Yes, the text could be reorganized, but its current form follows the general outline of most music fundamentals texts (U.S.). There is a consistent approach throughout. An instructor using the text will need to supplement material and exercises to help students gain mastery. There is a consistent approach, but the learning objectives are not well defined. As I've mentioned this book will be good for amateurs, but will likely not replace any of the standard music theory texts currently available. These are a few examples of where the good intentions of the text run afoul of what is generally considered sound pedagogy. The use of Wikipedia could negatively influence the adoption of this title. The link to Harmonization on Wikipedia lacks a clear strategy that will yield 'good' results.

I propose these steps be added, and accessible as 'drop-down' topics so an instructor/student can go deeper into the topic. In most texts, this topic is presented using many steps. For instance: Chord Functions presents inversions and shows harmonizations using inversions from the get-go. If there is a desire to continue to develop the text, it might be developed using a framework that facilitates exploring the material in more depth. Updates can easily be added to the text as needed. Relevant and useful especially for non-professionals. Fine for hobbyists, young students, and non-professionals. The reasons are the: lack of depth of what is covered, sequence of materials, lack of many examples from the literature, and the lack of exercises.Īccurate enough but lacking the depth necessary to train music majors. As it currently stands, it is not comprehensive enough to be used in a college music theory sequence where the primary audience is music majors. The text would be suitable for hobbyists, high school students or could be used in college courses aimed at non-majors.

Modulation and secondary function are typically covered during the second semester of most music theory sequences (in the U.S.). Some pages in the text link to Wikipedia pages on various topics, the text offers tangents into various other topics that might interest a student (e.g, historical notation, just intonation, microtones, etc.) Information in the first five Topics (chapters) would be included in most Music Fundamentals texts (in the U.S.).

Students and young learners will welcome the easy-going pace of video content. Materials in the written text link to online videos with a discussion of topics (video transcript included after the text). For an independent adult learner or music hobbyist, the text is an enjoyable introduction to the subject with enough general information to learn the basics of musical notation, pitches, and rhythms on the staff, intervals, scales (major, and minor), keys, key signatures, triads, seventh chords, harmonization, secondary dominants, and modulation. It's difficult to comment on the comprehensiveness of the text without knowing to which audience the author is writing. Reviewed by MARK ZANTER, Professor, Marshall University on 12/28/21 Journalism, Media Studies & Communications +.

Fundamentals of musicality