Modern Reading Text in 4/4 For All Instruments [Paperback]

Louis Bellson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1985

This book has become a classic in all musicians' libraries for rhythmic analysis and study. Designed to teach syncopation within 4/4 time, the exercises also develop speed and accuracy in sight-reading with uncommon rhythmic figures. A must for all musicians, especially percussionists interested in syncopation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 91 pages
• Publisher: Warner Bros Pubns (March 22, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0769233775
• ISBN-13: 978-0769233772
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most important text on time ever written!, May 27, 2005

By 

D. Brown (Arlington, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Reading Text in 4/4 For All Instruments (Paperback)

Bold words, eh?

The book has virtually no text, just a page of explanation in the beginning. (One instruction, to play music in straight and swung eighths, is vital for jazz musicians.) There is only 1 note in the text, the bass clef "e." You use the exercises in the book to develop your sense of pulse and sub-division of the beat.

I had 2 degrees and a teaching certificate in music before I ever found this book. By the time I'd finished the first 14 pages, my understanding and ability to play time was virtualy mastered.

The magic of this book is the hidden organization. I learned in education classes the value of "sequential learning" and "one complexity at a time." This book applies those principles in a masterful way. Every possible placement of quarter notes and rests are explored, line by line, in a sequential fashion. (Rest on beat 2, rest on beat 3, rest on beat 4, rest on beat 1, then 2 rests, 3 rests and so on.)

After quarter notes, the same thing is done with eighths and sixteenths, including ties. Dotted rhythms are explored. By the time you've finished the section, you have encountered every single possible rhythm.

I have my students count and then play these examples. It is a discipline and can be tiresome, but make it a game for yourself. If you want to learn to read music better, this is one "must have" book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT just for drummers!, July 10, 2001

By 

W. Fleming (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Reading Text in 4/4 For All Instruments (Paperback)

If you're a musician who has to worry about rhythm (which is everyone) this book is a must-read. I'm a guitarist and this has helped my rhythm playing more than any high-priced book, video or lesson out there. Louis Bellson's book forced me to view rhythm in a disciplined manner. Even after working through only 5 or 6 pages, the book paid for itself. It's got enough exercises to keep me busy for a lifetime.

Its cover may give the appearance of a sterile high-school drum major's book, but don't let its cheesy orange color (or very low price, for that matter) fool you. This is a serious rhythm book, guaranteed to help you establish a groove, make your music funkier (if that's what you're going for), and give your internal clock a well-deserved workout.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to learn about rhythm., June 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Reading Text in 4/4 For All Instruments (Paperback)

This is a great book for bass players, as well as, drummers. It gives progressively challenging rhythm reading exercises. It gives examples using quarter-notes, eight-notes, tied rhythms, dotted rhythms, 16th-notes, etc. It presents a rhythm in a variety of ways that allow the user to see how the same musical sound can written in different ways. It is very mathmatical in its presentation. Although I was initially intimidated by the material, by working steadily,I have been able to build my confidence handling this type of material. Highly recommended.