Menasha Public Library (Elisha D. Smith)

Music theory for dummies, by Michael Pilhofer (MM) and Holly Day

eng

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Music theory for dummies

904446225

by Michael Pilhofer (MM) and Holly Day

For dummies®, a Wiley brand

Music Theory For Dummies makes music theory easy to understand, with a friendly, unintimidating overview of everything you need to know to become fluent at knocking out beats, reading musical scores, and learning to anticipate where a song should go whether you're reading someone else's music or writing your own. Whether you're a music student or a music lover, you'll learn to read, write, and understand music with this informative guide. With expert instruction, you'll put it all together as you compose, arrange, and create original melodies, harmonies, and chords of your own, with helpful tips for performing your pieces in front of an audience. This new third edition presents the most current teaching techniques, the newest music genres and examples, and updated information on all aspects of understanding, creating, and performing music. Studies have shown that music training improves children's' verbal and spatial abilities, and it's been associated with cognitive and mathematical benefits in adults. The music job market is expected to increase over the coming years, and music theory is becoming an increasingly common part of education at all levels. Music Theory For Dummies provides the instruction you need to get more out of music than you ever thought possible. * Master major and minor scales, intervals, pitches, and clefs * Understand basic notation, time signals, tempo, dynamics, and navigation * Employ melodies, chords, progressions, and phrases to form music * Compose harmonies and accompanying melodies for voice and instruments Whether you intend to pursue a degree or career in music, or just enjoy listening to it, understanding the theory behind it gives you a whole new appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind the pieces that give you goose bumps. It's a mix of technical skill, inborn talent, and plenty of practice and now you can try your hand at it, with Music Theory For Dummies

Getting started with music theory. What is music theory anyway? ; Determining what notes are worth ; Giving it a rest ; Introducing time signatures ; Playing with beat -- Putting notes together. Music notes (and where to find them) ; Mastering the major and minor scales ; Key signatures and the circle of fifths ; Intervals : the distance between pitches ; Chord building ; Chord progressions -- Musical expression through tempo and dynamics. Creating varied sound through tempo and dynamics ; Instrument tone color and acoustics -- Musical expression through form. The building blocks of music : rhythm, melody, harmony, and song form ; Relying on classical forms ; Tapping into popular genres and forms -- The part of tens. Ten frequently asked questions about music theory ; Ten keys to reading a musical score ; Ten music theorists you should know about -- Appendixes. A, Audio tracks ; B, Chord chart ; C, Glossary