Product Description

Provides an introduction to the basic elements in harmony and musical structure. Covers the basics of rhythm and tempo, an introduction to pitch, intervals and transposition, articulation, ornaments, and reiterations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1167 in Books
• Published on: 1989-01-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
"'This Guide is not only an excellent support to a good syllabus but also a fine reference work in its own right.' MMA Journal June 1991 'should really be on everyone's shelf as a matter of course.' Classical Guitar"

Customer Reviews

From Theory to Reality
In this book Eric Taylor sets about translating the language of musical theory into one that the whole world can understand. By the use of simple comparisons and memorable analagies he explores the basics of music theory up to the level which allows a progressing musician to deepen their comprehension of musical understanding. Before I began to read this book it was on the purely technical basis that if I could pass the exam I could sit exams higher than grade five, but once I had started reading I found that it was surprisingly interesting and easy to understand, qualities that I would accredit mainly to the simpistic language and the relaxed style of explaining something that I thought I would never be able to understand. The book is very clearly set out, broken down into small sections progressing in difficulty but keeping still a strong feeling of continuity which I think can be one of the difficulties with such a topic. Illustraing almost each topic with at least one simple and well annotated diagram breaks up the reading into smaller more digestible parts like choruses acting each as interludes between the verses of a song. Eric taylor has certainly made a huge difference to my life as having passed the grade five theory with no teacher and no previous knowledge of the subject I am now going on to study for my grade eight in singing and hope to sing ad teach one day. I would reccomend this book for reading by anyone at all studying music theory. It should always be at hand whenever you are doing anything musical and should act as your bible - well, musically speaking of course!

Great Reference for Music Theory
Rudiments of theory have never been so well explained since the first volume of the AB guide to music theory. The Second volume of this guide builds on the first as well as introducing new concepts such as 'Modern Developments in Music', 'Instruments in Combination' and many aspects of melody and harmonies.

The book consists of eleven chapters, divided into subsections, and four appendices. It is very easy to use and contains a lot of hard to find information and many useful examples. Most of the Italian, German and French performance directions that you may ever need are listed in the back of the first volume, but the second volume offers more technical guide lines for performance such as various clefs and Roman Numerals for chord inversions.

As a student of music myself I have found this book useful on several occasions and it has saved me hours of research and learning through trial and error!

This book is a must for anyone with a genuine interest in music, any avid composers or anyone taking The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations; theory or practical.

I would highly recommend this book and other books by Eric Taylor as they are competitively priced and invaluable for serious musicians.

An absolutely outstanding book
Without a doubt, the best possible guide to Grade 5 theory. This guide provided clear and concise explanations for grade 5 theory exam. However, it can be a bit confusing at time, and it is therefore better used as a reference book to complement classes from someone that's already done the exam. Of course, it is also imperative to have some practise papers to understand the kind of things you need in the exam!