Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music

Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Do it Yourself for Music Theory
Review: Learning music theory on your own is not something to be tried by the faint of heart, simply because it seems like that for every rule there are fifty million execptions. Sorta like the English language. hmmmm... Anywho, Jonathan Harnum has taken an overly complicated subject matter and made it learable for anyone. And I do mean anyone!! As he explains early in the book, previous music theory books really lack in completely explaining WHY things are the way they are. Harnum de-cryptifies all that is involved with music theory for the non-musician. But this book is not just for the non-musician! I have been a student of music for over 13 years and a teacher for 3 and I found myself finding new and interesting (and humorous) facts about music theory. This book can teach anyone music theory and keep a smile on their face the entire time.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Most of my best teachers have been books, and this one is certainly added to my list. In high school what theory I did get was confusing and boring. Not so with this book. It's clear, concise, and maybe what I liked the best was it's style. It reminded me of sitting down and playing with a friend who knows more than I do and is willing to teach me what he knows. It's so much easier to learn that way. Great book. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Fun and Informative
Review: This was a kick not only to read, but to learn from. The friendly style made all the difference. Instead of dry and boring facts, this book has personality and even humor. The explanations are very clear and even if the information doesn't stick the first time (and with the more advanced concepts it won't), it's still fun to go back over. The reviews at the end of the chapters and parts are comprehensive, and the cross-referencing, glossary, staff paper, and index make this the best music theory book I've ever seen. If you want to learn how to read music, get this book. Good work, Mr. Harnum!