Product Description

THEORY ESSENTIALS is a two-volume text that offers a unique, total solution to teaching music theory. Integrating all the components of the two-year music theory sequence, each volume (and its accompanying workbook) fully synthesizes the major topics in music theory with aural skills, keyboard applications, and examples from the literature. Offering terrific value, THEORY ESSENTIALS replaces the need for the four separate texts traditionally required for the music theory sequence (theory, ear training/sight singing, keyboard harmony, and an anthology). The result is a remarkable, carefully-paced synthesis of these components that moves from a solid grounding in Fundamentals through Diatonic Harmony (in Volume I), and from Secondary Function chords through Twentieth-Century Techniques (in Volume II).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #194740 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-16
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Plastic Comb
• 448 pages

Review
"The style of writing is extremely appropriate for my students. It is clear and pitched at the right level for undergraduates with no prior theory background. The presence of ear training and keyboard exercises is a major asset, impressing upon the student the importance of these aspects in the study of theory, and helping the instructor with ready made examples for sightsinging, rhythmic exercises, dictation, and keyboard exercises - which should be part of any beginning theory course."

"Texts for my theory class cost over $300 when students have to purchase books in fundamentals, theory text and workbook, sight singing, and ear training. Every fall my students, parents, and other faculty all complain loudly to me about this! The cost of ONE BOOK would be a relief! The music examples are WONDERFUL!"

"By combining harmony, ear training, and piano in one text, THEORY ESSENTIALS has not only helped to coordinate elements, but will save student a lot of money on textbooks. I like very much the writing style of the text. It flows well and my students will react very positively to it."

"The analysis examples are concise and to the point. . . . they allow the student to demonstrate the concept discussed in the chapter. This book is not only good for a theorist to use but it’s excellent for the professor who is not a theorist by nature . . . It’s a wonderful text!"

"I like the way this textbook integrates the study of theory with the attainment of aural and keyboard skills sequentially presented. These aspects establish a complete study in theory. By doing so, students can better relate theory to real music."

About the Author
Dr. Connie Mayfield is Professor of Music at Kansas City Kansas Community College (since 1992) where she teaches music theory and music technology and serves as Coordinator of the Music Department. Mayfield was a Fulbright scholar to London, England, and completed her Ph.D. in music theory at the University of Kansas. Her presentations on music technology include the League for Innovation Conference on Information Technology, the MENC national convention, and the first annual Technology in Education Conference presented by the California Community Colleges Foundation. She is a leader in teaching theory and developing music technology curricula.

Customer Reviews

Part Writing and Analysis is now easy to understand
Many theory textbooks complicate part writing and analysis. I had the oppotunity to review and study this book as well as a commonly used theory textbook. This textbook is far superior to the others. I recommend it highly