Theory Book

[Jeffrey]

What is a good beginning theory book - modes, harmony, counterpoint, leading to simple compositions?  I am a beginning piano student who wants a bit more theory than piano lessons give.  What books are used in conservatories, and what should I read first to be able to understand them?

[bernhard]

1. Eric Taylor – The AB Theory book  (ABRSM Publishing)

Very basic theory covering mostly notation and notation conventions (useful for exams as well) and pretty much complete (so a good reference book as well):

2. Michael Miller – The complete Idiot’s guide to music theory. (Alpha).

Covers more ground than Taylor (melody, harmony, composition and arrangement) and is written in a light, enjoyable way. Does not really covers anything in much depth but it is excellent as an introduction to the subject, and as preparation for more solid stuff (e.g. Walter Piston’s “Harmony”)

3. Robert L. Jacobs –Understanding harmony (Oxford University Press).

This is one of my favourite books of all time. A very fresh approach to harmony (if you compare it with other harmony books). It answers a lot of questions that most theory books either ignore or take for granted that you already know the answer. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. And as if this was not enough, it is also well written and accessible to complete beginners.

4. William Russo – Composing music – A new approach (University of Chicago Press)

The best “teach yourself” to compose book I ever come across. Explores all compositional techniques by means of progressive and carefully thought out exercises. Even  if you do not plan to compose, going through all the exercises in the book will help you to understand what composers are trying to do, and will lead to a much solid appreciation of the pieces you are learning, well beyond the simplistic emotional response “I like/I don’t like”. Highly recommended.

5. W. A. Mathieu – Harmonic experience: Tonal harmony from its natural origins to its modern expression (Inner Traditions).

This is an amazing book. Everyone should read it. Read some more gushing reviews of it here:

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0892815604/002-7643341-8252845?v=glance

Once you have gone through these five books, you should be able to tackle any book on this subject.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[Jeffrey]

B - Thanks!  I will order the books.  Best - Jeffrey