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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reference book, very practical for beginners.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Dag Guastella · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good handy book to refresh my memory.

:)

[Robin Speaks · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handy, handy, handy little reference.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great.