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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Starting with First Principles...,
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This review is from: How Music Really Works : The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students ( Updated & Revised Second Edition ) (Paperback)
This book is brilliant, and I hope it becomes available on Amazon again (so I can associate-link to it from my website!). Unlike all the other music books in my library, this actually develops theory from first principles and then effectively builds layers of abstraction and complexity. This approach lets you figure things out if you have forgotten, and is much more effective than rote memorization. I'm finally getting a sense of WHY the circle of fifths exists, certain chord transitions carry a feeling of resolution, and modulation between some keys make more sense than others. Definitely a keeper, this one... and it's a fun read as well.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is different, serious, accessible,
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This review is from: How Music Really Works : The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students ( Updated & Revised Second Edition ) (Paperback)
This book will be a classic for several reasons. In four parts, it wisely devotes Parts I and II (280 pages) to explaining the powerful effects of what most of us take for granted, and understand almost nothing. That is, why music moves us as human beings. This is not just filler before you get to the good stuff. Instead, it makes the technology of chord construction and melody crafting come to life. You then understand where the power comes from, and how to shape it. You learn to value the "woodshedding" aspect of crafting music, rather than dreading/enduring it. And the author presents both the grounding and the technology in clear, inviting lay language. Not for dummies, thankfully, but for the average thinking grown-up. The book is also innovative in its presentation of chord progressions, using a musician-proved system and many examples in legendary songs. Further, the analysis of "why lyrics work (or not)" is just as searching and broad-based. What is also impressive is the author's challenge to the music establishment to re-examine how they teach music, and his bold decision to "give away" the fruit of his labors on the internet before offering a paper version. The gamble worked. I'm not alone in wanting the book within reach as I try to make better music.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
How Music Really Works,
By
This review is from: How Music Really Works : The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students ( Updated & Revised Second Edition ) (Paperback)
How Music Really Works is the most comprehensive and useful book that I have ever read on music and songwriting. Chapters 8 & 10, in particular, introduce elements of songwriting that have never been addressed before in any of the 30+ books I have read on songwriting. If anyone is truly serious about writing songs that will stand the test of time, then this book is a must read.
Bryan Fogelman Director, REO Songwriters Retreat
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