Customer Reviews

New Perspectives In Music Theory

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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This is the most readable book on music theory I have come across. The book is written in a conversational style which makes it much easier to understand. Van Riper's approach to theory is unique in that it demonstrates relationships in a way that allows the reader to understand the entire concept, rather than learning by rote memorization. The book covers key signatures, scales, chords and chord progressions from a beginner through intermediate level. This book is a must for musicians who, like myself, do not have a music degree, but would like to gain a good basic understanding of music theory concepts.

This is THE book to recommend to beginning music students who are completely and totally musically illiterate (as I was). The only knowledge that is assumed of the reader is the ability to count and the knowledge of the first seven letters of the alphabet. From that starting point he guides the reader step by step through key signatures, scales, intervals and chords. This is one of the most helpful books I have come across. I only wish he'd write a follow up volume taking it to the next level.

Only purchase this book if you know absolutely nothing about the most elementary concepts of music theory and don't mind reading something that sounds like it was written by your overenthusiastic 9 year old brother (bad jokes, capslock, EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). More ambitious students should probably skip this book and go straight for a more complete introduction.

Content:

- Key signatures
- Major, natural/melodic/harmonic minor, and blues scales
- Triads/sevenths

... that's it. Don't let the page count trick you; the pages are small and the fonts are gigantic.

how much easier could this guy explain music theory...

the content has taken me from being a mute..to being able to speak the language...

i have a ways to go, but i am on the road now...

thanks charles.