Learn To Read Music: An Introduction To Keys, Chords, Notes, Beats And Everythi

by Michael Baxter Harry; Baxter

What is a treble clef? What is syncopation? How do you notate a chromatic chord?

You'll find the answers to these and more than a hundred other questions in Learn to Read Music. Simple, direct, admirably concise, this book will guide the beginner through the mysteries and into the magic of music. Learn to Read Music starts with the idea of pitch. Some sounds are heavy and deep; others are light and high. Similarly, sounds can be long or short. Music is made up of beats, and beats are made up of sounds of different lengths called notes. From here, the book moves to other areas, explaining scales, keys and harmony. Harmony is the main characteristic that distinguishes Western music from other types of music around the world. No discussion of music would be complete without an analysis of the most important instrument -- the human voice. Readers will find out about the four main voice categories: Soprano (a high female voice); Contralto (a low female voice); Tenor (a high male voice); and Bass (a low male voice); as well as: Baritone, a voice between Bass and Tenor, and Mezzo Soprano, a voice between Contralto and Soprano. And of course, this comprehensive guide introduces readers to all the configurations and elements of music. Plus, discussions of common musical abbreviations and terms, and a list of frequently encountered Italian and German terms with their English equivalents. Designed for self-study, each chapter ends with a set of questions to help you measure your progress into the world of music. Enjoy!

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, Teaching

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[ReadyOrNot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice intro to the basics of music theory. I learned some things about notation that had eluded me.

[Lisa Driskill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sure it is a fine book, but it was way over my head!

[Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible, but the language is dated and hard to follow. Might be a good accompaniment (haha) for a class on theory, but not a good standalone.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still don't think I can read music

[Jorge · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was given to me by my friend Jeronimo. No doubt the offer had the best of intentions: provide me with the basics to read a stave.
But mainly because my inability , that goal did not materialize. Although I have learned something about music, I was very far from being able to interpret a stave even if it is a very simple one.
It's not that the book is not quite didactic, notably by the end of each chapter a Q&A is provided.
But I think the book is not as elementary as my level of musical knowledge required. On the other hand the use of the English language, to me very technical, has created additional difficulties.

Nevertheless my thanks to Jeronimo, remains :-)

[David Melbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book conveniently has thirteen chapters, so I divided it up into a a chapter a month, or so. It was fun to refresh my memory and this has indeed put me back into writing music again. I am craving more!

[Tammam Aloudat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Difficult at times but a good explanation of how to read music. To be read again and again.