Essential Dictionary of Music Notation: Pocket Size Book (Essential Dictionary Series)

This little book is an easy-to-read guide that explains all of the how-tos and rules about music notation. Very handy for anyone who composes or arranges (or just wants to understand what's on their sheet music).

Don't let the small size of the book fool you. This book is packed with drawings of the music notation accompanying each definition, so you know what the they look like. I thought it was the best book on Amazon that had drawings of music notation. You don't need to study this whole book. Just refer to it when you come across some music notation that you don't know what it is. The book is in alphabetical order. If you don't know what the name of the music notation is in your sheet music to find it in this book, then look it up in a search engine on your computer using only a few words to describe what it looks like. Then you will know the name of the music notation and can find it in this book. Use this book along with the "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music". Like it's name says, it's concise. The "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music" is very inexpensive on Amazon, too. This book has no drawings of the music notation. It has in depth definitions on music notation and meny other things about music that the "Essential Dictionary of Music Notation" does not have. It is a great book to use together with the Essential Dictionary of Music Notation. In my opinion, both are essential reference books for musicians.

As a music educator and concert pianist for most of my life, I would only suggest this for beginning students. If you're serious about music or have studied for three years or more, I would suggest the Schirmer Pocket Manual of Musical Terms (5th edition). Although the Schirmer edition is over 20 years out of date, it includes essential information in advanced orchestration and music theory such as 'Neapolitan sixths' and many other topics not found in this pocket manual. As a music educator, I have always included the study of great composers including contemporary personalities. As an advocate of 20th century serious (classical) music I must admit the Schirmer Company is no longer an advocate of music and composers and like so many other publishers, believes there is no need to update the 1995 edition. I believe every pocket dictionary should include an appendix with brief listings of the major composers of music. When one must spend time penciling in so many new composers and include (sadly) the death of great men of music like Copland and Bill Schumann at least at present, I know of no new editions of pocket music dictionaries. Having said this, if you are a beginner, this small manual does explain all the basics. The index, however, is very lacking and only basic.

A very thorough and well printed book. When it arrived, I thought I’d need a magnifying glass to read it. The font and graphic examples are great. They do not cram in multiple definitions per page so the readability is very good. For a desktop companion when arranging and writting, especially for strings, it’s worth the cost and more. It covers almost all articulations, stems, dynamics, and the list goes on. One of the best purchases for a reference book I have made. Kudos to the publisher.

About 95% of everything you need to know about the mechanics of score writing are in this book. If you score on computer, much of this is taken care of for you, but as you create final versions you want 'correct', this book is essential for the many manual placement items as well as stylistically being clear to the modern musician. I wish I'd had this 10 years ago.I read this book from cover to cover and learned a lot. It is brief, to-the-point, and doesn't get distracted by addressing theory or orchestration. It's about the notation, pure and simple.The book is small -- fits into your pocket easily. My single complaint is that the binding is rather cheap. I expect sooner or later pages will begin to come loose - an annoyance for a reference text. On the other hand, at under $10, I guess I can afford to just buy another copy.

This really is essential and the degree of its use as even a style guide is surprising. You'll find that the style of at least a couple of publishers matches up pretty well. (The book does not always spell what I am saying out literally, as it is mostly a dictionary, but you can derive a lot from looking at the examples.) This is a must-have quick reference book.

I am an Artist by training, and most of my musical understanding has been self-taught. Inyhoo... I have learned more about music notation, composition, orchestration, and theory, from these 3 little books than from any other similar resource!!!! They are very “User-Friendly” and when used together, become a really awesome reference book!!!

Now that I've got THE ESSENTIAL DICTIONARY OF MUSIC NOTATION; I actually stand A chance, as; Heretofore almost every piece of sheet music I could ever afford to buy, had something (Some symbol or sign.) that left me stuck going, "What to all God's Heavens does that mean." I'm grateful to this Book and al those who took part in me getting it, because now; The joke's over, I can just look that up in my' ESSENTIAL DICTIONARY OF MUSIC NOTATION.

Although this little book calls itself a dictionary, it really isn't. Instead it seems to be written conversationally as if intended to be read one page after the other with topics in no particular order. It might be of interest to beginners but in no way can be considered a dictionary of musical terms. I tested it by trying to find the definition of "stringetto" (not an uncommon term) and could not find mention of it.

An excellent little book that covers all the essentials of modern, standard music notation. It's very well presented and laid out - the text is very clear and there are numerous music examples which only add to the clarity. Early methods of notation, such as neumes, exotic modern notation techniques (for example for aleatoric or electronic music) and notation for non-western instruments are not covered. Tablature for string instruments such as guitars is dealt with briefly but adequately. It's also small and so, easily portable. Recommended.

Very good comprehensive dictionary of notation. Clearly presented with plenty of examples throughout. Arrows illustrate the right ways to notate and common mistakes are pointed out (see example on 'beaming' quavers below). Can be used as a reference for dipping into or reading cover to cover. Good value for money indeed!

The book is far too small, (micro) to be practical and unfortunately tries to cram too much in the limited space and therefore ends up skimming sections that should be much more comprehensive. Close, but no cigar!