How Music Works - Volume 2: a Course in Music Theory

Do you want a simple guide to how music is put together? Do you want to read and play melodies, rhythms, chords by sight, master an instrument faster, or write music of your own?

How Music Works is a fun, richly illustrated course in music theory for curious readers of any age. Volume 2 (ages 11+) applies the engaging style of volume 1 to more advanced topics of harmony and musical form. You will learn: More advanced rhythm and singing skills (following volume 1)Foundations of harmony (including chord progressions, cadences, figured bass, and Bach chorales)To recognize common musical formsFun, challenging music to perform with others or by yourselfTo compose your own music more easily (including writing for different instruments and combinations)Fundamentals of tone colorTo master your instrument fasterTo enjoy music of all kindsHow Music Works moves at a manageable pace developed and tested in actual theory classes for student comprehension. Each chapter ends with exercises that apply new information and skills, ensuring steady progress. Ensemble pieces YOU perform are also included that apply new theory skills to real music at every step. No reader is left behind! Soon you will read and play music by sight, understand rhythm, instrumental registers, tone color, harmony, musical forms, and how they work together in the music of others and your own! The author draws upon four decades as music teacher and performer.435 musical examplestests end each chapter to ensure comprehensionblank space and staves included for student writing (no need for separate composition book or staff papers)21 ensemble pieces of progressing difficulty apply theory skills to real music (12 singing studies and 9 rhythm studies for individuals or ensembles)49 delightful and engaging drawings by renowned artist Nancy Jackson15 original ensemble pieces never before publishedIndex-Glossary at the back of each volume explains unfamiliar termsWhether you play an instrument, sing, take music classes, or are just curious, you will enjoy learning how music works!
"...very clever and fun at guiding readers through topics that are boring and confusing in other texts. Bravo!"
Cynthia Price-Glynn, Professor of Harp - Boston Conservatory of Music