Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant Music Theory - Wacky Science Theory
Review: I agree with most of the reviewer's comments on the excellent methods, information, and ideas given about how to train yourself in the various hearing and transcription disciplines as they relate to improving musicianship. I have nothing further to add to those comments other than to say I also highly recommend the book for a rather fresh, insightful approach to learning that material. There is also a very good reference section containing books, websites, and other supportive information.HOWEVER, and this is a big BUT, the scientific and more technical ideas that are presented here to fill in the 'bigger' picture of how music material relates to the physical world around us are tenuous much of the time and unfortunately even erroneous in some instances. There is an apparent misunderstanding about the very significant distinction between electro-magnetic waves and sound waves which require and depend on a "medium" like air or water to propagate. To state or imply that the only difference between light and sound is a question of frequency range is just incorrect. Also, the author tries to superimpose the golden section (phi) over the harmonic series stating that every interval progresses up the harmonic series becoming smaller by precisely the golden section (approx. .6180339...). The number itself is not shown correctly in the book, and if you simply do the math, you'll find that this just isn't even close to being true beyond the 2nd octave. Where did he come up with that?!! If the 3rd chapter had been left out, I would probably give this book 5 stars. It is unfortunate, because when he is in the domain of hearing and writing music, which is most of the book, it is very enlightening and effective.
Rating: 
Summary: The Ear Training Bible
Review: I have several statements to make about this book: -This is an integrated system of ear training for internalizing the language of music.
-I wish this book was around 20 years ago.
-I think it should be the new standard and REQUIRED ear training course for public and private school music programs.
-Dictation and solfege are not very servicable for modern music, this method provides tools for dealing with the vast array of music today.
-When I first flipped through the book, it was like the "eureka" experience.
-This book changed my life, I RETAINED more the last 3 years studying out of this book, then I learned in my previous 17.
-I think the reason this book is so effective, is that the author's approach is grounded in how we naturally hear music based on the overtone series, and tonality. He then gradually builds upon this foundation through intervals, scales, the diatonic matrix,and chromaticism, but always in reference to a tonal center(s), and always stressing the reader to use his/her INNER EAR and MIND, and NOT an instrument.
-Another huge plus it the sections on chords and chord progressions. This is awesome and clarifying information especially for non-keyboard players.
-The book is also laid out and organized in a way that is easy on the eyes and brain. It's easy to find stuff, and fun to study out of. -Lou Smoltz: Jazz Bass Player, and Music Lover
Rating:
Summary: This book is great!
Review: I liked this book a lot. Being able to transcribe music that I hear is one of those things that I've always wanted to be able to do, and now with "Hearing and Writing Music", I have the book I need to learn the skill. I found the book well organized and everything is explained in a simple, easy to understand manner. I'm more of a beginner and I was amazed how some of the stuff I was just doing by stumbling around by myself muscially, wasn't because I was actually stumbling, but that I had already kind of learned some of the techniques in the book. Hearing and Writing Music helped me to focus and develop my skills and make real progress! I liked that the book had exercises that I could understand and actually do and I feel my skills building as I am still working my way through the book. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A graduate-level title from the school of experience!
Review: I own and have read just about every book on composition, orchestration and film scoring. I have to say.... this title (both the first and second edition) is not only the greatest deal in the domain, but perhaps the finest title! Ron's book has a way of filling in the gaps, perfecting your musical knowlege and command of the craft. From interval and ear training to notation, composition and theory, this book has it all. Understanding the principles in this title is key to not only a fulfilling musical career, but a successful one as well. Do yourself a favor - get this book and read it several times, do the exercises, practice the lessons daily, and you'll find your musicianship, skills and pleasure of music grow! - Christian
Rating:
Summary: rational and effective
Review: I wish I had had this book when I was studying music formally. Now I'm using it just for pleasure, but I'm buying it for my nephew at Indiana U. -- he's looking to be a professional and I don't want him to waste his time the way I did.
