Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music (Paperback)

by Jonathan Harnum (Author) "If you never thought you would pick up a book on music theory, you're not alone..." (more)
Key Phrases: rhythm clef, standard blues scale, basic music theory, Basic Music Theory, Practical Use, Moving On Okay (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Loved it! Your sense of humor and ability to simplify sometimes convoluted information makes your book a pleasure to read. -- Kathy Settevendemie, Music Educator, Kodiak AK

an ideal, highly recommended text for anyone of any background wanting to become proficient reading, composing, and performing written music. -- Midwest Book Review, September 10, 2001

Product Description
A freindly, clearly explained primer for music theory. From what is a staff to basic chord progressions and everything in between, including key signatures, scales, modes, and much more.

Each chapter and section includes a comprehensive, cross-referenced review, specially designed for optimal memorization. In addition, practical use exercises reinforce what is learned.

Book contains a large glossary, index, blank staff paper, and a piano keyboard which doubles as a bookmark and is used with the reviews.

An excellent and friendly book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Questions Ink. Publishing (June 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097075129X
• ISBN-13: 978-0970751294
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #915,043 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #73 in

  Books > Entertainment > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Conducting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy and Completely Understandable!, February 13, 2002

By	Remy Durant (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Basic Music Theory by Jonathan Harnum, is an excellent book for people of all levels. Whether you are a beginner, or learned musician, this book is a very comprehensive source of material, that is both accessible,easy to read & understand, and very enjoyable. I have played various instruments over 24 years.And because of Harnum's matter of fact, conversational tone, this book has lent more to my understanding of basic music theory than all my private insturctors combined.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is Very Basic Stuff, June 1, 2004

By	Deidre Calarco (Ann Arbor, MI United States) - See all my reviews

As someone who studied an instrument through high school but had no formal training in music theory, this book didn't tell me much that I didn't already know. It's for people with no performance OR theory background. It doesn't cover anything that you'd expect to learn in a college level class. But, it would be a great for someone who's never learned an instrument or for a kid at the elementary or middle school level. It's very clearly written and easy to understand.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Do it Yourself for Music Theory, January 8, 2002

By	Robin Giebelhausen (Illinois) - See all my reviews

Learning music theory on your own is not something to be tried by the faint of heart, simply because it seems like that for every rule there are fifty million execptions. Sorta like the English language. hmmmm... Anywho, Jonathan Harnum has taken an overly complicated subject matter and made it learable for anyone. And I do mean anyone!! As he explains early in the book, previous music theory books really lack in completely explaining WHY things are the way they are. Harnum de-cryptifies all that is involved with music theory for the non-musician. But this book is not just for the non-musician! I have been a student of music for over 13 years and a teacher for 3 and I found myself finding new and interesting (and humorous) facts about music theory. This book can teach anyone music theory and keep a smile on their face the entire time.