The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, Vol. I [Plastic Comb]

Ralph Turek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0070654743 | ISBN-13: 978-0070654747 | Edition: 2

The Elements of Music, Concepts and Applications, Volume 1, is part of a comprehensive learning program for 2-year music theory courses. The text is distinguished by an attention to detail that makes learning--and teaching--easier. Abundant musical examples throughout the text immediately reinforce theoretical concepts, giving students a command of essential compositional and analytical skills, including a strong grounding in four-part writing and an understanding of musical style through 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 (0070654565), also by Turek. Also available for separate purchase are a companion student workbook (007065493X), audio CD (0070655251) and Elements of Music, Concepts and Applications, Volume 2 (0070654751).

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 528 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 2 edition (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070654743
• ISBN-13: 978-0070654747
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, Vol. I (Plastic Comb)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Complete and concise, but not for beginners., March 3, 2011

By 

P. TheReasonable - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, Vol. I (Plastic Comb)

I bought this book for a class called "Fundamental of Western Music," in which I learned theory of music from scratch. The book had a very nice format--list of terms at the first page of each chapter, introduction to each new concept with couples of illustration, and a lot of exercises at the end. However, the content seemed too concise to me--as a beginner who just started to learn music theory, I NEEDED a lot of examples and clarifications. What would be common mistakes that beginners usually did? What techniques should we learn so we could memorize the key signatures quickly? Such questions were not addressed in the book. The book was designed to be concise, so it mentioned a new concept JUST briefly, then it moved on in no time. The exercises did not help much too since there were only solutions to the few. In the end, I was not sure why I bought the book.

I know that music is a matter of practice and practice, but with good techniques or interesting observations about music theory would foster a much faster and better music learning to me. So my suggestion is that the book is okay for those who already knows music stuff and needs to recap quickly on some concept. But for beginners, there should be a better book out there for you.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understandable & Comprehensive, February 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, Vol. I (Plastic Comb)

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!