books

Mark Levine - The Jazz Theory Book

http://www.shermusic.com/tjtb.htm

 

Surprise surprise this is the first suggestion

 

Any others? I'm looking for one too.

 

Others?! You mean to tell me there are other books out there beside Levine's??




Seriously, Levine's book is one of my favorites. How far along are you? Did your instructor give any hints as to what type of book to get?

 

Are you folks looking for general theory books or jazz theory books?

 

I have another recommendation for a basic harmony book.

Frank Haunschild - The New Harmony Book

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...104-1258544-9807934?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

This is actually volume 1 of 2. Volume 1 picks you up at point zero, and teaches you how to read standard notation, intervals, chords, circle of 5ths, modes etc., melodiv and harmonic minor systems, up to stuff like harmonic major.

Volume 2 covers chord changes and related theory.

 

I find it worriesome that your instructor has'nt suggested the proper book for you at this time related to where you are at in your development.That's his responsibility.What does he instruct you in?

 

I go way back with theory.....

My first theory books were written by Elie Siegmeister. As theory books go, they weren't too bad, and they were an improvement over some other books like Piston's and Hindemith's tomes. But they left a lot to be desired.

I have also looked at different approaches to theory like Schenker Analysis.

But I am here to tell you that the BEST books out there - IMHO - were written by Peter Spencer:

The Practice of Harmony (4th ed., Prentice Hall, 2000), and The Study of Form in Music (with Peter Temko, Prentice Hall, 1988).

 

Yes, if they're advanced Jazz theory books (like Levine's book).

As to what's better - it depends what kind of music you want to play...

 

Ahh I see... methinks you won't be needing any advanced theory books then?

 

Punk & Ska...

You do know all three chords, right?