Arranging Concepts Complete: The Ultimate Arranging Course for Today's Music (2718) [Plastic Comb] Review

A very detailed mathematical aproach to band arranging. Useful tables to cover all practical situations, mostly from the point of view of horn section arranging. Somewhat light on in terms of rhythm section arranging. This book doesn't aim to teach you WHAT to write, but if you already have some experience in band arranging and are familiar with extended chords and basic harmonic and melodic concepts, it will help to guide you through the labyrinth of endless musical possibilities. Band arranging from a jazz (thus also blues/rock/pop/show music etc) perspective, not so much concert band or wind orchestra.

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Product Description:
A comprehensive text that covers the characteristics and ranges of each instrument in the stage band; analyzing and arranging many musical styles, voice leading, passing chords, modulations, intros, endings, turn-arounds and orchestration.

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The Young Musician's Survival Guide: Tips from Teens & Pros [Hardcover] Review

This book is filled with practical easy to read information about what it means to learn music.As a music teacher, I find this book to be a great tool for parents and students.It teaches the basic aspects of what isinvolved in learning a musical instrument.It is also written on a levelthat schoolage students can understand.I found it to be simple to read,yet very informative and enjoyable.I am going to recomend it to mystudents - especially the Jr. High students who seem to have lostmotivation.I may even assign them chapters to read and intergrate it intomy lessons.

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Alfred's Pocket Dictionary of Music [Paperback] Review

After searching for the past several years for my own students and teachers who study with me, I can finally state that I've found a music dictionary equal to the original "Pocket-Manual of Musical Terms" edited by Dr. Theodore Baker back in 1947 (published by G.Schirmer).Unfortunately, that same dictionary is still available in an "updated" format.I say 'unfortunately' because the new author (ie editor) decided to delete many of the classic terms for reasons unknown.But thanks to Alfred Publishing, Sandy Feldstein has done a great job of maintaining an excellent balance between content and precise meanings in an easy to understand manner. In fact, this small pocket dictionary has more charts and drawings of notes and key signatures than any other dictionary of the same size.In addition, a wonderful biographical section is included in the last section featuring basic facts on the great composersbothpast and present. You will not regret purchasing thishandy size ( 4 x 5 inches) edition,as I have widely recommended thislittle book to hundreds of teachers and schools.

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Product Description:
Contains thousands of entries covering all eras of music. It is unique in that it includes contemporary terms and composers from the popular genre as well as classical terms and composers. It is organized in a logical sequence for quick and easy reference.

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Music Theory Resource Book [Spiral-bound] Review

"Music Theory Resource Book" by Harold Owen is a fantastic, creative approach to teaching music theory that emphasizes the development of musical skills that students can apply in a practical manner in any setting they choose, whether it be in the music industry or in graduate school. The book not only covers issues such as renaissance and medieval theory and notation in-depth, but also provides knowledge about MIDI note numbers and how to read piano-roll style notation in a sequencer. While this book would be a great book for a first-time student of music theory in a college or university, it is also good for people wishing to review (such as graduate theory review, a course I've taught). In addition, it's a fantastic review for those who teach theory and composition -- the chapter on notation (Chapter 2 - The Notation of Music) is something every composer should have at their disposal -- especially beginning composition students in a college setting. Especially useful for composition students (and all music students for that matter) are the two chapters on the music of the twentieth century -- the first on techniques developed in the first half of the century and the second on techniques developed in the second half of the century. Every chapter has something for everyone -- the chapter on "The Anatomy of Chords" not only describes the type of chord nomenclature found in the typical college theory classroom (Roman numerals and figured bass), but also includes a thorough section on chord symbols used in jazz and popular music -- something all musicians are bound to encounter in the real world. As someone who teaches music theory in a university setting, I've found this book to be a valuable resource. Too often, theory books use short excerpts to demonstrate a chord or principle. However, every chapter in this book begins with complete sections (and often entire movements) of musical works from the literature -- this helps to put the chord or principle being studied into context, something I find very important. I highly recommend this book.

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Product Description:
Music Theory Resource Book covers all the topics typically studied in the basic music theory sequence. Concise and accessible, it features a basic anthology of musical examples--most of them complete compositions--from a broad range of periods and styles. Each chapter begins with these musical examples, which are followed by thought-provoking discussion questions that encourage readers to learn through a "discovery" approach. A succinct outline follows the discussion questions, summarizing the principles of music theory for easy reference and review. Exercises at the end of each chapter engage readers in a variety of analytical and practical tasks ranging in difficulty from simple to challenging. This volume includes subjects not usually found in standard theory books including basic acoustics, contrapuntal techniques, jazz harmony, musics from non-Western cultures, and music since 1950.

