Author Description

Available for a Limited Time Only! This book will be ported to a new publisher in January 2018, and this version will no longer be available for sale.The study of music theory develops the cognitive abilities of a musician. Music theory investigates the various elements that comprise a musical composition. Essentially, it's the study of how music is put together. Musicians study music theory to learn how to notate, perform, and comprehend past and new works. Music theory not only develops the mind of the musician, but it also serves to instill an understanding and appreciation for the labor and commitment of past composers and musicians who spent their lives working to further the art of music. Music theory doesn't dictate rules for composers to follow, but it can be helpful for understanding the structure and basic musical principles employed in the creation of a musical composition. The study of music is also not confined to the professional musician; music can bring people together, foster understanding, and create critical shared human experiences in our interconnected and often superficially engaged world. The history of music is articulated by the efforts of composers who sought to bring new sounds and aural experiences to the world, performances by fearless and cutting-edge musicians willing to risk ridicule and their careers to bring an otherwise unknown musical style to life, and audiences and patrons who were willing to give their time, money, and resources to produce and fund the creation and performance of music. Musicians who fail to develop the necessary techniques and knowledge to understand how music works lack a crucial piece of the puzzle. Audiences who lack the ears to identify the subtle nuances emanating from various pitches, chord choices and movements in music lack the ability to hear the complex textures and intertwining musical threads that drive a musical work forward. Composers with deficient ears and undeveloped musical minds unwit