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How to Read Music in 30 Days Music Theory for Beginners with exercises & online audio 1 Paperback 24 Oct 2017
Do you want to learn how to read music notation with easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons? Did you ever try to learn music theory but got frustrated with complicated jargon and mysterious terms? If so, this book is perfect for you! This best-selling book offers a unique 30-day program that makes learning how to read music simple and fun. Imagine how, in just about a month, you’ll be able to look at sheet music and know exactly what every symbol, sign, and term means. You’ll know the fundamental theory behind the how, why, and what of the music that's in front of you!
With over 150 music examples, over 100 written exercises, 10 listening experiences, expert tips, lesson summaries, a final test, and online access to the audio examples, you will steadily progress towards • The absolute essentials of music theory,
• How rhythm REALLY works,
• The complete system behind musical notes,
• The crucial details of music notation,
• How specific musical symbols give life to all written music. A strong foundation in the basics is essential if you want to read music, play an instrument for your friends and fans, sing in a choir or as a solo, record in a studio, compose music, write songs, or anything else in music. This book is your practical, step-by-step guide to building that foundation.
Finally, you can stop searching the web endlessly in hopes of finding the right information. With this comprehensive but practical approach, your music theory questions are answered in full.
And thanks to the valuable feedback of hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, “How to Read Music in 30 days” is now in its 3rd edition, revised and expanded to suit all types of beginner musicians.
Hundreds of students have successfully gone through this practical system to master musical notation and fundamental music theory. Now, it’s your turn! Let’s get started! Can I really learn how to read music in 30 days?
Absolutely! In fact, we start reading our most basic symbols as from day 1. You will not become an expert sight-reader in 30 no book, no teacher, and no program can replace the practice it takes to become a professional. But you can significantly cut down on the time it takes to get there by learning the foundations in the right way and in the right order. This is what this book is for. Are music terms in American English or British English?
Both are included throughout. Although not that many terms are different in the 2 systems, there are added benefits to being aware of both sets of terms.
Is this book for guitarists, pianists, singers, and other instrumentalists?
Since the basics are the same for all instruments, this book will benefit anyone who is a beginner no matter which instruments they play. If you’re looking to refresh your music theory basics, fill any gaps in your knowledge of musical notation, or start from absolute scratch in reading music, this book is for you.
Can I skip through lessons?
The author suggests going through the program as it is presented. The comprehensive curriculum is designed progress in small steps, fill any knowledge gaps for those returning to music after a long pause, and build a foundation for any exams, tests, or diplomas you might someday want to sit for.
Is this book suitable for young children?
No. This method is designed for adults that are either self-teaching or working with a teacher. However, it does work for parents or guardians who want to take part in their young ones’ music lessons.
Do I have to sign up to get the audio clips?
You don't have to if you don't want to. There are three options to access the audio and the answers to the exercises. One requires signing up but the other two do not.
With over 150 music examples, over 100 written exercises, 10 listening experiences, expert tips, lesson summaries, a final test, and online access to the audio examples, you will steadily progress towards • The absolute essentials of music theory,
• How rhythm REALLY works,
• The complete system behind musical notes,
• The crucial details of music notation,
• How specific musical symbols give life to all written music. A strong foundation in the basics is essential if you want to read music, play an instrument for your friends and fans, sing in a choir or as a solo, record in a studio, compose music, write songs, or anything else in music. This book is your practical, step-by-step guide to building that foundation.
Finally, you can stop searching the web endlessly in hopes of finding the right information. With this comprehensive but practical approach, your music theory questions are answered in full.
And thanks to the valuable feedback of hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, “How to Read Music in 30 days” is now in its 3rd edition, revised and expanded to suit all types of beginner musicians.
Hundreds of students have successfully gone through this practical system to master musical notation and fundamental music theory. Now, it’s your turn! Let’s get started! Can I really learn how to read music in 30 days?
Absolutely! In fact, we start reading our most basic symbols as from day 1. You will not become an expert sight-reader in 30 no book, no teacher, and no program can replace the practice it takes to become a professional. But you can significantly cut down on the time it takes to get there by learning the foundations in the right way and in the right order. This is what this book is for. Are music terms in American English or British English?
Both are included throughout. Although not that many terms are different in the 2 systems, there are added benefits to being aware of both sets of terms.
Is this book for guitarists, pianists, singers, and other instrumentalists?
Since the basics are the same for all instruments, this book will benefit anyone who is a beginner no matter which instruments they play. If you’re looking to refresh your music theory basics, fill any gaps in your knowledge of musical notation, or start from absolute scratch in reading music, this book is for you.
Can I skip through lessons?
The author suggests going through the program as it is presented. The comprehensive curriculum is designed progress in small steps, fill any knowledge gaps for those returning to music after a long pause, and build a foundation for any exams, tests, or diplomas you might someday want to sit for.
Is this book suitable for young children?
