The Basic Guide to How to Read Music Paperback – May 13, 1985

This is the most concise and easy to follow book I have ever encountered on the subject. The book flows very well, covering every aspect of written music for the beginner. After taking a twenty year break from music, I am starting over again. This book is the spark I needed to get me on my way.

I love the book because it is very easy to read and understand and it teaches the basics about how to read music.

Easy to understand

In my quest to become better at playing my many musical (Recorder, Indian flute, Chinese Flute, Kazoo, Harmonica, various drums, clave, maracas and other percussion) instruments I began to study music in more depth. This is the second book (The basic guide to how to read music by Helen cooper, 80 page soft cover) I have purchased on Amazon for a bargain price.This covers most of the material of other books on music reading; however, like I emphasized previously, it is not easy to grasp some of the material without some guidance from a music teacher. The real value of this text comes out when combined with learning from a music teacher.The material in this book covers the following in great detail: Pitch, rhythm, the formal organization of pitch: the structure, and notation of intervals, scales and keys. It also explains transposition and score reading. The glossary of terms includes tempo, dynamics, mood, feeling and style, general terms articulation and sings on the staff.If you are seeking a good basic guide to reading music you may want to check out this book.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never trust a politician: A critical review of politics and politicians).

came quickly. still learning how to play but this book definitely helps me. book was in great shape.would buy from this seller again.

This book was adequate in the description and explanation of music theory, however it is not my favourite . . in several areas there are details that are not very clear - the instruction seems to start off very basic (which is exactly how it should begin) but then ramps almost too quickly into sketchy but complex explanation . . it is a slim volume and brief, but a bit too brief for some of the more difficult to grasp concepts. For just about the same money you can get (from Amazon) Learn to Read Music by Howard Shanet which is much more thorough, still starts with the very bare bones basics, but then is more consistent with the explanations as the concepts become more and more difficult.

I'm an alto saxophone player of 20 years, but took a break for 5 years and now getting back to it at an older age is a little more difficult than I had planned, but this book is a GREAT resource! I haven't viewed the DVD yet, but the material is everything I need to get me thru my weekly lessons!

The best, clearest and most useful explanation of the mystery of music theory. No nonsense presentation. A wonderful teaching guide and reference. Can't do without it!