Rudiments of Music (4th Edition)

This comprehensive introduction to music theory features the basic aspects of music notation, the study of pitch and time, and the application of these to scales, key signatures, intervals, the keyboard, note values, meter, rhythm, and elementary harmony. KEY TOPICS Each presentation of factual material or a new procedure is followed by an assignment that will build performance skills and an understanding of musical concepts. For musicians and an increased level of musicianship.

RUDIMENTS OF MUSIC is intended for all beginners in music theory. It is written to be useful (1) for introductory instruction as early as the secondary school level, (2) for college-level nonmusic majors, (3) for music majors needing a comprehensive review, or (4) for individuals or groups desiring to gain music literacy and thereby enhancing their enjoyment of music.

The traditional elements of music are covered: notation, pitch, time and time signatures, the keyboard, scales and key signatures, closing with an elementary presentation of chords and their progressions.

The subject matter is presented in small increments, each followed immediately by an exercise. This textbook/workbook format allows for quick reference while the student completes the exercise, and, for many of the exercises, immediate feedback on completion by referring to the Answer section, found as Appendix E This procedure is effective when used either as a classroom activity or as an assignment to be used outside the classroom.

Other features of the book include (1) Appendices A-E with supplementary materials effective in correlation with the text, but not readily available elsewhere; (2) abundant illustrations, including many music excerpts by well-known composers; and (3) the inclusion with each volume of a cardboard keyboard that may be slipped behind an actual keyboard, or used atop a flat surface when an actual keyboard in not available. Its reverse side displays a Glossary of the basic subject matters presented in the text.