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Fundamentals of Music/Book and Disc

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Fundamentals of Music 3rd Edition by Earl Henry 1999

This work is a high school or college refresher level text. It is in booklet format with 3 ring binder holes for easy transportation. The book starts out by giving instructions on how to notate music which includes exercises on re-writing musical examples. This is unique for beginning materials as it has the student re-write music in different beat levels. This is exceptional as it teaches the student reading skills without them even being told that they are doing just that.

The method comes with a companion cd that has recorded musical examples that go along with the written music that is in the text. All exercises in the book are written in large style text for easy reading. There is even a chapter dealing exclusively with the keyboard. Students need these skills so it is best to introduce the instrument as early as possible. In contrast to other texts of this style (workbook based) it does not just give a myriad of exercises, it makes sure that the student fully understands why he or she is completing the work which leads to a concept mastered.

The text helps the student to understand how to write notation for themselves on paper. There are examples of correct and incorrect notation. Many texts, I feel introduce the computer based programs too early. They are necessary in this day and age because that is the direction in which society is headed. Paper and pencil; however is still common ground for most educated persons at this point in society. It is for that reason that I favor pencil and paper in the education process at least initially and then allow the student to make up their own mind which direction to proceed. There are many composers today that still favor paper and pencil over computer programs and later have a copyist translate their work into digital format. John Williams (Star Wars) is one that comes to mind.

Chapters proceed as with major scales, keys, and the order of sharps and flats. These concepts are presented simply and in a basic format with little expounding of ideas. This appeals to younger students as it is the least confusing. I like how the author assumes that the student does not know concepts until they are taught. Many methods assume the student knows more than they actually do.

When intervals are taught, the keyboard picture is always present and then the explanation of how they construct scales. The concept of the circle of 5ths is brought up at the end of the interval chapter rather than the beginning like many texts do. This is helpful as it limits confusion. It is best to not introduce a concept until you are sure everyone understands and then it is best to proceed from there.

Minor scales and keys are presented with a look visually at a keyboard. A written musical example is given. The relative major is explained at this time adequately and thoroughly

Chapters proceed with information on root position triads, inversions and then diatonic relationships. I feel that diatonic harmony should be introduced before root position triads and their inversions but the instructor could reverse this if they preferred to. The final chapter culminates with cadences, seventh chords and voice leading. Unfortunately, these concepts are merely touched upon rather than explaining in more detail. The information on voice leading amounts to only one paragraph of written information. Possibly, the author intended for this information to be expounded upon in a further volume. If that is the case, one would need to extend the teaching by using another work or to expound upon the material. I like the text and would use it in a high school or possibly in a community college setting. I would not use it in a university except for remediation as it does not explain voice leading and 4 part harmony in any great detail.

I have the 3rd edition of this book and I have to say, it takes a while to get through this book, but it is really went written! I've learnt so much abut music theory from this book that I never could seem to understand from all the other books I have.

Author of the book has done a great job explaining the fundamentals of notations used to read/write compositions.

This book has a very clear and simple approach to music fundamentals and theory. Chapter 7 and onwards is the 'real stuff.' You are introduced to scales, keys, the circle of fifths (don't let the name intimidate you, it's just a neat circle for arranging keys). To put it in very un-musical terms, keys are the "holders or masters" of scales. Scales are basically a set of notes, that "sound good together." Bb is a note (most people know that but i'm still mentioning it for some unknown unknowledgeable reader). Say you have a Bb minor scale, that scale "produces" sounds that give off a Bb "flavor" or color. Scales are neat.

Chapter 9 and onwards focus on triads. A triad is basically a harmonic arrangement of three notes, stacked in thirds (or 'vertically' for the purpose of this review). Basically, if you have a major triad then it sound "good and square." But say you want to make...you know, actual organic music, and not just a happy yellow song. This is where music theory comes in.

The next few chapters in the book entertain you with triads. You can do alot of things to traids, you can invert them. Think of a bird, now think of this exact bird if it were smaller. Both the big and the small birds would sing the same notes but the "pitches" would be different. The smaller bird would produce a higher pitch, or something like that, but the idea is that both birds are singing the same note. This is basically the octave concept.

This book has a lot of practical value even if you're not a music person, triads in particular are extremely important. You can invert them, change their quality (sound, dark, happy, etc). If you have a piano or guitar lying around, do this: play a C triad, (C E G notes together). Now flat that e, or "play a d#"). A single note makes a big difference. if you flat both the E and the G, you get a diminished. There are many other complications & neat stuff (but of course, to musicians this is 'common sense'). Hope this helped. It's a good book.