music theory

[Julian]

sorry, i now that this probably isn't the preferred column for this question, but i knew that you guys might be able to answer this. a lot of you are professors, and others, just really smart people. so here goes: where can i find info on music theory online? or even in a book. i understand reading music and such, though i am a drummer, so my strengths lie in rhythm. i want to learn about notes though. chord progressions, scales, just basic forming of melodies and harmonies. i appreciate anything you guys can throw at me.

thanks, julian

[chessrock]

I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, so forgive me, but do you have access to a public library?

[petimar]

"Jazz Theory" by Mark Levine is the best book I've used. Published by Shar.

[Beezoboy]

www.good-ear.com

This has very basic info on pitch relationships and lessons to help you learn them. Very good site, although I think some basic theory might be needed. The best way to learn basic theory is to sit down at a piano and learn the C Major scale and C Major arpeggio, and then you can learn many things from that knowledge.

Beezoboy
Music Composition Major at Georgia Southern University

[Julian]

I'll check out the Levine book. Thanks man. Sorry about that Chessrock. I've checked out some stuff, looked on the net, and I've found a little, just nothing great, nothing too helpful. Hopefully, this new book can help point me in the right direction.

thanks, Julian

ps. sorry again to use this board, but really it's the best forum i know of for all of my recording and, well, musical needs too. thanks for being here.

[wes480]

college bookstores are a good place to look.

[Mark H.]

And if you live in a college town, used bookstores are a good place to look for texts at a steep discount.

[ozraves]

the jazz language by dan haerle is a good one.

you might look at one of the more traditional books that explain harmonic theory by looking at bach organ chord progessions.

[jmatt19]

sorry, i now that this probably isn't the preferred column for this question, but i knew that you guys might be able to answer this. a lot of you are professors, and others, just really smart people. so here goes: where can i find info on music theory online? or even in a book. i understand reading music and such, though i am a drummer, so my strengths lie in rhythm. i want to learn about notes though. chord progressions, scales, just basic forming of melodies and harmonies. i appreciate anything you guys can throw at me.

thanks, julian

Julian, Study piano with a qualified teacher that can teach you the music theory concepts as they relate to a harmonic instrument like piano. You already have a knowledge of rhythmic concepts from studying percussion, so it makes sense to study piano to learn harmonic and melodic concepts...........I say this as a professional musician, teacher, and also from teaching these basic concepts to drummer for years. Textbooks can give you useful info, but you need to have one-on-one lessons just because of the primary fact that music is an interactive art, therefore that weekly lesson process with another person will answer the questions you'll have throughout the lesson plan from the teacher. Trust me, there is no better way to do this. Good luck..........jmatt19

[guitaristic]

sorry, i now that this probably isn't the preferred column for this question, but i knew that you guys might be able to answer this. a lot of you are professors, and others, just really smart people. so here goes: where can i find info on music theory online? or even in a book. i understand reading music and such, though i am a drummer, so my strengths lie in rhythm. i want to learn about notes though. chord progressions, scales, just basic forming of melodies and harmonies. i appreciate anything you guys can throw at me.

thanks, julian

When I started out with music theory I bought "The Idiot's Guide to Music Theory" (those orange books) and it really helped a lot! I'd def recommend it for a general overall view of music theory.