INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS AND LEAD-SHEET TERMINOLOGY is intended for the beginning commercial musician. This book assumes no technical knowledge of music and starts from the premise that the reader is either currently (or soon to be) involved in private music study with someone who teaches an instrument (or voice) or plans to become proficient through self instruction and practical experience. The concise format presented here offers an accelerated program that gets the beginning musician up and running within a relatively short span of time. Chapters 1 through 9 provide a technical foundation for the survey of chord descriptions in Chapter 10. The opening chapter introduces notes and rests, concepts in rhythm and meter, repeat signs, and performance directions. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 present the subjects of pitch, scale, and key signature. Intervals, the minor mode, triads, and seventh chords follow in Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 9. Since a significant portion of commercial music and jazz involves scales and modes that are neither major nor minor, the topic of church modes is explored in Chapter 8. Chapter 10 outlines and analyzes the chord symbols typically represented in lead sheets. More than 220 music examples demonstrate the concepts presented in the text. 170 pages.

Many people grimace at the sound of music theory. It can conjure up bad memories of grade school music classes, rattle the brains of college students, and make self-taught musicians feel self-defeated. Music Theory may seem tedious and unnecessary, especially since not many people can read music. Luckily, Music Theory for Dummies shows you the fun and easy way to understanding the concepts needed to compose, deconstruct, and comprehend music. This helpful guide will give you a great grasp of: Note value and counting notes Treble and bass clefs Time signatures and measures Naturalizing the rhythm Tempo and dynamic Tone, color, and harmonics Half steps and whole steps Harmonic and melodic intervals Key signatures and circles of fifths Scales, chords, and their progressions Elements of form Music theory’s fascinating history This friendly guide not only explores these concepts, it provides examples of music to compliment them so you can hear how they sound firsthand. With a bonus CD that demonstrates these ideas with musical excerpts on guitar and piano, this hands-on resource will prove to you that music theory is as enjoyable as it is useful. Don’t get discouraged by the seemingly complicated written structure. With Music Theory for Dummies, understanding music has never been easier! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

The main purpose of the book is to explore basic music theory so thoroughly that the interested student will then be able to easily pick up whatever further theory is wanted. Music history and the physics of sound are included to the extent that they shed light on music theory. The main premise of this course is that a better understanding of where the basics come from will lead to better and faster comprehension of more complex ideas.It also helps to remember, however, that music theory is a bit like grammar. Catherine Schmidt-Hones is a music teacher from Champaign, Illinois and she has been a pioneer in open education since 2004. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois in the Open Online Education program with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction.

Analyzing Classical Form offers an approach to the analysis of musical form that is especially suited for classroom use at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students will learn how to make complete harmonic and formal analyses of music drawn from the instrumental works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

As the title implies, this versatile workbook covers every possible topic for a one-semester introductory theory course. The greatest value, however, is its efficient, effective approach. By using a simplified process, technically challenging topics such as scales, intervals, and chords are more quickly learned through pattern recognition rather than a reliance on procedure. Topics are presented using this concise, no-nonsense approach. Newly learned musical techniques become quickly ingrained and are continually linked to musical expression. The book is accessible for the novice and engaging for the musically experienced. Unlike other texts, it provides an approachable methodology that gradually advances readers toward a working knowledge of harmony. The book is distinguished in how both melody and harmony are explored in view of particular musical effects. Zolper’s approach offers students an exciting guide to streamlined mastery of basic theory while bringing to light a wealth of musical discoveries. The A to Z website presents sound clips of musical examples and featured compositions in addition to supplemental activities for additional practice.

FINDING THE RIGHT PITCH: A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS, OR AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY is a comprehensive excursion into the world of music fundamentals. Designed primarily (though not exclusively) for college students, this book prepares music majors for the study of harmony, but also meets the needs of non-music majors who would complete a course in music fundamentals as an elective. Depending on the priorities of the student and/or instructor, certain items will serve as reference, while other topics will merit immediate consideration. FINDING THE RIGHT PITCH: A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS, OR AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY includes discussions of pitch, scale, major and minor modes, and key signatures; a rigorous exploration of both elementary and advanced concepts in rhythm and meter; step-by-step guides for the construction of intervals; step-by-step guides for the construction of triads within the major-minor tonal system; four-part texture and principles for doubling the chord tones of triads; singing triads in all positions from a common bass pitch; the church modes, the cadential six-four chord, the dominant seventh, cadences, and nonharmonic tones; singing the dominant seventh in all positions from a common bass pitch; practical exercises in rhythm and meter, including several patterns for two hands that promote bilateral hand-to-hand coordination-a skill usually reserved for drummers. The study of music fundamentals concludes with ninety worksheets for either practice or exams. 394 pages.

Basic Music Theory takes you through the sometimes confusing world of written music with a clear, concise style that is at times funny and always friendly. The book is written by an experienced teacher using methods refined over more than ten years in his private teaching studio and in schools. --from publisher description.

This second edition of Song Sheets to Software includes completely revised and updated listings of music software, instructional media, and music-related Internet Web sites of use to all musicians, whether hobbyist or professional. This book is a particularly valuable resource for the private studio and classroom music teacher.

Serious about jamming, understanding, and creating guitar-driven music? Easy. With an approachable and engaging style, Guitar Theory For Dummies goes beyond guitar basics, presenting the guidance intermediate to advanced players need to improve their improvisational and compositional skills. Plus, with access to audio tracks and video instruction online you can master the concepts and techniques covered in the book. Key content coverage includes: pentatonic and major scale patterns; the CAGED chord system, chord progressions, and playing by numbers; roots, keys, and applying scales, plus modes and modal scales; intervals and chord extensions; popular song references and theory applications that help you understand how to play popular music and contemporary guitar styles, and create music of your own. This title also features companion audio tracks and video content hosted online at Dummies.com The expert instruction and easy-to-digest information provides comprehensive guidance on how to apply music theory concepts to fretted instruments If you already have a handle on the basics and want to know more about the building blocks and theory behind guitar music, Guitar Theory For Dummies has you covered.

A course brought to you by the Connexions Project at Rice University.