Customer Reviews

The Everything Reading Music Book: A Step-By-Step Introduction To Understanding Music Notation And Theory (Everything: Sports and Hobbies)

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I really hate wading through reviews on Amazon. Some folks come to wax for no reason at all. This is actually my first ever review, so here goes. This book is perfect. It's a book on learning how to read music. It starts very basic so that any Joe can learn it. Once the author gets you started with the basics of notes and rhythm, you get some music theory. It's not a hardcore theory bok, but the author does go into enough detail to get you through just about any situation you may encounter. What I think is more important toa dd is that once you're done with the book, you can go to ANY other higher level theory book and learn there. So many books simply start TOO hard for the average user. The book is very approachable and the explanations are great. I can't reccomend this one enough!

I looked up the author, who has a few other book on Amazon, and according to his website, there will be a Music Theory book for this same company -- I can only suppose it will take off where this book left off.

The book reads very clean and the many musical examples make the book a pleasure to look at (as i think written music is beautiful). There is an audio CD, which is also excellent.

I hope this helps someone get a grasp on what this book is about. I have bought a few theory type books over the years to help with my piano playing (self taught). This is simply the only book that has started at a spot where I can "jump right in". Well done!

I've never seen the difficult subject of learning to read music so clearly explained. If you are interested in learning to read music, and then moving beyond the basics into music theory, this is the book. Most other books that I have seen on this subject, including the are just terrible; too complicated or not clearly written. This one provides lucid writing and clear visual examples. Highly recommended!

I am new to learning music, but have the desire. WHat I needed was a book that would cover the very basics and ramp up from there without insulting my inteligence. This is exactly what I got! A great book for someone who essentially knows nothing about music. It starts out with notes and scales and builds from there. The book is easy to read, has plenty of diagrams, etc, plus came with a very helpful CD so not only do you see the musical notations, but you get to hear what those notations sound like.

It won't be the last music book I buy, but it certainly is a great place to start!

This book has been such a help to me as I started my journey and note reading and piano playing. The explanations, examples, and accompanying CD are all excellent. Mr. Schonbrun's book is a keeper!

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I've been reading this book now for well over a year and have been using it as a supplement for (self-) studying the piano. "The Everything Reading Music Book" is really two books in one. The first nine chapters (125 pages) cover reading music notation. The second part of the book covers music theory. This is an added bonus. I also have the same series "Music Theory" book and the information from both books tend to compliment each other. Currently I am on Chapter 17 (see below).

The beginning of the book contains an interesting explanation of the differences between 'cognitive' and 'experiential' learning as well as including the author's goals and approach in making sure the reader gets the most out of the book.

Here is a breakdown of each Chapter:

1. The Written Note
2. The Elements
3. Beating Rhythm
4. The Long and Short of Rests
5. Meter and Time
6. Conquering Rhythm
7. The Language of Music
8. Expression Markings and Other Music Symbols
9. Instrument Specific Notation
10. Keys and Key Signatures
11. Major Scales
12. Minor Scales
13. Musical Intervals
14. Triads, Chords, Arpeggios and Seventh Chords
15. Basic Harmony
16. Major Scale Chord Progressions
17. Advanced Chord Progressions
18. Other Scales
19. Transposing Instruments
20. Reading Lead Sheets

Appendix A: Scale and Chord Reference
Appendix B: Ranges of Common Instruments
Appendix C: Solutions to Exercises

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This book is an excellent resource and gets a lot of use. I have found that reading, initially, was very difficult but that it becomes easier with time. This experience is perhaps best summarized with the author's own words:

"This book is not just about "reading" music, it's also about the information you can learn when you have the ability to read music. Theory, scales, modes, arpeggios, composing and arranging are all tied into reading and documenting music."

also:

"The general parts about reading music are just that - general! It is not a substitute for methods and manuals that train you to play a particular instrument. Studying music symbology here will make your experience using any other music book easier and more rewarding."

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Besides devoting the second half of the book to Music Theory, there is a large section on Rhythm. It includes Thirty-Four (34) playing exercises (Tracks 1 - 34 on the CD) over the course of four chapters (Chapters 3-6, see above) or about fifty pages. For example:

Track One starts with an exercise of counting quarter notes.
Track Five explains eighth and sixteenth note beaming.
Track Eight counts eighth note triplets.
Track Twelve covers quarter, half and whole note rests.

etc.

The topic concludes with a four-exercise test (see Fig. 6-17 through 6-20 : tracks 31-34), entitled "Practicing Common Rhythms" which is designed to familiarize the reader with the most frequent groupings encountered.

The author also thoughtfully includes additional resources (see page 74) for those interested in studying Advanced Rhythm. *NOTE* For those interested, 'syncopation' which 'places accents on parts that aren't usually accented' (see pages 68-70) is covered on Tracks 28-30. For the beginner, this would seem like an appropriate introduction to the topic.

*HINT* If you have difficulty with any of the rhythm exercises, for example on Tracks 20-22 (see page 62-63) there are combined eighth and sixteenth note groupings, just break out your metronome and set it to the slowest speed (40-60 bps) working your way forward. Once you reach 100 bps, compare your work with the CD recording.


ADDITIONALLY:

· The book CD includes 99 separate playing exercises.
· The first 34 are rhythm accompaniments (snare drum & metronome)
· The rest are performed on digital piano.

· It is important to read each section carefully and complete each exercise.
· All exercises are meant to be played as well as listened to.

· Playing and reading music is a lifetime activity. Enjoy the process!


CONCLUSION:

Music is a Language and learning a new language is not easy. However, if one is sincere about wanting to learn then there is no barrier (including yourself!) that can stand in your way. In short, learning to read will increase the enjoyment and possibilities for you. This book will help explain your notation questions in an easy-to-understand manner and was written with the beginner in mind.

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Great book. I am a newbie at music and this is helping me incredibly. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to further their education in the new language of music. I love it.

I've been trying to teach myself to read for years. Reading notes are easy, reading rhythm is extremely difficult. This book, along with the accompanying CD taught me to "hear" and memorize rhythm figures. Most of the time I don't even have to count. I would highly recommend this book. Also, try the Everything Music Theory Book.

seems like it should help me out, especially in the rhythm section combined with the audio cd. my piano teacher also agreed it seems like a good book right now for me.

The Everything Reading Music Book is simply the best book I have ever read concerning the subject of learning to read music, and I have read many others! Marc Schonbrun lays out the information in an easy to understand and logical way, yet remarkably in-depth as well. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for beginners like me who want a truly user-friendly introduction to this often intimidating topic. This book and included CD was a revelation, and provided a quantum increase in my understanding. Bravo, Mr. Schonbrun!!!

Wow! I use all the time, great learning tool, reference guide for beginners with no understand of notation or music theory. Top of my tips list!