Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis

I've been looking for a book like this for a long time. I'm using it for self-study of Schenker's theories. I find Schenkers own works to assume that one already understands a lot about his theories. This book starts from the beginning, and leads you through some very complex and worthwhile ideas. I think any serious musician not acquainted with Schenker and interested in more than a superficial understanding of his thought could greatly benefit from reading this book (and working through the exercises).

Forte's "Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis" is most effective when used by a good teacher. After all, this is a textbook and not a novel. I feel that some of the reviewers of this book are comparing Forte to Ernest Hemingway, or Robert Frost. Writings on music theory are extremely technical; they are almost never going to be eloquent or poetic. Sometimes things are difficult to understand. THAT'S WHY PROFESSORS EARN $90,000 PER YEAR. This book contains several examples from the tonal literature that define, explain, and illuminate the principles associated with Schenkerian theory in a candid, matter-of-fact way. I recommend this book for anyone interested in music theory.