Product Description

The Elements of Music is a two-volume text with companion workbooks for 2-year music theory courses that take a comprehensive approach. The text is distinguished by an attention to detail that makes learning (and teaching) easier; it is example intensive, immediately reinforcing theoretical concepts with musical selections.

In addition, The Elements of Music gives students a command of essential compositional and analytical skills -- including a strong grounding in four-part writing -- and an understanding of musical style though comprehensive analysis. Built-in pedagogical aids assist the student, while the extensive Instructor's Manual saves time for the teacher.

The second edition includes a greater emphasis on comprehensive analysis along with more thorough coverage of 4-part voice leading, harmony, large scale melodic and harmonic relationships, and 20th Century music. The Elements of Music works particularly well with The Analytical Anthology of Music, also by Turek.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #117426 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Plastic Comb
• 528 pages

About the Author
Ralph Turek holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College -- Conservatory of Music. He has held teaching posts at George Mason University, the University of Maryland, and The University of Akron, where he is Professor of Music Composition and Coordinator of Graduate Studies. He is the author of The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications and of Analytical Anthology of Music, both published by McGraw-Hill.

In Theory for Today's Musician, the author brings to bear insights and pedagogy acquired over a long career of teaching music theory, analysis, and composition informed by a background in jazz and arranging; as well as other experience that includes program annotation and fiction writing. The result is a textbook unique in style, tone, and relevance to today’s practicing musician and music educator.

Customer Reviews

The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications
This is an excellent book for gaining a good fundamental knowledge of music theory. I picked the book up at a university bookstore where it is used in a formal music department instructional setting. However, the mature, disciplined musician who can set aside study time to work through this book for self instruction will enjoy it and greatly improve their musical ability. In particular, I found the selection of musical examples useful, enjoyable and fun. Overall a great book.

Understandable & Comprehensive
I picked up guitar about 3 year ago and wanted to understand music theory. This book started simple, used lots of examples and built to an advanced level. I have a solid grasp of musical concepts that used to mystify me. I've really enjoyed it and look forward to studying volume II!

No Title
I used this textbook (as well as Vol. II) when I was doing my Musicology and Composition studies. Since then, I have devoured several other Theory textbooks, but this set remains the greatest yet written. Were I teaching, I would swear by it.