The Right Way to Read Music: Learn the basics of music notation and theory

by Harry Baxter

Whether you are learning to play a piano, blow a trumpet, conduct an orchestra or sing, the essentials of music notation are the same. This book is a complete approach to musical study, from the first note you read to the beginnings of harmony. It simplifies music theory into easy logical steps, clearly written for all including the non-musical. It is also a textbook which prepares you fully for the relevant parts of the GCSE Music, or for the theory parts of the exams of the various music boards. Each section includes extensive questions so that the reader can fully test their understanding. In response to readers' requests, this new edition includes full answers and explanations to the questions posed at the end of each chapter.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, Teaching

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[ReadyOrNot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice intro to the basics of music theory. I learned some things about notation that had eluded me.

[Lisa Driskill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sure it is a fine book, but it was way over my head!

[Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible, but the language is dated and hard to follow. Might be a good accompaniment (haha) for a class on theory, but not a good standalone.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still don't think I can read music

[Jorge · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was given to me by my friend Jeronimo. No doubt the offer had the best of intentions: provide me with the basics to read a stave.
But mainly because my inability , that goal did not materialize. Although I have learned something about music, I was very far from being able to interpret a stave even if it is a very simple one.
It's not that the book is not quite didactic, notably by the end of each chapter a Q&A is provided.
But I think the book is not as elementary as my level of musical knowledge required. On the other hand the use of the English language, to me very technical, has created additional difficulties.

Nevertheless my thanks to Jeronimo, remains :-)

[David Melbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book conveniently has thirteen chapters, so I divided it up into a a chapter a month, or so. It was fun to refresh my memory and this has indeed put me back into writing music again. I am craving more!

[Tammam Aloudat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Difficult at times but a good explanation of how to read music. To be read again and again.