Pros
Great for review and brushing up on basic skills
Published by a reputable company (Alfred Music)
Incorporates ear training
Comprehensive and concise introduction to basic music terms and concepts
Exercises and review quizzes in each lesson
Combines three books and includes a teacher's answer key
Useful for a wide range of instruments
Can enhance music theory knowledge effectively
Audio tracks for ear training
Valuable for both adults and teens
Cons
Minor errors in the answer area
Exercises sometimes don't have enough space for answers
Concise nature may be challenging for complete beginners
Main Product Advantages
9 Ear Training
The book incorporates ear training exercises which are invaluable for developing a musician's ability to recognize and understand musical notes and chords by ear.
9 Publisher Reputation
Published by Alfred Music, a reputable company known for quality music education materials. Users trust and recommend Alfred Music's publications.
8 User-Friendly
The book is well-received for its clear instructions, concise lessons, and practical exercises that are useful for both beginners and advanced musicians. Each lesson has a review quiz and audio tracks, making learning interactive and engaging.
8 Practical Examples and Exercises
Each page contains exercises and review quizzes, providing immediate feedback on the understanding of concepts. The inclusion of practical exercises helps in reinforcing the theory learned.
7 Comprehensive Coverage
Combines three books into one volume, covering basic to intermediate music theory concepts for various instruments. Includes essential terms, definitions, and concepts.
7 Supplementary Materials
Comes with 2 CDs and integrates well with other Alfred Music publications and software, offering a comprehensive set of materials for learning music theory.
6 Conciseness
The book is concise, which can be viewed as a double-edged sword. While it's praised for brevity, some users find it too concise, requiring additional resources to fully understand the concepts.
5 Annoying Design Flaws
Some users mentioned minor errors and design issues, such as lack of space for exercises and misalignment in certain sections. These issues are noted but don't significantly hinder the learning process.
Product Review: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians (Book & 2 CDs)
Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory is an incredibly practical and easy-to-use self-study course that is designed for a wide range of musicians, including pianists, guitarists, vocalists, instrumentalists, songwriters, arrangers, and composers. This comprehensive package makes music theory accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.
All-in-One Theory Course
This course stands out because it covers the essentials of music theory through 75 concise lessons. These lessons are well-structured and provide clear, step-by-step instructions, making complex concepts easier to understand. Whether you're looking to improve your music reading and writing skills or simply want to grasp the fundamentals, this course has you covered.
Practice and Exercises
One of the key strengths of Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory is the inclusion of various exercises that help reinforce the lessons. These exercises are designed to solidify your understanding by having you apply what you’ve learned in practical ways. The exercises ensure that you’re not just passively learning but actively engaging with the material.
Improved Listening Skills
The enclosed ear training CDs are a fantastic addition to this course. They are specifically designed to help you develop your musical ear. These CDs offer a range of exercises that will enhance your ability to listen critically and understand musical elements by ear, which is an invaluable skill for any musician.
Knowledge Testing
Each of the 18 units includes a review to test your comprehension. These reviews are an excellent way to gauge your progress and ensure that you’ve fully understood the material before moving on. With answers provided at the back of the book, you can quickly check your work and identify areas where you might need more practice.
Conclusion
Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians is a meticulously crafted resource that offers a thorough grounding in music theory. Its structured lessons, practical exercises, and ear training CDs make it a standout choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this course offers valuable insights and skills that will enhance your musical journey.
