Kennedy University. She holds master's degrees in journalism, political science and clinical psychology, and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Combining musical and psychological expertise has led Margret to formulate a unique method for helping musicians and clients integrate technical, physical and emotional ease into their learning processes.