Learn to Read Music: An Introduction to Keys, Chords, Notes, Beats and Everything Else You Need to Know

Harry and Michael are father-son music teachers in England. This book is small, 5 3/4 by 8 inches and 191 pages, but they cover every basic topic and some I didn't expect. Besides the essential basics, the book also covers vocal and part writing, jazz notation, ornamentation, phrasing, and transposition. The explanations are understandably limited, but clear and concise. The only drawback in the book is the English terminology uses quavers (eighth notes) and mimims (half notes), etc.; instead of the American terms I'm used to. If you would like a compact manual of music reading, this is a good one, and the hardcover is a very good value.