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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory
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A music theory book that hits the high note …
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This updated and expanded edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Music Theory breaks down a difficult subject in a simple way—even for those who think they have no rhythm or consider themselves tone deaf. With clear, concise language, it explains everything from bass-clef basics to confusing codas. This new edition
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
September 6th 2005
by ALPHA
(first published June 1st 2002)
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
I'm an amateur everything, including musician. This book has become my stand by reference. I'm an engineer and I enjoy the structure and theory behind music; it is fascinating.
Great book if you want to learn something to impress your neighbors and friends.
Great book if you want to learn something to impress your neighbors and friends.
Quite a useful book enough depth to explain chord progressions, turnarounds,
chord substitutions and counterpoint. Now I am going to practice the techniques
and use the CD from the book for ear training - to recognise intervals, chords
and rhythms.
chord substitutions and counterpoint. Now I am going to practice the techniques
and use the CD from the book for ear training - to recognise intervals, chords
and rhythms.
Not as thorough as some theory texts, but written to be accessible----that by itself makes it worth its weight in gold as a supplement to any Music Theory class.
Nice. Musical knowledge upgraded +3 points
This is a good introduction to the basics of music theory, but the amount of material it covers is so vast that it lacks a very serious treatment of anything. That being said, it is quite clearly written and perhaps an excellent place to start diving into concepts which could take many many book to fully explore.
I also haven't tried the ear training course, but that the book includes this as a CD seems like a useful plus.
I also haven't tried the ear training course, but that the book includes this as a CD seems like a useful plus.
Mar 12, 2008
Sally
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Music teachers, anyone interested in music
Recommended to Sally by:
Dr. Staheli, Rosalind Hall - Professors of Music at BYU
Shelves:
non-fiction
I like this book better than Music Theory for Dummies. Very thorough and just right for us music idiots. This book is recommended by the BYU Music Department for their beginning theory classes. Great reference for music teachers.
If you're looking to learn about music theory and have no previous experiences, this is the book for you. It's geared towards the beginner and will teach you nothing if you know a little something already (i.e. chord progressions, arpeggios, etc.).
I continually use this for reference. However, there are some minute details that the author doesn't cover, which can be imperative to understanding music theory.
Added bonus for the ear training CD, that I have yet to use.
Added bonus for the ear training CD, that I have yet to use.
Very good book for learning music theory at a minimal level. Never too complex or too detailed.
reading right now....enjoy easy to understand approach..efficient approach.
I learned music since childhood, but in a different language. I think this book is a good one for introduction or beginners, who would like to compose or range music.
The most practical guide for beginner composers I have ever read. This book made a different in my life.
Apr 12, 2009
Matthew
is currently reading it
So far, pretty good. Fairly basic, but it reinforces what I've learned before!
Excellent reference and introduction
a quick look up.
Good beginner's introduction to the basics.
Excellent primer for me and my fellow complete idiots. I bought and read it just for funsies, but it's affected the way I listen to music.
very helpful book. will keep it close as reference.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| other music theory books for idiots | 2 | 8 | Sep 22, 2011 06:41PM |
Michael Miller received a Marketing degree from Indiana University in 1980. After graduation, he worked for seven years in his family's retail business, then spent twelve years in various positions at Macmillan Publishing. In his last position as Vice President of Business Strategy, he helped guide the strategic direction for the world's largest reference publisher and influence the shape of today
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