How to Read Music: Fundamentals of Music Notation Made Easy

by Roger Evans

A basic primer for anyone without musical training who wishes to learn to read musical scores when singing or taking up an instrument. The book explains how notes are named and written; how to read melody, interpret time signatures, keys, sharps, flats, and naturals; how to read tempo; and how to play chords.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Joseph Wetterling]

This is not a music theory book; the author covers a lot of "what" with very little "why". That is, however, a positive: the vast majority of musical symbols and terms are covered, in order of frequency, in a very compact book. Why is this music in 12/4 time? Check a music theory book (or find different music). How do you count 12/4 time? Roger Evans has you covered.

[DJ Yossarian]

Good reference book, very practical for beginners.

[Liz]

Great guide for a beginner like me! I used a few of the pages of music to practice playing the piano. I will definitely use this book as a reference in the future too.

[Zhenkai]

Quite good explanation on most concepts. But the explanation on key signature and major vs minor is quite confusing.

[Dag Guastella]

Very clear and easy to understand, just don't get too court up on the lists they give out and knowing the correct name for everything, you will be looking back on pages constantly anyway

[Bruce Gumbert]

Good basic reference. Has a good explanation of notation for sheet music and ends with a dictionary of terms.

[Laurie]

Such a useful book! I've just begun taking piano lessons as an adult. This book provided great support with beginning music theory.

[Ida Wilcox]

A good handy book to refresh my memory.

:)

[Robin Speaks]

Not what I thought it was going to be, but it was ok.

[Jane Pierce]

Had to return to library before I even cracked the spine. MUST remember to use moderation when at the library.

[Evelyn Repass]

Handy, handy, handy little reference.

[Douglas Wilson]

Great.