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Contemporary Music Theory - Level Two: A Complete Harmony and Theory Method for the Pop and Jazz Musician (Piano) [Paperback] Review

Mark continues from Contemporary Music Theory Level 1 to take you through chapters on 'II-V-1' progressions, 5-part chords, substitutions, harmonic analysis, voiceleading, 'upper structure' chords, and pentatonic& blues scale applications in this Level 2 continuation. Again, likethe Level 1 book, Contemporary Music Theory Level 2 has very detailedexplanations and exercises to test what you've learnt. An excellent seriesof books by Mark Harrison.

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Product Description:
The Music Theory series is designed from the ground-up to explain the terminology and musical structures needed for modern applications. Level One is an introductory course which covers music notation, key signatures, basic scales, intervals, modes, diatonic relationships and 3-and 4-part chords. Level Two is an intermediate-level course covering larger chord forms, "definitive" chords in major and minor keys, substitutions, analysis of key centers in tunes, "upper structure" chords, voiceleading, and pentatonic and blues scale applications, a complete glossary of terms, and hundreds of written theory exercises with answers.

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Jazz Keyboard Toolbox [Paperback] Review

This book provides a very understandable set of basic, but useful, concepts that apply to playing Jazz on the keyboard.As a percussionist, I think the information is also appropriate for mallet students. The CD is very helpfull, and supplies you with plenty of time (with the recorded material) to work with the tunes/techniquesin the book.Bill Cunliffe did a commendable job with this book.He put as much into this 48-page book as one could/should expect.

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Product Description:
Now you can learn to play jazz keyboard without knowing a lot of complicated music theory. This step-by-step method uses listening and play-along techniques that make learning to play jazz fun and easy, with just enough theory to understand the concepts. You will gain a solid knowledge of the basic tools needed for accompanying and soloing in any jazz setting. A CD is included, so you can play the examples and tunes along with a professional jazz band.

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Essential Elements For Jazz Piano Bk/2CDs (Instrumental Jazz) [Paperback] Review

This is a fabulous, simple and straightforward method for learning the elements of jazz.I was so impressed with it that when I found the seconc CD in the used book I originally bought was cracked, I went out and bought another copy (for clarinet and direct from the publisher).Very highly recommended.

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Product Description:
Specifically designed to teach jazz basics to students with 1 or 2 years playing experience, but with no prior experience playing jazz. Great for individual or classroom use. Teaches the basics of swing style in a step-by-step approach using well-known songs. Improvisation is made easy starting with simple 2-measure phrases. Scales and basic theory are introduced in a simple and easy to understand approach. 2 CDÃ-s are included with recordings of all exercises and arrangements. Other features: 7 full band arrangements, sample solos, jazz history and people.

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Contemporary Music Theory - Level Three: A Complete Harmony and Theory Method for the Pop and Jazz Musician (Piano) [Paperback] Review

I've played music for years, and now that I'm retired, I wanted to understand more about what I was playing.I picked up Mark Harrison's Contemporary Music Theory Book level 2 and made my way through it.I was stunned to find that I had been instructed incorrectly on several points.That was one reason I purchased the book.I wanted to clean up some confusion I had with theory. Now I've just finished the level 3 book.Mark Harrison's books are structured with achievable learning steps.His lessons are followed up with exercises after the chapter to reinforce concepts taught in the chapter.The answers follow the exercises.This is greatly appreciated because it gives the reader immediately feedback.The reader can check the answers, and if there was an error made, the reader can go back and correct any misunderstanding before moving on.If you want to learn more about music structure and harmony, these books are an excellent source without having to go through music theory classes.The lessons are clearly written out and understandable.These books provide the reader with skills so they can not only understand the movement and progressions of chords, but be able to substitute chords in any key for harmonies they may want.Mark Harrison is an expert.This is the best set of theory books that I've ever seen.

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Product Description:
This book is the product of Mark Harrison's experience teaching hundreds of students at the world-famous Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Suitable for instrumentalists, vocalists, composers and songwriters, this Level 3 course covers the chord tones, extensions and scale sources for all major, minor, dominant and diminished chords, and then applies the contemporary shape concept to create voicings, polychords, and to harmonize melodies.

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