Which book(s) for self study of music theory?

[manducator]

How do I get the discount? Couldn't see any such option on their pages.

You have to contact them by PM. I did and I got on for half price.

[savantgarde]

Thanks very much for the tip!

[Gamma-UT]

I want to get into composition, through self study. Which book(s) would be good for learning relevant music theory (harmony etc.) to be able to compose? Would e.g. Tonal Harmony by Kostka be a wise choice of literature? I have some background on the piano and am able to read music. My ambitions are strictly within the confines of electronic music, and this is merely a hobby for me to make that clear

It depends what you really want to learn or are prepared to put up with to get where you want to go.

The best shortcut route I can think of is Dave Stewart's (as in ... & Barbara Gaskin) Inside the Music. It's short, it's sweet, contains a bunch of tips and, best of all, actually makes you want to write music. The Bill Russo book is good too but not really a theory book.

Next up on the complexity ladder, there are two music theory books from Berklee by Paul Schmeling which are OK although I've never really liked Berklee's stuff that much for some reason. They always feel like following a recipe rather than working out why the ingredients work well together.

For the full-on "learn the classical stuff first" approach, which is the most long-winded but ultimately likely the most rewarding IMHO for anyone who doesn't want to learn just rock, jazz, pop techniques, there are books like The Complete Musician by Laitz or Theory and Harmony by Clendenning and Marvin. Personally, I like Nicholas Cook's Analysis Through Composition as well as good old Fux - however, it's tough to get on those before having a go with the regular classical textbooks like the ones I've listed there.

For background, I'd also recommend Bill Sethares' Tuning, Timbre, Spectrum, Scale and Sweet Anticipation by David Huron - they will tell you next to nothing about traditional music but they could wind up pointing the way to how music might be taught in the 21st Century as they make a good case for nothing being set in stone when it comes to music theory beyond common-practice classical.

[savantgarde]

For background, I'd also recommend Bill Sethares' Tuning, Timbre, Spectrum, Scale and Sweet Anticipation by David Huron - they will tell you next to nothing about traditional music but they could wind up pointing the way to how music might be taught in the 21st Century as they make a good case for nothing being set in stone when it comes to music theory beyond common-practice classical.

Very interesting. Thanks!

[Gamma-UT]

For background, I'd also recommend Bill Sethares' Tuning, Timbre, Spectrum, Scale and Sweet Anticipation by David Huron - they will tell you next to nothing about traditional music but they could wind up pointing the way to how music might be taught in the 21st Century as they make a good case for nothing being set in stone when it comes to music theory beyond common-practice classical.

Very interesting. Thanks!

I just realised I should have written "next to nothing about traditional music theory" - Huron's book looks at a lot of traditional music but approaches it from the psychology angle rather than music theory. But there's some great stuff in there on how composers fail (for good reason) to follow the rules set out in the textbooks, such as the 'need' to follow a large interval leap with a small backstep.

[tapper mike]

Save time and trouble learn to improvise.

Not enough concentration (in my opinion) is placed on performance value. If your performance is weak then it goes to follow that your knowledge will suffer from your inablity to perform. As well, musical styles have distinct features not always just rhythmic that separate one from another. If you are not living it then your not feeling it and if your not feeling it then your not getting it. Songwriters tend not to document too much while they are writing. Lyrics and Chords above the lyrics they use the chord tones to guide them thru the melody. Improvisors take the same chord progression and may infuse it with a different approach to stamp "their own style" over it. Then work out different solo/melodic lines based on the progression. They'll often "borrow" idea's and express them in different ways, and shift notes around.

[maleaco]

Check out http://www.amazon.com/Mixing-Secrets-Sm ... 0240815807

[Ogg Vorbis]

Check out http://www.amazon.com/Mixing-Secrets-Sm ... 0240815807

http://www.amazon.com/Even-Cowgirls-Get ... 253&sr=8-1

[geroyannis]

I think "Tonal Harmony" is an excellent choice. Well written, goes to depth, easy to understand.

[zouki]

How do I get the discount? Couldn't see any such option on their pages.

You have to contact them by PM. I did and I got on for half price.

Great but... who are "them"?!?! Where to PM!?

TIA

Zouki

[JumpingJackFlash]

How do I get the discount? Couldn't see any such option on their pages.

You have to contact them by PM. I did and I got on for half price.

Great but... who are "them"?!?! Where to PM!? ;-)i

In the FAQ's, they say: "If you do not wish to copy our resources but simply require them for your own use you may claim a 50% discount on all orders."

Their email address is: sales@classroom-resources.co.uk

Order as per their instructions, but in the amount, I think you can change it yourself to reflect the 50% discount.

[zouki]

How do I get the discount? Couldn't see any such option on their pages.

You have to contact them by PM. I did and I got on for half price.

Great but... who are "them"?!?! Where to PM!? ;-)i

In the FAQ's, they say: "If you do not wish to copy our resources but simply require them for your own use you may claim a 50% discount on all orders."

Their email address is: sales@classroom-resources.co.uk

Order as per their instructions, but in the amount, I think you can change it yourself to reflect the 50% discount.

Thank you very much! Really nice reply, thanks.

Kind regards,
Zouki