Contemporary Music Theory - Level One: A Complete Harmony and Theory Method for the Pop and Jazz Musician

I have 3 of mark's books. This one, the second one and the pop piano book. The one I like most is the pop piano book but this book is almost required reading. On with the review! This book teaches music theory and it is what you will get. It is very clear and moves in a slow steady pace. If you pay attention you will never lose yourself. It is ideal for someone learning alone because it has exercises at the end of each chapter you can use to brush up on what you just learned. Just like chemistry (which is what I always read!) theory isn't going to take you anywhere. You need to use it too. This is almost prequisite reading for the "pop piano book" unless you already have a good grasp of music theory. I use it in conjunction with my keyboard playing. If you just read and go through the exercises, you will learn but you will forget too! So it is recommended you actually use what is learned in conjuction. This will not tell you how to "use" the theory. That is up to you. Play your instrument frequently! So if you always wanted to know the background about music get this. Stop memorizing chords having no idea why they are what they are. The print is clear, large, easy to read. But I don't like the binding on the book. kind of weak.

While the book kind of sputters at the beginning it really takes off in the third chapter. Alot of emphasis is placed on the contemporary jazz second dominant. Also I liked the treatment of styles of Bill Evans and John Abercrombie. Both of these artist"s styles are meticulously broken down and analyzed. The book also does a good job on the I-ii-iv-v-I progression.

This book is clear enough that even a young student can learn from it.I must echo the sentiments of the earlier reviewers: If you can already read music and want to get started on the theory (scales, intervals, chords, and the like), then this is an excellent choice.

Contemporary Music Theory is a well paced thorough introduction to music theory. It starts with the basics and then builds on them in a very strightforward way. Each step is explained in depth with simple and clear examples. Beginners should already know note names on the keyboard and music staves, but that's about it.

Mark takes you through chapters on notation, major and minor scales, intervals, triads and four-part chords, modal scales and diatonic relationships. A VERY detailed and well explained book w/ great examples on what a certain topic is about. A must for anyone who's just starting to get into music theory. Might want to also consider Contemporary Music Theory level 2, also by Mark Harrison once you're well versed in Level 1.