Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music

by Stefan Kostka

This single volume covers all the topics typically taught in a two-year music theory course. In addition to numerous self-tests and examples, musical illustrations with commentaries, coverage of late 19th and 20th-century developments and a companion workbook, this updated edition includes a cassette with many of the text's musical examples; new exercises, summaries and self-tests; and an expanded supplements package. A study guide (0-07-034882-6) and an enhanced instructor's manual (0-07-035881-8) with a chapter quiz and answers to workbook exercises are also available.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, Theory, Read For School, Education

666 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I objectively rate this? I can only say that during one of the great carefree times of life (freshman year of music school) it completely transformed my understanding and appreciation of harmony. Props to Mrs. Derry, theory instructor at WMU school of music. (1991 graduate, bachelor's degree)

[Richard Pohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fine and comprehensive book on tonal harmony, recommended even for beginners. Clear explanations, a lot of helpful examples and exercises... Perhaps the ordering can easily get you confused a bit... but overall an excellent volume.

[Craig Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefan Kostka has created an impressive tome of musical analysis and theory. While the books focuses mainly on the harmony aspect of music, it touches on 20th century music and lights the way for new discovery. The material is sometimes difficult to understand but I've found it helpful to read the proceeding chapter of the one I'm stuck on. It generally helps and I seldomly have to turn to the internet or other books for more information.

[✨ Brianna Raquel ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite teaching tools. It teaches the material in a simple, yet engaging way that makes it easy to follow along. I do think the self-tests aren't necessarily needed if using the workbook, but at least it's more practice.

[YunJin · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's not the most fantastic theory book, but it's pretty comprehensive and now i know hella shit. it makes reading other theory books a lot more fun.

[Tamsyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another college textbook I'll never part with.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be placed next to/in place of The Bible on your bookshelf.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best/Only music theory textbook I've ever used.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, I guess it sometimes actually taught me stuff, but the order of the concepts is the least logical thing I've ever seen. Part of my struggle with theory was my teacher, but this book explains things in the most roundabout, unnecessarily wordy way possible. I took AP Music Theory (actually still in the middle of the course) and I actually had to use my private piano teacher to do the course with me. It takes like 5 seconds for a teacher or Google to explain it to me and hOurs for me to get the concept reading Kostka-Payne. I'm just so tired and wish this book would die and be replaced with something easier to understand.

[Julia Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a real heavyweight when it comes to music theory. Sometimes, it feels like it's throwing too much at you, but if you stick with it, you'll come out with a solid understanding of tonal music. I'm giving it four stars because, while it's super comprehensive, it can be a bit overwhelming at times.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my Harmony and Musicianship classes.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not sell this book fast enough.

[Bruno Milan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is NOT an approachable method to learn music theory

[David Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this text for my AP MusicTheory class. It covers all the concepts of written & analytical theory that are covered on the AP exam, so it makes sense---all the other texts I evaluated came up short in one way or another. My problem lies in the way the book is written. The author is an intellectual elitist. The style is wordy and pretentious. I find myself spending as much time deciphering the book as teaching from it. It is thorough, but not always clear.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little harder than it needed to be. Sometimes I would just have to put it down and come back to it later. I think your teacher can order a complete solutions guide. It would be nice if you wanted to do things that weren't homework but wanted to check you work with your teacher. Students obviously can't get a teacher solutions copy for themselves.

[Giuseppe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst theory book ever compiled... it isn't worth your money and I apologize that you know this book.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Tons of clear examples, and a few musical jokes here and there. Payne is too good to us!

[Carissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The worst text for teaching music theory to teenagers.

[Zola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another textbook I didn't sell back. Mostly because I'm a musician, but it IS a very good reference for music theory and composition.

[Mary Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good explanations, well organized, plenty of exercises to support learning.

[The Literary Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most fun I've ever had, but what it does, which is explain and test your comprehension of music theory, it does well. The companion workbook is also great reinforcement.

[Laura Gilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you prefer a grammatical approach to music theory, this is your text. I prefer a functional approach.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Core elements of harmony/theory curriculum in a handy, single-volume format.

Good for a 2-3 year study course post-grade 5.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of my textbooks.

[Flenko]

tonal harmony

[karen]

Explains the classical music and is good only to understand it, also for familiarization of terms, which are very well explained ,but less complex examples would be better for begginers , they might confuse you.