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I've been reading this book now for well over a year and have been using it as a supplement for (self-) studying the piano. "The Everything Reading Music Book" is really two books in one. The first nine chapters (125 pages) cover reading music notation. The second part of the book covers music theory. This is an added bonus. I also have the same series "Music Theory" book and the information from both books tend to compliment each other. Currently I am on Chapter 17 (see below).
The beginning of the book contains an interesting explanation of the differences between 'cognitive' and 'experiential' learning as well as including the author's goals and approach in making sure the reader gets the most out of the book.
Here is a breakdown of each Chapter:
1. The Written Note
2. The Elements
3. Beating Rhythm
4. The Long and Short of Rests
5. Meter and Time
6. Conquering Rhythm
7. The Language of Music
8. Expression Markings and Other Music Symbols
9. Instrument Specific Notation
10. Keys and Key Signatures
11. Major Scales
12. Minor Scales
13. Musical Intervals
14. Triads, Chords, Arpeggios and Seventh Chords
15. Basic Harmony
16. Major Scale Chord Progressions
17. Advanced Chord Progressions
18. Other Scales
19. Transposing Instruments
20. Reading Lead Sheets
Appendix A: Scale and Chord Reference
Appendix B: Ranges of Common Instruments
Appendix C: Solutions to Exercises
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This book is an excellent resource and gets a lot of use. I have found that reading, initially, was very difficult but that it becomes easier with time. This experience is perhaps best summarized with the author's own words:
"This book is not just about "reading" music, it's also about the information you can learn when you have the ability to read music. Theory, scales, modes, arpeggios, composing and arranging are all tied into reading and documenting music."
also:
"The general parts about reading music are just that - general! It is not a substitute for methods and manuals that train you to play a particular instrument. Studying music symbology here will make your experience using any other music book easier and more rewarding."
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Besides devoting the second half of the book to Music Theory, there is a large section on Rhythm. It includes Thirty-Four (34) playing exercises (Tracks 1 - 34 on the CD) over the course of four chapters (Chapters 3-6, see above) or about fifty pages. For example:
Track One starts with an exercise of counting quarter notes.
Track Five explains eighth and sixteenth note beaming.
Track Eight counts eighth note triplets.
Track Twelve covers quarter, half and whole note rests.
etc.
The topic concludes with a four-exercise test (see Fig. 6-17 through 6-20 : tracks 31-34), entitled "Practicing Common Rhythms" which is designed to familiarize the reader with the most frequent groupings encountered.
The author also thoughtfully includes additional resources (see page 74) for those interested in studying Advanced Rhythm.
*HINT* If you have difficulty with any of the rhythm exercises, for example on Tracks 20-22 (see page 62-63) there are combined eighth and sixteenth note groupings, just break out your metronome and set it to the slowest speed (40-60 bpm) working your way forward. Once you reach 100 bpm, compare your work with the CD recording.
ADDITIONALLY:
· The book CD includes 99 separate playing exercises.
· The first 34 are rhythm accompaniments (snare drum & metronome)
· The rest are performed on digital piano.
· It is important to read each section carefully and complete each exercise.
· All exercises are meant to be played as well as listened to.
· Playing and reading music is a lifetime activity. Enjoy the process!
CONCLUSION:
Music is a Language and learning a new language is not easy. However, if one is sincere about wanting to learn then there is no barrier (including yourself!) that can stand in your way. In short, learning to read will increase the enjoyment and possibilities for you. This book will help explain your notation questions in an easy-to-understand manner and was written with the beginner in mind.
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craig inker
Concisely put. Teaches the non experienced
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2020