How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners – with exercises & online audio (Practical Musical Theory)
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Do you want to learn how to read music notation with easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons?
Did you ever try to learn music theory but got frustrated with complicated jargon and mysterious terms?
If so, this book is perfect for you!
This book offers a unique 30-day program that makes learning how to read music simple and fun. Imagine how, in just about a month, you’ll be able to look at sheet music and know exactly what every symbol, sign, and term means. You’ll know the fundamental theory behind the how, why, and what of the music that’s in front of you!
With over 150 music examples, over 100 written exercises, 10 listening experiences, expert tips, lesson summaries, a final test, and online access to the audio examples, you will steadily progress towards learning:
• The absolute essentials of music theory,
• How rhythm REALLY works,
• The complete system behind musical notes,
• The crucial details of music notation,
• How specific musical symbols give life to all written music.
A strong foundation in the basics is essential if you want to read music, play an instrument for your friends and fans, sing in a choir or as a solo, record in a studio, compose music, write songs, or anything else in music. This book is your practical, step-by-step guide to building that foundation.
Finally, you can stop searching the web endlessly in hopes of finding the right information. With this comprehensive but practical approach, your music theory questions are answered in full.
And thanks to the valuable feedback of hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, “How to Read Music in 30 days” is now in its 3rd edition, revised and expanded to suit all types of beginner musicians.
Hundreds of students have successfully gone through this practical system to master musical notation and fundamental music theory. Now, it’s your turn! Let’s get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really learn how to read music in 30 days?
Absolutely! In fact, we start reading our most basic symbols as from day 1. You will not become an expert sight-reader in 30 days: no book, no teacher, and no program can replace the practice it takes to become a professional. But you can significantly cut down on the time it takes to get there by learning the foundations in the right way and in the right order. This is what this book is for.
Are music terms in American English or British English?
Both are included throughout. Although not that many terms are different in the 2 systems, there are added benefits to being aware of both sets of terms.
Is this book for guitarists, pianists, singers, and other instrumentalists?
Since the basics are the same for all instruments, this book will benefit anyone who is a beginner no matter which instruments they play. If you’re looking to refresh your music theory basics, fill any gaps in your knowledge of musical notation, or start from absolute scratch in reading music, this book is for you.
Can I skip through lessons?
The author suggests going through the program as it is presented. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to: progress in small steps, fill any knowledge gaps for those returning to music after a long pause, and build a foundation for any exams, tests, or diplomas you might someday want to sit for.
Is this book suitable for young children?
No. This method is designed for adults that are either self-teaching or working with a teacher. However, it does work for parents or guardians who want to take part in their young ones’ music lessons.
Do I have to sign up to get the audio clips?
You don’t have to if you don’t want to. There are three options to access the audio and the answers to the exercises. One requires signing up but the other two do not.
From the Publisher
Welcome to your 30-day journey into the world of musical notation!
Are you concerned that reading music is far too difficult?Have you tried learning music theory but found it too complicated?Do you need a step-by-step guide with daily exercises and clear examples?
If so, this book is for you!
No prior knowledge required
Whether you are completely new to reading music or are returning to it after a long break, this book will help you master the basics and beyond. A strong foundation is essential if you want to play an instrument, sing in a choir, compose, or anything else in music. This book is your practical, step-by-step guide to building that foundation.
With 30+ step-by-step lessons, this book guides you through the ins and outs of rhythm, the world of pitch and the incredible beauty of musical expression. Whether you are starting from absolute scratch or coming back to music, you will learn everything you need to get into the wonderful world of music!
What’s inside this book? A step-by-step guide to reading musical notation. Short and concise lessons, dedicated to only one topic at a time. Over 150 easily-accessible audio examples. Over 100 exercises to practice everything you learn. A daily summary with a glossary of new terms and symbols. A beginner-friendly final test to ensure that you’ve mastered every topic.
A Friendly, Step-by-step Guide
An Intuitive Approach
In this day-by-day structure, every lesson is dedicated to one topic only, followed by plenty of practical exercises. Here is what to expect:
Progressive lessons that gently build on each other, ensuring your daily progress.Daily summaries including a glossary of new terms and new symbols.A final quiz to test your knowledge of the topics covered.
Discover How Rhythm Works
Enjoy a step-by-step break down of the complexities of rhythm into small, progressive steps. In this section, we explore the 4 fundamental aspects of rhythm and learn to read (almost) any rhythm. In this section, we:
Understand the most basic symbols in musical notation.Learn the 4 essential aspects of rhythm.Explore the 3 most common types of time signatures.
