Customer Reviews

The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications, Vol. I

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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.

I never played any musical instruments or even sang extensively using sheet music, and therefore knew nothing when I arrived at college to take my first music theory class. With this book, I went from knowing nothing to being at the top of my class! Turek is just phenomenal with how genius this book is! I now tutor kids in music theory who have had it all their lives, it is that great! Thanks Dr. Turek!

I know nothing about music theory and have read five to six books on this subject. Most of them are written for seating in the ABRSM's examinations or just enough for playing one musical instrument. However, this book is tailor-made for layman, which is very detailed written in academic and professional style. To me and those who know nothing about music at all, it is very good "road signal" to get into it.