Rating: 
Summary: Capture that haunting melody that keeps eluding you
Review: I'll admit, I initially had misgivings about this book. Something about the cover and title said "Basic Music Literacy for Three-Chord Rockers." But I borrowed it from my local library, whereupon a quick review was enough to convince me to buy a copy. There's nothing lightweight about it. All the basics are covered on what gives a piece its shape, its particular "feel" and the elements from which it is built. It's a thorough course on how to transfer the music you hear, on recordings or in your imagination, onto paper. With all due respect, I wouldn't pay much attention to the reviewer below who suggests using ear-training software alone. If you're serious about music you must have at least one instrument around you can use with the book, and no software package at a comparable price will give you the solid theoretical background presented in this book. My only complaint? I wish the part on chords were longer, especially the sections on chord progression and counterpoint. At some points there's more broad-stroke description than actual instruction. But to be fair to the author, a single-volume book can't teach everything, and he does include a list of books for further study.
Rating:
Summary: Capture that haunting melody that keeps eluding you
Review: I'll admit, I initially had misgivings about this book. Something about the cover and title said "Basic Music Literacy for Three-Chord Rockers." But I borrowed it from my local library, whereupon a quick review was enough to convince me to buy a copy. There's nothing lightweight about it. All the basics are covered on what gives a piece its shape, its particular "feel" and the elements from which it is built. It's a thorough course on how to transfer the music you hear, on recordings or in your imagination, onto paper. With all due respect, I wouldn't pay much attention to the reviewer below who suggests using ear-training software alone. If you're serious about music you must have at least one instrument around you can use with the book, and no software package at a comparable price will give you the solid theoretical background presented in this book. My only complaint? I wish the part on chords were longer, especially the sections on chord progression and counterpoint. At some points there's more broad-stroke description than actual instruction. But to be fair to the author, a single-volume book can't teach everything, and he does include a list of books for further study.
Rating:
Summary: invalueable
Review: This book is invalueable and is no substitute for any ear training software that I am aware of. I've been looking for a book like this for years. It strikes just the right balance between too much detail (as in typical textbooks) and not enough (as in typical ear training software). It gives you the big picture, yet does it in an easy to understand way, including lots of diagrams. It is carefully thought out, with little fluff and extraneous material. This book has it all: intervals, scales, modes, chord construction, transcription. I would heartily recommend it to any musician, particularly those (like rock guitarists) who play by ear. If you're willing to put in the effort this book will deliver a payback many times over.
Rating: 
Summary: Only in Hollywood!
Review: This book was written by a ...! I kid you not, this [guy] has a diagram on page 28 showing sound waves as part of the electromagnetic spectrum! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!! (Its a mechanical wave!) An excerpt from the facing page: "Sound is at the low end of the frequency spectrum; it is where music space and music time intersect." Wow man, that's heavy-hey, pass me that joint! If you like bad science, meaningless off-the-wall statements, and you see two images when you look through binoculars just like in the movies, then this book is for you!
At first I thought he was just a flower child and I could just skip through the babbling. Then his misunderstanding of the nature of sound gave me the giggles. I thought I could just ignore the mindless blather and get to the part where I could learn how to transcribe music, but I saw no end in sight. The odds that I would learn "bad music theory" were skyrocketing. I finally threw in the towel at page 30. I'm sending it back so it won't be a total loss! The least the publisher could do is leave out all the empty space on the pages-it would save half the paper used!
I have a master's degree in physics, so the author can't harm me with his ridiculous banter on the nature of sound. However, as a beginner at music, the risk of learning stupid untruths regarding music was just too high! I wonder how many people with less of an education will be led down the garden path to musical stupidity by this guy. I'm writing this review to save you!!!
Too bad the lowest rating...is one star-I had to overrate this hunk of junk!
I did learn one thing though: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a book written by someone from Hollywood unless you get your science education from People magazine!
Rating: 
Summary: This book will do you little good
Review: This book, as good as it may be according to some of the other reviewers, will do you little good unless you spend a lot of time with a good ear-training software program. There are quite a few out there that should do the trick. Actually, save your money and just get the ear-training software. That's all you really need to master what this book can only help you conceptualize about.
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