Master the Magic of Pitch
Dive into the world of musical notes and how to read and write them down. We explore the written staff in detail and dispel the mysteries behind the musical alphabet and its notation. In this section, we:
Discover how the entire musical alphabet works.Master the written staff, the treble clef, bass clef, and more.Learn the essential details behind sheet music.
Experience the Beauty of Musical Expression
Discover how musicians transform simple notes into an emotional experience. Here we have a detailed guide of all the essential symbols and terms. These enable us to bring musical notes to life. In this section, we:
Explore all the essential expressive symbols and terms.Enjoy five listening challenges.Listen to examples from real pieces of music.
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 24, 2017)
Language : English
Paperback : 171 pages
ISBN-10 : 1977904874
ISBN-13 : 978-1977904874
Item Weight : 14.6 ounces
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.39 x 11 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book easy to understand, concisely written, and thoughtfully laid out. They describe it as an effective learning tool with lesson summaries, special tips, and listening exercises. Readers also say it’s worth the money and time.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
13 reviews for How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners – with exercises & online audio (Practical Musical Theory)
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Donna C –
Well written and illustrated theory book
Both the author’s books compliment each other. Great for beginners or a great review for intermediate musicians
Nikki h –
Great book for beginners
This book explains the a-z of music theory and includes links for sample music so you can hear and fully understand what you are learning. Great book, great price.
Amazon Customer –
Really works
It was around day 13 my kids started actually picking up and by day thirty they were obviously not experts but they could read basic music with ease.
douglas livergood –
Music
Havenât had time to read much, but glancing through this book seems to be very helpful
Diana –
Get this book NOW if you’ve always wanted to make sense of the music sheets as I did!
Just finished day 10 on grouping today! 1/3 through. Yeah!!! I used to have anxiety when i saw music sheets with lots of eighth and sixteenth groupings/beams. But I feel so much more confident now.Though I am familiar with the content in the first 9 days lessons, the author introduced the concepts in a very logical way and order that really helps connect the dots together for me. The other music theory book i used before just tells you what it is, but this book will tell you what and why it is the way it is. And the way he builds each lesson on top of the other to tell a whole story is just brilliant. Thank you so much for all the thoughts, efforts and intentions that you put into this work!The complimentary online material includes additional contents from the author’s blog, audio examples, listening challenges, answers to exercises and what’s more there is a forum for you to ask questions. The author is very active answering questions and giving advice there. He is definitely very passionate about music as well as helping others to enjoy music. The book and the complementary online course are an immense value. Everything is so well organized and presented.I’ve bought quite a few 30 day books before (like 30 days to draw or 30 days to play guitar), but never finished any of them. Looks like this may be the first time I finish a 30 day book. Will update after I am through.
Maxine Cobbs –
Pleased
I was pleased with this purchase.
david –
So, It’s OK. A Few Things to Note
UPDATE 2 4/6/22: The author has told me some of my criticisms of earlier parts of the book have been taken care of in the new edition.UPDATE 4/3/22: I finished the book. Some of the issues I mentioned are present throughout, but the author has gotten in contact with me and we went over them. I believe he has released an updated version of the book. I have yet to look over it, but it seems as though he took my criticism and put some of it in the revised version. Here’s a summary of what I experienced going through the book:Days 1-15: Hardest in the whole book. I think some lessons in here may need a bit of revision (but that’s just my personal opinion, as everything else I say).Days 16-24: Easiest material, well-written and easy to digest.Days 25-30: About medium difficulty. Might need a bit of brushing up, but overall better than the first 15 days. Well packed with plenty of material.I’m still sitting at 3/5 stars for now (good). I might look over the revised version in the future. I plan on starting the second book (30 day music theory) by the same author and reviewing that one as well.OLD REVIEW:I haven’t finished the book yet, but I am on day 13. This is my opinion on the book up to this point. My opinion might change depending on how the rest of it goes.The biggest issues I have is some of the lessons are a bit verbose, and I feel like the author could’ve explained certain concepts in a more concise and clear manner. Instead, I would’ve also wrote the book as “How to Read Music in x Pages” instead of 30 days. Some material was confusing and, even after rereading certain lessons, certain concepts were still left unanswered or vague and up to interpretation. Not a fan of that. I wish they would’ve taken more time to explain certain things without getting overly technical about them, but oh well.1. Make sure you have a good internet connection (ideally on a PC or laptop too) so you can sign up for the free course on the internet to follow up with exercise answers and audio examples.2. Depending on your learning level, be ready to look things up on your own/read or listen to other material. Later parts of the book get a bit confusing and the contents of certain pages don’t clearly explain how certain things work.The sad thing is I feel like this book is almost perfect in concept, but it’s execution is a bit lackluster. Again, be ready to really focus and pay attention to the contents, and I STRONGLY suggest looking up other information about them on the web. That being said, I wouldn’t call this a beginner’s book, some concepts definitely felt more intermediate-advanced IMO. It definitely seems like a good road map, though. Just be ready to have other resources on standby.