No. This method is designed for adults that are either self-teaching or working with a teacher. However, it does work for parents or guardians who want to take part in their young ones’ music lessons.
Do I have to sign up to get the audio clips?
You don't have to if you don't want to. There are three options to access the audio and the answers to the exercises. One requires signing up but the other two do not.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 11, 2021
This book is comically overrated.
First, let's be realistic - what you can do in 30 days with this book is not learn to read music. You can learn the rudiments of how music is notated, and torturously work your way slowly through simple scores. And it'll have to be in C major, because it contains no discussion of key signatures.
The book presents no system or method for reading music, it merely says what certain basic elements of notation mean.
My more significant problem is that the book has no practical component whatsoever. Reading music is not something that people can learn in the abstract, and even the freshest novice knows the difference between recognizing that a certain blob on the staff is an A sharp, and pressing the right key, fret, or what have you. There are connections forged between your eyes and your fingers that only partially travel through your conscious awareness, and while you have to start with the book learning, the real learning comes by doing.
The book I would like to see, and the one I would consider to be minimally useful, would mix instruction with real exercises. It would lead you through a progressive series of exercises to illustrate its concepts.
Playing music is not merely something that occurs in your head, it is just as much something you feel and you do in your body.
First, let's be realistic - what you can do in 30 days with this book is not learn to read music. You can learn the rudiments of how music is notated, and torturously work your way slowly through simple scores. And it'll have to be in C major, because it contains no discussion of key signatures.
The book presents no system or method for reading music, it merely says what certain basic elements of notation mean.
My more significant problem is that the book has no practical component whatsoever. Reading music is not something that people can learn in the abstract, and even the freshest novice knows the difference between recognizing that a certain blob on the staff is an A sharp, and pressing the right key, fret, or what have you. There are connections forged between your eyes and your fingers that only partially travel through your conscious awareness, and while you have to start with the book learning, the real learning comes by doing.
The book I would like to see, and the one I would consider to be minimally useful, would mix instruction with real exercises. It would lead you through a progressive series of exercises to illustrate its concepts.
Playing music is not merely something that occurs in your head, it is just as much something you feel and you do in your body.
May 15, 2022
Don't listen to the naysayers - this book is absolutely solid.
It covered more ground than other books on music theory I have read, and it also has an accompanying online course which is great (it got me started with score reading which I was absolutely terrible at)
It covered more ground than other books on music theory I have read, and it also has an accompanying online course which is great (it got me started with score reading which I was absolutely terrible at)
April 29, 2019
I bought this book because I'm currently studying voice (with a teacher) and piano (myself, primarily from Alfred books) and decided I needed a much better music theory foundation for both. I'm happy to say that after completing the book I feel that I have that.
Separated into three basic sections — rhythm, pitch, and expression — it takes you from the most basic "this is what a quarter note looks like" to increasingly more advanced (but still appropriate for beginners) lessons in understanding how to read, write, and hear the different aspects of music.
The structure and division of these concepts is well-paced and laid out. In each lesson, there are audio examples (which you're given a download link for when you get the book) which really help you understand the application of the concepts being discussed. Most of these are excerpts from well-known classical pieces. At the end of each lesson, there are written exercises (an answer key is provided in the download for these and the book's final test).
On many days, there are additionally "listening challenges" where you're given a set of excerpts (some included in the download, others you can look up on YouTube or elsewhere) and are asked to determine things related to the lesson, like whether each one is a march or a waltz. Later you're also encouraged to follow along with the piece's sheet music as you listen for certain things.
I found the exercises, audio, and listening challenges extremely helpful as I learn best with a combination of types of input — not just reading but writing, seeing, and hearing the music in action really helped cement the ideas for me.
Throughout the book, the author gives his email address and says to contact him at any time. I took him up on that and he was extremely responsive, even updating the book itself based on my question. If you're looking for a good way to learn or brush up on music notation and basic theory, this is a great intro.
Separated into three basic sections — rhythm, pitch, and expression — it takes you from the most basic "this is what a quarter note looks like" to increasingly more advanced (but still appropriate for beginners) lessons in understanding how to read, write, and hear the different aspects of music.
The structure and division of these concepts is well-paced and laid out. In each lesson, there are audio examples (which you're given a download link for when you get the book) which really help you understand the application of the concepts being discussed. Most of these are excerpts from well-known classical pieces. At the end of each lesson, there are written exercises (an answer key is provided in the download for these and the book's final test).
On many days, there are additionally "listening challenges" where you're given a set of excerpts (some included in the download, others you can look up on YouTube or elsewhere) and are asked to determine things related to the lesson, like whether each one is a march or a waltz. Later you're also encouraged to follow along with the piece's sheet music as you listen for certain things.
I found the exercises, audio, and listening challenges extremely helpful as I learn best with a combination of types of input — not just reading but writing, seeing, and hearing the music in action really helped cement the ideas for me.
