Understand music theory - Margaret Richer

Is this the right book for me?

Understand Music Theory offers a practical approach which uses active learning to impart knowledge. Suitable for complete beginners and assuming no previous experience, each chapter includes diagrams, examples, clear explanations, helpful hints and self-tests before moving on, which help create a sense of achievement as you make your way through the book. With results that will get you enjoying your music even more, this is an invaluable guide to understanding music theory.

Understand Music Theory includes:

Chapter 1: Introducing rhythm
Chapter 2: Pitch
Chapter 3: Melody
Chapter 4: More about pitch
Chapter 5: More about rhythm
Chapter 6: Sharps and flats
Chapter 7: Intervals
Chapter 8: More about intervals
Chapter 9: Major scales and key signatures Chapter 10: Minor scales and key signatures
Chapter 11: Compound time signatures
Chapter 12: Introducing chords
Chapter 13: Harmony
Chapter 14: Adding accompaniment to a melody
Chapter 15: Musical form
Chapter 16: Tone colour and interpretation
Chapter 17: Ornaments and non-harmonic notes
Chapter 18: Music theory in the 20th century

Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.