Questions pertaining to written or printed works about learning or studying music and theory. Do not ask book recommendations as they are off-topic.
Questions tagged [books]
48 questions
26
votes
7 answers
How to handle a newly purchased score book that won't stay opened?
With some score books, if you try to open it and put it on a support, it will close itself.
For the moment I have to force and fold it but it damages the spine of the book.
Do you have techniques to open those books without damaging them too much?
Benoit
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20
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4 answers
Most common jazz theory method book
What is the most common text book for learning jazz music theory?
I have a strong background in classical music theory and would like to supplement it. I particularly am looking for something for younger players and beginners because I will be…
Rey Abolofia
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18
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2 answers
What is a Fake Book?
The question was asked here as to why there are no Fake Books for Blues. But what is a Fake Book in the first place? What genres is it used in?
Karen
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11
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2 answers
Where did "The Real Book" originally come from?
I saw my first copy of The Real Book when I was 15. The coolest, hippest, jazziest trumpet player I knew (he was 17 and knew who Miles Davis was) had a copy of this spiral-bound badge of savvy: a clear mark of being "in the know" and "on the…
Aaron
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10
votes
4 answers
Do music theory books differ per instrument?
I'm an amateur Spanish guitar player, I know Solfège and how to read music sheets (not expert though).
I'm looking for a book that teaches me music theory to gain more understanding and maybe try to compose something in the future.
Should I look…
Chiron
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10
votes
5 answers
How to go learn through a book
This is not your average "which book to learn from" question. I'll post my research and background in as much detail as possible (since this could potentially help others with similar question).
I've been playing guitar for over 2 years and began…
AgilE
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10
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12 answers
Fundamental and In-Depth Music Theory for an Absolute Beginner
I know nothing about music theory, but I have been playing the guitar for over 5 years and have been only working with tabs. I want to learn music theory from scratch, fundamentally and meticulously. Then I want to move on to orchestration and…
Conrad
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10
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8 answers
Are there any books or videos out there that teach you SLOWLY and do not focus on learning TABS?
Are there any books or videos courses that just teach you how to practice acoustic guitar and its not complicated either? I know that there are lots of video course, books, youtube videos out there for learning to play guitars. So I'll explain my…
Mugen
9
votes
2 answers
Dynamic markings in harpsichord music
I have come across books similar to L'Art de Toucher le Clavecin, but written by English Composers. One such book "The Art of Playing the Harpsichord" IMSLP page and similar works have dynamics marked in some of the lessons. An excerpt can be seen…
NBoss
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8
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1 answer
Comprehensive theory book
I learned solfège as a kid long ago, and have been playing ever since without interruption, but I seem to have forgotten quite a few things that I haven't really needed all those years, and might not be aware of many other interesting things since I…
Anthony Labarre
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Guitar book to complement my guitar lessons
I have recently started guitar lessons. I really love them, but I feel there is something missing. My teacher's approach is "every class, let's learn a new song" but I feel I need some theory, like how to build chords, what note I make if I pulse…
user2820
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7
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2 answers
What are equivalents to literary theories for music?
Are there equivalents to literary theories for music ? I'm trying to find extensive music review "theories" which would be arguably philosophical ( similar to for example structuralism/psychoanalysis/deconstruction etc..) and involves analyzing the…
DinushanM
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6
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What are good beginner books to follow for classical guitar (self study or otherwise) ?
I've come across a lot of different series and 'methodologies' (Aaron Shearer, Mel Bay etc) books - and it's very confusing for the beginner when there's no teacher to guide him or her.
talonx
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3 answers
Are Tersun Piano Technique books any good?
I'm a piano newbie studying online. My teacher recommends Hanon for learning piano technique which I am doing and I have to say it's helping. Although I know it's not smart to question your teacher, I did some searching for alternatives because I…
jhnwsk
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5
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Tips on reading method books about music
I recently came across the book Improvising Jazz by Jerry Coker and that made me think whether there is a specific strategy to reading method books about jazz or music in general.
I have had a couple of books about jazz guitar like the Hal Leonard…
Shounak Chakraborty
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