Throughout the book, the author gives his email address and says to contact him at any time. I took him up on that and he was extremely responsive, even updating the book itself based on my question. If you're looking for a good way to learn or brush up on music notation and basic theory, this is a great intro.
January 16, 2023
Everything for the beginner and more
I’m a lifelong amateur musician (guitar) but I never learned properly how to read music. I’ve relied on chord and tablature books. I took up the mandolin and I want to be able to sight-read musical notation without the crutch of tab. This book covers just about everything you need to know. I think it would be a bit overwhelming for the beginner, but there really isn’t an alternative if you want to learn music. Now I have a good base and from here it’s just practice, practice, practice!
I’m a lifelong amateur musician (guitar) but I never learned properly how to read music. I’ve relied on chord and tablature books. I took up the mandolin and I want to be able to sight-read musical notation without the crutch of tab. This book covers just about everything you need to know. I think it would be a bit overwhelming for the beginner, but there really isn’t an alternative if you want to learn music. Now I have a good base and from here it’s just practice, practice, practice!
July 14, 2021
I had basically zero knowledge of music theory when I started the book. I loved that this is more of a workbook where I can write notes and my answers within the pages. It has a companion website that allows you to check your answers and listen to audio samples. As a teacher, I appreciated the organization of the book and felt like it progressed at a good pace. It's self-paced so I was able to do some days together although I do not recommend going more than a few days between lessons or you may have to refresh yourself.
My only issue is the last few days did feel rushed and I would have preferred more time spent on dynamics and articulation. He spends a lot of time on rhythm, but I think I understand why: it's the foundation for a piece. That being said, I do feel like I can move on to a higher level book and start learning to read some simplified pieces for the piano.
My only issue is the last few days did feel rushed and I would have preferred more time spent on dynamics and articulation. He spends a lot of time on rhythm, but I think I understand why: it's the foundation for a piece. That being said, I do feel like I can move on to a higher level book and start learning to read some simplified pieces for the piano.
January 2, 2021
My husband gave me a keyboard for a Christmas present, and this book reminded me what I needed to know about reading music. It's been 20+ years since I last put hours toward practicing piano. It was easy to follow and I mainly concentrated on the areas where my memory had lapsed. As I work through some of my favorite songs once again, I'll use this as a reference.
July 25, 2022
Took me well beyond 30 days, yet it's a solid refresher on music notation and theory. I'm not sure if it's ideal for beginners but if you have had some training with a musical instrument you'll find it very useful.
October 22, 2023
I mostly skimmed this book as a refresher, and it was good for that. It reminded me that there’s plenty of music theory I need to become more familiar with when I decide on an instrument to learn how to play. Good pickup on Kindle Unlimited.
August 12, 2021
Understand more about music theory
I liked seeing the sight teaching verses reading and at my pace. I learn best hands on but at my age everything takes longer.
I liked seeing the sight teaching verses reading and at my pace. I learn best hands on but at my age everything takes longer.
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October 27, 2021Glad I found this book
This book is fantastic. Wish I had this book long ago. Finally, a book that makes learning to read and play music enjoyable and straightforward!
This book is fantastic. Wish I had this book long ago. Finally, a book that makes learning to read and play music enjoyable and straightforward!
November 30, 2021
Good Book for Beginners
The book covers the basics, with well written lessons and quizzes. Each daily lesson is short and focused. All in all, a good work.
The book covers the basics, with well written lessons and quizzes. Each daily lesson is short and focused. All in all, a good work.
December 26, 2023
how to read music
It is well written and easy to understand. Due to some bug in the kindle for iPad I have skip to the end as I need to catch up another book.
It is well written and easy to understand. Due to some bug in the kindle for iPad I have skip to the end as I need to catch up another book.
February 27, 2023
Damn. This thing didn't work. I read it in 30 days, did all the exercises, and I still can't... well, okay. A distinction must be made between reading and sight reading. This book will not achieve the latter in 30 days, but you will be able to puzzle through a score and see the structure of the piece, assuming you go through the book methodically and do the exercises. Ellul's explanations and examples are perfect for beginners, and he devotes an appropriate amount of ink to the problem of reading rhythms, which is crucial. The online audio is quite helpful (and free). All that would make this book better is more exercises, but it's not hard to find more exercises all over the internet. I've moved on to Ellul's companion volume on Music Theory now, and I'm finding it equally good.
May 19, 2023
Very good book on learning the language, mathematics and basics of music. However, I didn't finish the lessons in 30 days.After lesson 11, I had to skip some lessons since they became too complicated for me. I loved being able to access sound recordings online as exercises and examples of what was being covered.
I showed this book to my piano teacher and she said it was too complicated for a beginner. It was more for her level or for a performance artist.
I showed this book to my piano teacher and she said it was too complicated for a beginner. It was more for her level or for a performance artist.
April 17, 2021
A nice and gradual progression for beginners to learn and study music. The sections are clearly illustrated and make it easier to build memory and recognition of tone, duration and pitch effectively.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews