Synopsis
The phrase practical theory may seem to be a contradiction, but it is a term that Practical Beginning Theory has, since its first edition in 1963, sought to embody by providing a comprehensive introduction to basic level theory that can be used in any teaching situation, even if other resource materials are limited or unavailable. In the new edition, the text continues its mission to be an all-in-one coursebook for music fundamentals. A third author has been added to revise and update the exercises in popular music and to integrate new electronic supplements into the text. A new chapter has been added to address jazz, pop, and blues and a CD of ear-training examples is now included with each copy of the book. The software package of the prior edition has been coordinated to the new CD and mounted to the Internet and exercises throughout the text have been revised to further emphasize real music instead of artificial textbook examples. In all, Practical Beginning Theory prepares students completely for the first semester of major-level music theory. In can be used at two- and four- year colleges and it is appropriate for pre-college students who are preparing to enter a music major or for advanced high school music theory courses.
From the Publisher
Audio CD: Included free with each copy of the book, the CD provides examples so students can practice ear-training exercises. Each ear-training exercise that appears in the book also appears on the CD.
Internet exercises: The 7th edtition software has been replaced with a series of online ear-training exercises. The exercises supplement those in the book, reinforcing the same skills and emphasizing the same techniques.
Instructor's Manual: The Instructor's Manual contains the music for the ear-training segment of the course and offers practical chapter-by-chapter suggestions to help instructors reinforce concepts and memories of sounds and to help illustrate the application of theoretical elements.
New Chapter: Chapter 30 'Chord Symbols and Their Application in Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music' is completely new.
New Chapter: Chapter 27 'Nonharmonic Tones' is a new chapter based on material that appeared in the Appendix of the 7th edition.
New Exercises: Added throughout the text.
Revised and Expanded Glossary: This reference defines important terms and is cross-referenced to each term's first appearance in the text.
Integrated coverage of important skills: Each chapter provides exposition, written exercises, voice exercises, and listening exercises. Students develop ear, eye, and keyboard skills in tandem instead of isolation.
Graduated introduction of each item: Theory is a complex area of study. Benward/Jackson takes students from the very first step without assuming prior knowledge and with clear explanations and examples that cover written topics as well as ear training and musicianship.
Chronological references: Each music example is accompanied by a chronological reference (composer's birth and death dates, for example) to assist students as they try to place music in stylistic context.
Chronologies of Old and New World Music: Appearing on the inside front and back covers, these timelines illustrate the relationship between musical developments and the larger social and political context.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
