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Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music
 
 
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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...)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)


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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

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This book cites 13 books:
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Customer Reviews

15 Reviews
5 star:
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4 star:
 (1)
3 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (15 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning to read music
This book is easy to read and about as basic and fun as you can make trying to read music. I know absoulutely nothing about reading music or playing instruments but it does help... Read more
Published 1 month ago by number man

3.0 out of 5 stars Weak
Text is written for someone that has no idea about music, the world or life in general. If you have some very basic knowledge about music (e.g. Read more
Published 5 months ago by G. Thomas

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!
Finally someone came up with a basic music theory book that's actually understandable and readable. Mr. Read more
Published 12 months ago by G. Donnald

5.0 out of 5 stars a friendly and complete introduction to music theory
The author of this book obviously had those of us who are scared of the complexity of music theory in mind when he wrote this book. Read more
Published on September 3, 2006 by Patrick Regan

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
A music teacher friend recommended this book for my son, and before wrapping it I checked it out. I don't know music, but this book seems like a great way to learn. Read more
Published on December 23, 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars What I forgot
I took band in junior high and am now rediscovering my instrument in college on my own. I forgot a lot of stuff since junior high and got this book as a present. Its great! Read more
Published on November 20, 2002 by lucinda_larson

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Most of my best teachers have been books, and this one is certainly added to my list. In high school what theory I did get was confusing and boring. Not so with this book. Read more
Published on October 25, 2002 by Lucas Bizet

5.0 out of 5 stars Why I wrote this book
As a teacher for the last 11 years, I've always required my students to learn to read music. Reading music is a tool that can allow you to play styles of music that you never knew... Read more
Published on May 23, 2002 by Jonathan D. Harnum

3.0 out of 5 stars I was disappointed
Based on the reviews I read here, I bought the book. I was disappointed. The "humor" and "fun" are overshadowed by the fact that book is shallow in its... Read more
Published on May 20, 2002 by Grump

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Informative
This was a kick not only to read, but to learn from. The friendly style made all the difference. Instead of dry and boring facts, this book has personality and even humor. Read more
Published on December 17, 2001

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