Mastering Music Fundamentals: A Guided Interactive Approach by Michael  Kinney
355 pages, $59.95 list
1-4786-3970-9
978-1-4786-3970-1
eBook availability
Mastering Music Fundamentals
A Guided Interactive Approach
Second Edition
Mastering Music Fundamentals is a prescriptive, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of music theory that presents the subject in a user-friendly format so that students immediately are comfortable with the material. The organization and presentation of chapter topics revolve around essential principles explained and reinforced with numerous problems for students to solve. The book does not simply present basic theory; rather, it guides students using a visual step-by-step process that anticipates and answers their questions.

Highlights of the Second Edition include an improved and streamlined approach to pedagogy, homework assignments, worksheets with answers at the end of each chapter, and an innovative hybrid methodology that addresses both traditional and programmatic learning styles.
Reactions
"I just went through it from cover to cover, and it's superb. Magnificent. The pedagogy is the best I've encountered in more than 20 years in the field. The pacing, repetition, and reinforcement of the material are equally excellent. The price makes it literally a bargain in the textbook arena." -- Jerry Custer, Wayne State University

Mastering Music Fundamentals is a clear and concise introduction to the elements of music. Dr. Kinney’s logical sequence and sound pedagogical approach makes this book immensely valuable to students, especially those learning independently.” — Larry Bitensky, Centre College

“Dr. Kinney’s pedagogical approach to music fundamentals is clear, logical, and easy to follow. This text would work equally well in a classroom setting or as a self-paced program for an individual student.” — Ralph Lorenz, Syracuse University

“This updated edition improves an already excellent textbook! The newly added pedagogical approaches to presenting music fundamentals in a self-learning format are what continue to distinguish this book from others.” — Tim Rolls, Fort Hays State University

“This book has been a valuable resource for me and my students over the years. I appreciate the ease of navigability and thorough, well-organized format. The intuitive flow, ample practice drills, and self-correction exercises for each section make it especially conducive for online learning or limited face-to-face instruction.” — Laurence Elder, SUNY Binghamton University
Table of Contents
1. The Tools of Music
2. Rhythm and Meter
3. Scales
4. Key Signatures
5. Modes
6. Intervals
7. Triads
8. Harmonic Functions of Triads

Glossary