Music Theory For Dummies, 4th Edition
£16.20£19.10 (-15%)
Tune in to how music really works
Whether you’re a student, a performer, or simply a fan, this book makes music theory easy, providing you with a friendly guide to the concepts, artistry, and technical mastery that underlie the production of great music. You’ll quickly become fluent in the fundamentals of knocking out beats, reading scores, and anticipating where a piece should go, giving you a deeper perspective on the works of others ― and bringing an extra dimension to your own.
Tracking to a typical college-level course, Music Theory For Dummies breaks difficult concepts down to manageable chunks and takes into account every aspect of musical production and appreciation ― from the fundamentals of notes and scales to the complexities of expression and instrument tone color. It also examines the latest teaching techniques ― all the more important as the study of music, now shown to provide cognitive and learning benefits for both children and adults, becomes more prevalent at all levels.
- Master major and minor scales, intervals, pitches, and clefs
- Understand basic notation, time signals, tempo, dynamics, and navigation
- Employ melodies, chords, progressions, and phrases to form music
- Compose harmonies and accompanying melodies for voice and instruments
Wherever you want to go musically ― as a writer or performer, or just as someone who wants to enjoy music to its fullest ― this approachable guide gives you everything you need to hear!
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | 4th edition (21 Jun. 2019), For Dummies |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1119575524 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1119575528 |
| Dimensions | 18.54 x 2.29 x 23.11 cm |
by Bryn Rhidian
INTRODUCTION
There is a huge amount to commend in this Ebook. Unfortunately its weakest section is the first one on timings. The one you’ll see in the Kindle store sample. That makes more exaltations to clapping than a new age Christian evangelist. It’s confusing and a shame, because as you progress beyond this it becomes easier to digest and assimilate. It gets really good – persevere!
WHAT’S GOOD
School failed me on music. I never got to touch a keyboard or a stringed instrument. I touched a trombone -once and got a song on it. Never to be granted access to it again. I was never taught music theory. I struggled along on guitars and Tab. I wish I’d had this book then.
I’ve devoured this. I’ll be re-reading it. That’s no criticism, but high praise. Because I now have a basic understanding of a piano keyboard, how to construct chords on piano and guitar and how keys work. I’ll absorb more on subsequent reads and be dipping back into this as a reference. It’s that good.
This demystifies sheet music and teaches you to understand it. It teaches you, if you’re writing or playing, the notes or chords that might ‘fit’ in next and the relationship between notes and chords and keys.
How good is this? When I’ve digested all that’s on offer in this book, I’ll understand music theory. That’s what it delivers.
WHAT MIGHT ANNOY YOU
There are online sound samples and reference materials. BUT, where was it for the section on timings and spacing? All the CLAP CLAP clap CLAP clap clap CLAP stuff was a pain to read and interpret – sound samples would have explained them instantly.
A refresh is overdue. I know who the Rolling Stones are, Carlos Santana, James Brown, Dave Brubeck, and Louis Armstrong. But I’m both old and a music head. If, when making references, you’re going to ignore everything from the last 20 years, including emerged genres, do so at your peril. That’s going to alienate a lot of potential readers and ignores worthy talent and pieces.
Culturally insensitive / US centric references abound. What is to ‘noodle’? A zillion? And do they really expect people in the English speaking diaspora (the US is a small part of this) to learn “Great Big Dreams For America”? That’s straight out of the CIA propaganda manual. Some of it is downright confusing – such as references to the Public School System – that actually meant the state school system. The use of the excluding term ‘Jazz man’ must delight the PC too. Of lesser irritation – the book uses American English dialect for spelling and US music conventions. It tells you the latter are ‘more common’.
This wasn’t designed for Kindle. It shows. It’s not awful but would be improved by the simple expediency of adding (above) or (below) when referring to diagrams. The diagrams are numbered, which helps, but the Kindle reading experience would be smoother if the assumption that things are on the same page or double page spread wasn’t made.
CONCLUSION
I have to recommend this Ebook. It’s a well conceived and structured work that does a good job at explaining music theory clearly. It’s exceptional value. It would be an outstanding reference and tuition work if the annoyances were edited out and dealt with.
by Adam
I’m sure it’s great but I’ve had it a month and not opened it.
by BarryWilliamCooper
Dummies book. Every things laid out well for the novice and a reference for the rest of us.
by eddie
Easy to understand.
by Kim S
I’m very new to music theory and this book has a broad overview on the topic! It starts off with many key points and essentials and the layout is very easy to digest and read-through. I did flick through toward the middle and end of the book and it does get progressively complex (but don’t let that put you off!) overall, it’s a thorough guide to music theory and I really like the subtle humour and casual-ness of the language here and there!
by Amazon Customer
I’m sure it’s good enough on tonal harmony etc, and I was pleased to see it doesn’t seem to think this is the only music in the world, but I’m afraid whoever wrote the chord sequence to “8 Bar Blues” doesn’t know what they are talking about…
by JJ
I studied music in high school and needed a refresher since I left in 2015. Thankfully, it speaks to you like you’re five, so you’ll understand the ins and outs. Plus, it shows you how to make chords on piano and guitar, and it’s absolutely handy.
by Del
Does what it says on the cover