Product Description: A music theory book that hits the high note …
This updated and expanded edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Music Theory breaks down a difficult subject in a simple way—even for those who think they have no rhythm or consider themselves tone deaf. With clear, concise language, it explains everything from bass-clef basics to confusing codas. This new edition includes: -A brand-new CD -A comprehensive ear-training section -Musical examples of intervals, scales, chords, and rhythms -Aural exercises so readers can test their ear training and transcription skills
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Well worth the money
I have to admit I was reluctant to buy this book, because of its title. Never mind the title--it's well written. You don't have to be a complete idiot to understand this book; in fact, you shouldn't be. The author assumes you can think, but that you're coming in pretty close to the ground floor on knowing anything about the topic. I'm almost finished with the book, and I'm very happy I bought it.
By the way, I'm a musician, but with little or no theory background except what I've absorbed accidentally. This book has been really helpful in filling in the large gaps in my musical education.
Rating: - Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory
I haven't read the whole book, but so far, its very easy to read and understandable. I play piano, so I am familiar with a lot of terms, however, I do not have a strong foundation of theory. This book is a great supplement for me and has made my understanding of theory a lot more enjoyable and interesting.
Rating: - Easy to Understand
This is a great book for someone who didn't try to seriously learn music until their mid forties (like me).
Rating: - Great for both beginners and pros!
I'm in 11th grade and have played the piano for 10 years. I've performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City and have accompanied many musicals. Having said that, I realized that I knew everything about music - except the theory behind it. I began looking on the internet for a music theory book and this is the one I found. I was a little hesitant about buying it because some reviews stated that it was for beginners only. I bought this book anyways and yes, the first third of this book is the basics - tempo, dynamics, time and key signature, ect. But this book has so much more (and the beginning section serves as a great reference when you need to know how to count 9/4 time and stuff like that). This book has everything I wanted and more in it from building chords, writing music, following a lead sheet, and directing music. It is a great resource that I think every musician should have sitting on there bookshelf.
Bravo Mr. Miller
Rating: - Thorough and Entertaining Reference Book
Based on the reviews, the first book I bought on this subject was Edly's Music Theory for Practical People. Don't waste your money on that book, or you may very well feel like an idiot due to the incomplete and confusing presentation of music theory. Instead, be intelligent and become well informed on this subject by buying The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory. The subject is presented thoroughly and in a logical manner. Michael Miller is a skilled author and a skilled musician who not only is very knowledgeable about music theory, but knows how to teach it.
- Well worth the money