Marta –
Great book and online course companion
This book helped me so much! I joined a choir last September and I did not know how to read music! They allowed me to join because they were singing many songs in Spanish, my native language. It was so hard to try to follow my voice (alto) without understanding the scores!!! I decided to try harder and got the book! I cannot explain how much it helped me to understand rhythm, notes, pulse, tempo etc and follow our director!!! In January, to continue with the choir for Spring, I had to have an audition and I was successful. I ow this course (book and online companion) 80% or more of that success. Thank you so much! Now I am using book 2, Music Theory in 30 days. It is a challenge for me, but I love the way Matthew Ellul combines the written lesson, with the practice in the online companion and the listening experience!!! Thank you so much!
Raül Cassinerio –
FANTASTICO LIBRO PARA PRINCIPIANTES.
Amazon Customer –
This book has two elements that other books either don’t have or don’t do as well: breaking down certain aspects of music in a way you will understand forever and audio examples that accompany each and every single lesson.The best way to use this book is to have your browser opened on the online companion (called “school of composition”) and go through each lesson, listening to all the samples provided and going through the listening challenged and quizzes.I suppose that the people wondering whether to buy this book or not are new to music and want to start somewhere, find a course or method that isn’t too demanding or intimidating. But there is no such thing. Learning music is not like learning a new language, it is learning a new language and it requires effort, focus and dedication.Some will find certain lessons in this book easy to understand and apply, others will have to go through them again and again.But it’s worth it and at the end of this book you will have fairly good knowledge of the basics of music theory and a solid well-rounded knowledge of how to read a music sheet. This is just one of many many books and courses you should go through in order to have a solid grasp of music, and the author’s other book on music theory is the one I plan on reading next.For me the real gem of this book were the audio samples that Matthew Ellul has picked as examples which are excerpts of a very wide variety of classical music pieces. This has truly awakened me to the depth and beauty of classical music, and that’s all I’ve been listening to on my spotify.
Schweinebärmann –
Helped me a lot to learn to read notes. Itâs everyday a challenge for I guess 30 days. Hint. They offer the same content on there website as an web application for free.
Jash –
Written in a lucid manner, the book is worth the money spent. Sight reading can be intimidating for beginners like me, however this book made it easy and fun to learn. Filled with exercises, audio examples and an online community for support, readers will have rich learning experience using this book and will feel confident reading music.
H McE –
This has to be hands down the best introduction music theory book I have come across. I picked up this book after I heard the author interviewed on a podcast. I wanted to improve my composition for music exams and it seemed like that was where the author was coming from but the book and accompanying free course have done so much more. To help embed the theory you are learning the author has included score reading challenges (the scores can all be found for free online). This has really improved my active listening and ability to hear subtleties in music. The book used in this way creates a solid practice link between music theory and ear training. This part of the book/course is over two hours of active listening. Likewise playing music will improve. The way the material is explained I could make a solid connection between theory and my performance. One specific example is the discussion on syncopation. At the moment Iâm working on Maple Leaf Rag and the explanation gave me a light bulb moment. At the end of every chapter is a short quiz and at the very end is a course quiz. This helps to embed what you have learned before you move on further grounding your theory.Because the book is self published the the need to pay for full publisherâs production costs were avoided and consequently the book is great value. I would imagine if it was produced by a publisher the cost would be at least twice what it is especially with the course that accompanies the book. Being self published there are some minor typos but nothing that affects the accuracy of the information. They are mostly of the kind where the text says â10 examplesâ and 8 examples are provided. For me this book is a solid 5 stars and I was surprised to see people give it one star. I had a quick look to see why their experience differed to mine. Some people criticised the lack of author response to download issues. This may have been a past problem that has been resolved. The course to accompany the book has an active discussion board where you can post questions as you go through the bookâs material. I always got a reply within 24 hours. One person complained that the examples were of for a keyboard and not other instruments. Iâm not a piano player (stringed instruments), however the linear pitch layout of the piano and white natural notes with black accented notes makes it a very clear tool for explanation that every musician can benefit from. It would be impossible to include examples for all instruments and only one chapter is piano specific when piano pedal marks were discussed. In summary great a value and engaging book with a well thought out and supportive course which will help me with composition, appreciation and performance. This will definitely improve my enjoyment of listening to and playing music and isnât that what itâs all about?