Music Theory, Fundamentals, Famous Composer books????

Question

I play the viola and guitar and I'm taking lessons for both. I have the same teacher for both instruments and I have lessons about once a week. I just need some good books so I can read up on music theory, fundamentals, and famous composers because my teacher always asks me questions about those things and I never know the answers. So if anyone know of some good books with lots of info let me know. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Abby,

I have been playing the violin (close enough!) and the piano for most of my life. :) Time well spent. Good luck with your musical pursuits! :)

First off, I am taking the liberty of assuming that you are a school-aged individual, since you are currently enrolled in music lessons. If not, then I am sorry for my assumption. :)
If, though, you are, then I highly recommend that you ask your instructor to look in to joining MTNA, the Music Teachers National Association, (unless he/she is already affiliated with them, obviously.)
Through the MTNA, a myriad of programs would be opened to you as you pursue your musical endeavors. Your teacher would be able to join a regional branch of the MTNA, and you would thus be able to participate in different competitions, festivals, etcetera. You would also be able to take the national music theory exam, which I would definitely deem a worthwhile expenditure of your time, as you would glean a plethora of information as you study for the exam. The “pre-exam” packet, which you may order before taking the test, (and which you may order, whether or not you desire to take the test,) provides a great deal of information to aid you in your study. Anyway, the MTNA website is http://www.mtna.org/ , if you are interested.



Now, directly on to your question!

This SparksChart is an excellent resource for your study. If you do not look into any of the other information I am sharing with you besides this, reading this my diatribe would be well worth your time! :)
Here is the link. https://secure.sparknotes.com/account/buyProduct.psp?pid=40038

This is a link to a wonderful music history book. You will definitely enjoy the read. Excellent book. Written by David Barber.
http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Beethoven-Boys-Anniversary-History/dp/0920151108/ref=pd_sim_b_1_img/103-0940973-6191801

This is also by David Barber. (Just as good as the first!)
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-1912234-3916637?asin=0920151159&afid=yahoosspplp_bmvd&lnm=0920151159|Books_:_If_It_Ain't_Baroque:_More_Music_History_As_It_Ought_To_Be_Taught&ref=tgt_adv_XSNG1060

Here is a link to a “Musicians' Dictionary” by David Barber.
http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Dictionary-David-W-Barber/dp/0920151213


This is a free site with music theory lessons…
http://www.musictheory.net/

Excellent site.
http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/theory/theory.htm


Anyway, hope this helps…If you need any more info, let me know.

God bless.















Hi again, Abby,

I found some excellent sites in addition to the ones which I shared with you earlier.

The following sites are for GUITAR THEORY-- I think you will really like these sites—they look extremely interesting, and I believe they will tremendously aid you in your study.

http://www.zentao.com/guitar/theory/
http://www.theorylessons.com/
http://musiced.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=musiced&cdn=education&tm=7&gps=54_12_1020_592&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.torvund.net/guitar/Theory/index.asp
http://www.guitar-music-theory.com/scales.html
http://www.guitarnoise.com/article.php?id=3
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/columns/music_theory/
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=guitar+music+theory&page=1&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?What-is-Guitar-Theory?&id=603274
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/the_basics/the_circle_of_fifths_music_theory_for_dummies.html


Below are some other music theory sites through which I believe you will enjoy perusing.
http://musictheory.halifax.ns.ca/
http://www.dolmetsch.com/musictheory29.htm
http://www.musictheory.halifax.ns.ca/lessons.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory
http://www.chrisbsmusic.com/fremustheorl.html
http://www.emusictheory.com/practice.html


Great Links for VIOLA MUSIC THEORY
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-2576627-9880636?asin=0739002651&afid=yahoosspplp_bmvd&lnm=0739002651|Books_:_Essentials_of_Music_Theory:_Complete_Book_Alto_Clef_(Viola)_Edition_(Essentials_of_Music_Theory)&ref=tgt_adv_XSNG1060

http://www.violinonline.com/apvlabooks.htm




Thought this was a neat extra.
http://www.8notes.com/viola_tuner/

Anyway, I hope this helps you in your musical endeavors. I thought I might reiterate what some other individuals have previously stated—ask your instructor what he/she would have you study, or what he/she studied when they first began delving into music theory.

Have fun!

Answer 2

The Hindemith "Elementary Training" book (which is not "elementary" in ANY way) is a fantastic book, but it is NOT what you're looking for.

Music theory/fundamentals books: There's a really nice book by Joseph Straus called "Elements of Music" which you could think about getting. It's designed as a book to be used in a class, but you could work through it on your own, if you're diligent about it.

Famous composer information: If you live anywhere near a college with a music department, then go to their library and look in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. The articles are probably too long and in-depth if you're just looking for basic information about composers, but it's a wonderful resource.

Don't forget the most obvious source -- your teacher(s). If your teacher is asking you questions about things you don't know, then ask him/her if you can work some theory into your lessons. Your guitar teacher, especially, should be a big help in this.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have multiple degrees in music theory and music education. The Hindemith book mentioned by another poster is NOT what you seek. This book is designed for ear-training and sightsinging classes offered at the college level.

Try some good websites first - www.practicespot.com might be a place to start. www.classicalarchives.com will give you some composer information - there are MANY sites that will do that! If your teacher expects you to know information -ask THEM what source THEY would recommend!

Answer 4

Hi Abby - Check out this site for information on composers and their music:

http://www.classicalarchives.com/

When you click on each composer there will be a "Learn About" list on the left hand side. You can learn about the composers life and music.

For theory go here:

http://www.dolmetsch.com/ourresources.htm
Click on the "Music theory and history" link. It will take you to a series of music theory lessons. They start very basic and progress to advanced. You can learn as much or as little as you need as you take your instrument lessons.

Or here:

http://www.musictheory.net/
This one is a little simpler and has some good interactive learning options and other goodies!!

Now you will be ready to amaze your teacher at your next lesson!!

And mamianka is right, you do not need the Hindemith at this time.

Good luck and have fun learning and playing!!

Musician, composer, teacher.
Master of Music degree.

Answer 5

You can purchase one book that will provide a huge amount of musical training by way of theory etc, and it also implies much about its author, one of the 20th century's leading composers. The book is "Elementary Training For Musicians" by Paul Hindemith

Answer 6

I am not sure if he was classical but Suzuki is an asian musician, I learned to play violin by him.

Answer 7

jusr google the question and you'll get volumes