Techniques and Materials of Tonal Music

by Thomas E. Benjamin, Michael M. Horvit, Robert Nelson, et al.

Book Overview

This book is designed to be the primary text for the first two years of college music theory. It covers all the basics of composition including harmony, melody, and musical form.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534526233
• ISBN13: 9780534526238
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Schirmer
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Clear and to the point

My theory pedagogy class reviewed about a dozen theory textbooks and the general consensus was that the Benjamin and the Kostka/Payne books were the only two that were worth using.The Benjamin book is the best book for serious teachers. It provides the most complete description of tonal music of any text, and is always accurate, efficient, and very clear. In the hands of a good teacher it is the ideal tool. For students who have already studied theory, it is the perfect reference guide.However, it is not a good "self-programmed guide" for students who wish study music theory on their own. Neither is it a good book for inexperienced theory teachers. For both of these cases, I would recommend the Kostka/Payne book.[Full Disclosure: I was a student of Dr. Benjamin at the Peabody Conservatory for several years, studying composition and music theory, where we used his books]

Outstanding Text on Music Theory

This text is an outstanding book on music theory. Complete with exercises, concise examples and reference materials packed into the 282 pages of this text. While not the complete reference manual for theory, it is a great general tool/text for education in music theory and the fundamentals of music notation, musical structure and musical form. Fat paced book covers all the details, and includes a reference section which details and demonstrates the handling of many musical techniques and analysis in a concise, direct way.Highly recommended!