Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Music
Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music Details
For nearly two decades Tonal Harmony has been the leading text for the two-year theory curriculum for music majors. Used at nearly 800 schools,Tonal Harmony has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for student and instructor alike. The straightforward approach is supported by well-chosen examples and thoughtful exercises, and the total presentation is compatible with differing teaching styles and theoretical points of view. In addition, a set outstanding ancillaries, which include a collection of audio examples on CD (for both the text and workbook) and an extensive Instructor's Manual, round out the comprehensive teaching package.
Reviews
I've been a proffesional musician for 35 years and discovered Kosta's "Tonal Harmony" during a 13 year period in which I taught music theory in Westborough, Massachusetts. As with all textbooks, this is a supplement to teaching and should NEVER replace the teacher and student dynamic. That said, this is the best music theory text in existence. It uses simple, clear language to explain the concepts of notating organized sound and it does so brilliantly. The fundamental core of tonal understanding can be best understood through the redundancy of four part writing and Kosta makes it very clear on the do's and don'ts. One critic felt that two part writing would be easier, but to come down to guide tone lines (the chromatic 3rds and 7ths) requires a complete knowledge of four part writing, which couldn't be better explained than here. I chose my own listening examples and never used the accompanying recordings. Knowing what to use in a text book is part of being a good teacher. Using this book, every student I had who took the AP Theory exam got a 5. At least 50% of my many students took the exam and I never taught to the test. At the halfway point Kosta introduces the dominant 7 chord which by itself can (and should) take a full semester as the pivotal understanding of Western Harmony is about secondary dominants. Studying atonalism and row tones are here too, and beautifully explained for the advanced student but the first five chapters will create very competent composers. The book opens with rhythm which can be daunting. Touching upon it and returning often will keep momentum. The best way to teach rhythm is with a pair of drumsticks and hemiola best displayed with the work of Stephen Sondheim. Composing and music theory is craft-not art and "Tonal Harmony" is the finest, comprehensive book on music theory in print.it's wonderful in class; just as great for self study. The accompaning workbook is handy but hardly necessary.