Product Description

A freindly, clearly explained primer for music theory. From what is a staff to basic chord progressions and everything in between, including key signatures, scales, modes, and much more.

Each chapter and section includes a comprehensive, cross-referenced review, specially designed for optimal memorization. In addition, practical use exercises reinforce what is learned.

Book contains a large glossary, index, blank staff paper, and a piano keyboard which doubles as a bookmark and is used with the reviews.

An excellent and friendly book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1039553 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Kathy Settevendemie, Music Educator, Kodiak AK
Loved it! Your sense of humor and ability to simplify sometimes convoluted information makes your book a pleasure to read.

Midwest Book Review, September 10, 2001
an ideal, highly recommended text for anyone of any background wanting to become proficient reading, composing, and performing written music.

From the Publisher
This book is a unique and worthy addition to the library of anyone interested in music.

Customer Reviews

Perfect!
Finally someone came up with a basic music theory book that's actually understandable and readable. Mr. Harnum explains complicated concepts in a way that even someone like me without any music background can easily understand them. I am looking forward to playing an instrument thanks to his help. This is by far the best music theory book I have ever read!

a friendly and complete introduction to music theory
The author of this book obviously had those of us who are scared of the complexity of music theory in mind when he wrote this book. Basic Music Theory is a down to earth book that moves gently through the landscape of music theory from the layout of the staff to chords and their inversions. The author also has interludes on practicing and conducting among others. I highly recommend this book if you want to understand music theory whether to compose music or to play it better.

This is Very Basic Stuff
As someone who studied an instrument through high school but had no formal training in music theory, this book didn't tell me much that I didn't already know. It's for people with no performance OR theory background. It doesn't cover anything that you'd expect to learn in a college level class. But, it would be a great for someone who's never learned an instrument or for a kid at the elementary or middle school level. It's very clearly written and easy to understand.