Essential Dictionary of Music Notation: Pocket Size Book

by Tom Gerou, Linda Lusk

This pocket-sized dictionary presents current and correct notation practices in an easy-to-use format. Generously illustrated and concise, this book is essential to any musician looking for a handy reference for the correct notation of music. A most welcome and beneficial source for every musician, whether using a pencil or a computer.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jason Comely · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first time, I could follow and understand the musical notation of the hymns I sang at church today. It was kind of exhilarating! I can thank this book for helping me acquire this new skill.

[Stephanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over a course of a few lunch breaks. After 28 years in music I still learned a lot!

I appreciated that this guide included info about specific spacings - "such and such sign should be aligned flush with the left side of the measure" etc. Or "such and such tempo should be in a slightly smaller font than the other text." I had previously read Gardner Read's notation guide, which included the rules in more detail but not so much about where exactly things should be placed on the page. The two together make a nice comprehensive picture of music notation.

[mirabilos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally a dictionary: look up a term, get a concise answer. Probably not what I should have bought, maybe Elaine Gould’s would have been better, but it’s a handy reference for later.

[Milan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says on the cover.

[Carlos Fabbro · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s true: Sight-reading is useless.😝🤘🏽

[Tao Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned a lot from this book. Even though I learned how to read music, there are still many nuances in musical notation that I was not aware of.

[Maverick F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book is very handy. It can fit in your pocket on the go. The pictures are very helpful along with the notation skills I have acquired. Its a great starting point for early musicians that would like to be composers. This great book is meant for everyone. Even if you don't appreciate music.

[Francesco Iannuzzelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and very well written, amazing for such a small book.

[Martin McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent little book that covers all the essentials of modern, standard music notation. It's very well presented and laid out - the text is very clear and there are numerous music examples which only add to the clarity. Early methods of notation, such as neumes, exotic modern notation techniques (for example for aleatoric or electronic music) and notation for non-western instruments are not covered. Tablature for string instruments such as guitars is dealt with briefly but adequately. It's also small and so, easily portable. Recommended.