Byron Stripling is an internationally recognized trumpet player based in Ohio. Career highlights include performing as a featured soloist with many of the world's great orchestras, including the Boston Symphony under John Williams and Keith Lockhart. Byron also played lead trumpet with the Count Basie Orchestra under Frank Foster, and portrayed a young Louis Armstrong in the Broadway bound musical "Satchmo!" He takes special interest in developing talent in young musicians, and hopes that the comments below will help students of all ages.

(Byron Stripling and Clint Eastwood during a CNN interview with Mr. Eastwood and Dave Brubeck, not pictured).



Byron's "Best" Book List

Can Reading Change Your Your Life?
What if you found out that all successful people read at least an hour a day?
What would happen if you turned off your television set for 10 weeks?
What if during that time you read a book a week?
What if those books gave you ideas about your professional career path?
What if those books gave you valuable information about goal setting?
What if you learned, through reading, how to add hours to your day?
What if one book, gave you one idea, that made you a millionaire?
What if one book, could give you the push you needed, to go to the next level in your life?
Would you start reading, or start complaining?

Many of us experienced the joy of reading when we were younger, but soon lost the desire as our lives became more complicated. The problem is that our education doesn't end after college or high school. These days a college degree only has an 18 month shelf life. We also know that knowledge doubles every 7 years, so if we remain neutral in out growth process, we quickly fall behind.

A plan for musical development must include a practice program, and a plan for personal self development must include a reading program. Through reading, you can teach yourself virtually anything you want. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from the mistakes and successes of others?

Below I have listed 10 of my favorite books for personal development.

The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws Of Business Success
by Brian Tracy
A must read from the master teacher of personal development. From goal setting to time management this book has it all. Read this book today, and apply the knowledge as soon as possible!

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People
by Stephen Covey
Published in 1990, this book has already become a classic. Covey's 7 Habits have changed the thinking of the entire business community. His suggestions on mission statements and time management are now standard practice for fortune 500 companies.

Brain Power
by Karl Albrecht
A powerful guide to help train our brains to become more flexible. Albrecht also offers 100s of exercises that will train you to jump out of your comfort zone. In addition, his ideas on anticipatory problem finding and strategic thinking will be helpful to anyone developing a career in the 21st century.

Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Compensation, Self-Reliance & The Oversoul: You will read these inspiring essays thousands of times and discover something new with each reading.

Imagineering
by Michael Leboeuf, Ph.D.
Excellent ideas on goal setting and time management. Also, a great resource for learning to develop your imagination and creative potential.

How To Get Control Of Your Time And Your Life
by Alan Lakein
The all time best seller on time management.

Life Strategies
by Phillip C. McGraw
McGraw's no nonsense guide to personal development includes numerous journal exercises that will help you discover your life and career path. The real power in this book lies in the McGraw's ability to get you off your butt and into action!

The Road Less Traveled
by Scott M. Peck
Excellent insights on self discipline and the value of character. This book spent years on the New York Times bestseller list...but even the author wondered if people were really reading it. Peck has a gentle but firm way of giving you the truth.

The Magic Of Believing
by Claude M. Bristol
Originally published in 1948, this was one of the 1st books to explore how beliefs form the foundation of all of our actions. Bristol gives examples and suggestions as to how to form beliefs that support our greatest good.

Think And Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill
The master of all success writing. Every book on personal development is simply a variation on Hill's ideas and concepts. I have read this book numerous times, and it still motivates me to get moving!

Other Stripling Articles on this web site:

Practice Your Way to the Top!

A Musical Transformation