When we hear the word theory we often cringe. The hair on the back of your neck stands to attention. A shiver travels up your spine. Thoughts of science and math may even enter into your mind. Fun as we know it has come to an end! Thankfully Mark Harrisons Contemporary Music Theory Level One is not out to destroy your desire for music. Rather, it is out to give the contemporary musician, those that are studying popular and jazz rather than classical music, a foundation which they can build music upon.

The main concept behind this book is to give the musician an understanding of how the ear works. Now, we are not talking about the biological aspects of the ear but how the ear actually hears and understands music. It does this by deriving and explaining musical concepts such as: major and minor scales, keys and key signatures, intervals, triads, four part chords, diatonic chords, modes, suspensions, and altered chords. It further reinforces these concepts with the use of the text, workbook questions, and the workbook answers.

If you struggle to understand scales, key signatures, and three and four part chord construction then this book will set your mind free. It is not a book that just shows chords and scales however. It is a book that reveals the philosophy behind how the musician actually hears music. Once you understand how music thinks then you will understand how it wants to move.

So, is Mark Harrisons Contemporary Music Theory Level 1 worth buying? Is it worth laying your cold hard cash down for 300 pages of musical bliss? I know this much. It would take a competent teacher 2-3 months to teach the amount of material contained in this book. I would say you’re crazy if you didn’t buy this book because it is a steal at less than twenty five dollars. Well….maybe not crazy….just not convinced. If you are looking for a practical self study text covering music theory which is affordable and will keep you busy for awhile…then this is it.

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Lesson Materials – The book is made of high quality materials. I have found it to be very durable and it is a cool color.

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Lesson Instruction – The lesson instructions here are great. I really can’t ask for it to be any better. The question and answer section is a major plus.

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Fun Factor – Can theory ever be fun? Well…I seem to think so. The pictures and charts go a long way in keeping the text readable.

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Value – The value is phenomenal. For the cost of maybe one lesson you get 10 weeks of lessons.

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Contemporary Music Theory Level One is an impressive music book. Every piano lesson addict will want to get their fingers on this music theory resource!

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To learn more click Contemporary Music Theory Level One.

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