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 : 15.8 ounces
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.39 x 11 inches
Customers say
Customers find this book helpful for learning musical notation. They appreciate the clear, concise writing style and easy-to-understand lessons. The downloadable content enhances learning and reinforces exercises at the end of chapters. Many consider it a worthwhile purchase, with access to sample music and an online companion course included.
Customer Reviews
9 reviews for How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners – with exercises & online audio (Practical Musical Theory)
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Michael Gannon –
A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC!
One regret I’ve had was never learning music, but it’s never too late! This book is exactly what I needed to become aware and start understanding what lies within the lines of those staves! Well written and easy to follow, there are also many web-based audio examples which support the text making the lessons easier to comprehend! I might take a slight bit more than 30 days to read music but that’s my choice! I have also ordered his Music Theory book to further my studies in music! 5 STARS!!!
Robert –
Awesome tool to teach/learn music
Bought for my dad. Was a great book. Ironically I read it but he never ended up doing so. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn!
dcamnc –
Better than the cover makes it look.
This looks like one of those ubiquitous generic self published amazon books you see all over the site, but it’s very very good actually; it’s laid out exceptionally well. I wish the author had spent more time on the cover so it didn’t resemble those generally bad generic books. One of the better music books I’ve gone through lately.
CM –
Great intro to music theory
I bought this book because I’m currently studying voice (with a teacher) and piano (myself, primarily from Alfred books) and decided I needed a much better music theory foundation for both. I’m happy to say that after completing the book I feel that I have that.Separated into three basic sections — rhythm, pitch, and expression — it takes you from the most basic “this is what a quarter note looks like” to increasingly more advanced (but still appropriate for beginners) lessons in understanding how to read, write, and hear the different aspects of music.The structure and division of these concepts is well-paced and laid out. In each lesson, there are audio examples (which you’re given a download link for when you get the book) which really help you understand the application of the concepts being discussed. Most of these are excerpts from well-known classical pieces. At the end of each lesson, there are written exercises (an answer key is provided in the download for these and the book’s final test).On many days, there are additionally “listening challenges” where you’re given a set of excerpts (some included in the download, others you can look up on YouTube or elsewhere) and are asked to determine things related to the lesson, like whether each one is a march or a waltz. Later you’re also encouraged to follow along with the piece’s sheet music as you listen for certain things.I found the exercises, audio, and listening challenges extremely helpful as I learn best with a combination of types of input — not just reading but writing, seeing, and hearing the music in action really helped cement the ideas for me.Throughout the book, the author gives his email address and says to contact him at any time. I took him up on that and he was extremely responsive, even updating the book itself based on my question. If you’re looking for a good way to learn or brush up on music notation and basic theory, this is a great intro.
Dancing Quill –
The most impactful self help book I’ve ever used
It’s a very thorough step by step book to assist with music reading and rhythm. I haven’t gotten far into it despite having had it for a year. Not sure if I’ll ever get the time to do it, but it’s definitely designed for the beginner and is so easily understandable. I would recommend this book for someone who has the time/motivation to dedicate to learning it.UPDATE: If I could give this book TEN stars, I would. I am going back through this book (faster) four years later, and I finally used the online tools that came with it. Usually I don’t use the online tools that come with a book because they’re piecemeal and wonky. This book, however, has an entire course online that goes with this book!! It’s laid out in an organized way, just like you were taking an online credit course. It’s beautifully easy to use and really solidifies everything the book is explaining. I can’t recommend this book enough! Of all self teaching books I’ve read and used over the years, this one absolutely rivals the most impactful. TEN STARS!!
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.
Kiriiakidi Olena –
Lots of cool exercises for beginners. Very useful book! I recommend it!
Book Worm –
Returning to the piano after years of not playing. This book is concise, easy to understand, gives the British and American note names, and despite having a couple of piano grades I am learning new things that were never explained to me during music lessons. There are exercises to check your understanding after each unit, audio clips to listen to, I cannot fault this book. I will definitely be buying his second book.
Raül Cassinerio –
FANTASTICO LIBRO PARA PRINCIPIANTES.
Schweinebärmann –
Helped me a lot to learn to read notes. It’s 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.