Are you looking to expand your understanding of music theory but don’t have the time or resources for formal lessons? Look no further than Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Self-Study Course, Book & 2 CDs [With 2cds] by Andrew Surmani. This comprehensive course provides everything you need to learn and practice music theory on your own time and at your own pace.
The course is divided into three volumes, each containing detailed lessons and exercises that cover a range of topics such as note reading, rhythm, scales, chords, and more. In addition to written material, the course also includes two CDs that provide ear-training drills and examples of musical concepts covered in the book. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician looking to brush up on your skills, Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of music.
Overview of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory
If you’re looking for a comprehensive music theory course, then Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory is the perfect choice – complete with two CDs to enhance your learning experience. This self-study course is designed to provide beginners and intermediate learners with a solid foundation in music theory. The materials are organized in a logical and easy-to-follow manner, making it easier for anyone interested in music theory to learn at their own pace.
One of the key features and benefits of this course is that it includes everything you need to get started with music theory. From lessons on notation and scales to exercises on chord progressions and composition, this book has it all. Additionally, the included CDs provide audio examples that illustrate key concepts discussed in each lesson, further enhancing your understanding of the material.
The target audience for Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory is broad – from students who want to prepare themselves for advanced musical studies to those who simply want to understand how music works. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or just someone who loves listening to music, this course will help you gain a deeper appreciation for the art form. With volume 1 focusing on lessons and exercises, you’ll be well on your way towards mastering the fundamentals of music theory by the end of the book.
Volume 1: Lessons and Exercises
Let’s dive into the first volume of lessons and exercises – what tips and tricks can we learn to improve our understanding of music theory? The lesson structure in Volume 1 is designed for beginners who have no prior knowledge of music theory. Each chapter presents a new concept with clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises. The book covers everything from basic notation to major scales and triads.
One great practice tip in this volume is to use flashcards to memorize key signatures and note names. The book provides printable flashcards that you can cut out and use as a study tool. Another helpful feature is the ear training exercises, which teach you how to identify intervals by ear. These exercises are essential for developing your musical ear, which will help you when it comes time to improvise or compose your own music.
Moving forward into Volume 2: Lessons and Exercises, we’ll delve deeper into more advanced concepts such as chord progressions, modes, and counterpoint. But before we do that, it’s important to master the fundamentals covered in Volume 1. By taking the time to fully understand these concepts and practicing regularly using the provided exercises, you’ll be well on your way towards becoming a proficient musician with a solid foundation in music theory.
Volume 2: Lessons and Exercises
You’ll dive deeper into more advanced music theory concepts such as chord progressions, modes, and counterpoint in Volume 2 of the self-study course. This volume is designed to build upon the foundation established in Volume 1, so it’s important that you’ve completed the first book before tackling this one. One of the main topics covered in this volume is music notation; you’ll learn how to read and interpret different types of sheet music.
Chord progressions are another key focus of Volume 2. You’ll explore different types of chords (major, minor, diminished) and how they relate to each other within a progression. By understanding chord progressions, you’ll be able to analyze songs and write your own compositions with greater ease. Additionally, this volume covers modes – which are scales that have been altered in some way – giving you a broader range of musical options when composing or improvising.
As with Volume 1, there are plenty of exercises throughout this book to help reinforce your understanding of the material covered. The included CDs provide audio examples for most exercises so that you can hear what’s being discussed as well as see it on paper. By completing all lessons and exercises in both volumes, you’ll have a solid foundation in music theory that will serve you well whether you’re a beginner musician or an experienced composer. In Volume 3, we’ll delve even deeper into advanced topics such as harmony and form!
Volume 3: Lessons and Exercises
In this volume, you’ll explore advanced topics such as harmony and form, which will expand your understanding of music theory and provide you with new tools to create more complex compositions. You’ll delve deeper into chord progressions, learning how to identify them by ear and on musical notation. This knowledge will help you analyze and create more intricate musical arrangements.
Musical notation is an essential part of this volume, as it introduces you to various symbols used in orchestration. You’ll learn how to read scores, which will enable you to interpret different parts played by instruments in an ensemble or orchestra. The exercises provided will challenge your sight-reading skills and enhance your speed and accuracy in identifying notes.
As you progress through the lessons and exercises in Volume 3, keep in mind that ear-training drills are an integral part of this course. They help develop your ability to identify intervals, chords, scales, and melodies by ear. These skills are crucial for any musician who wants to perform or compose music with confidence. With these new tools at your disposal, you can continue exploring the world of music theory with renewed enthusiasm.
Ear-Training Drills
Improve your musical skills by practicing ear-training drills regularly, just like a basketball player who practices dribbling to improve their ball handling. Ear-Training Drills are essential for developing musicianship and improving your ability to recognize intervals, melodies, and harmonies. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Self-Study Course provides comprehensive exercises for Melodic dictation and Interval recognition.
Here are five reasons why you should practice ear-training drills regularly:
- Develop a better sense of pitch: Ear-Training Drills will help you develop a more accurate sense of pitch, which is essential for playing in tune.
- Improve your ability to transcribe music: By practicing Melodic dictation, you’ll become better at transcribing music from recordings or sheet music.
- Enhance your improvisation skills: Knowing how to recognize intervals and melodies will help you improvise with greater confidence and creativity.
- Train your ears to hear complex harmonies: Interval recognition exercises will train your ears to identify complex chords and harmonies commonly found in jazz, classical, and other genres of music.
- Strengthen your overall musicianship: Practicing ear-training drills regularly will improve your general musicianship by giving you a deeper understanding of the building blocks of music.
Ear-Training Drills are an essential part of any musician’s practice routine. They can help you develop a more accurate sense of pitch, improve your ability to transcribe music, enhance your improvisation skills, train your ears to hear complex harmonies, and strengthen your overall musicianship. With Andrew Surmani’s Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Self-Study Course book & 2 CDs set at hand, anyone can work on mastering these skills on their own time. So why not start today?
Conclusion
So there you have it – a comprehensive review of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Self-Study Course, Book & 2 CDs. This resource is perfect for anyone looking to improve their music theory knowledge and skills, regardless of their level of experience.
One thing that really stood out to me about this course was how enjoyable it made learning music theory. It reminded me of the process of learning a new language – at first it can be intimidating and overwhelming, but once you start to understand the patterns and concepts, it becomes more natural and even fun. With Alfred’s Essentials, I felt like I was unraveling a musical code that had previously been indecipherable to me.
Overall, if you’re serious about improving your understanding and application of music theory, I highly recommend giving Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory a try. The lessons are well-structured and easy to follow, the exercises are challenging but not impossible, and the ear-training drills are extremely helpful for developing your listening skills. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or just someone who wants to deepen their appreciation for music, this course has something for everyone.