Edly's
Music Theory for Practical People:
Comments
from: Students
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Teachers
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| Dealers
| On-line
Forums, etc.
Edly's
books have been glowingly recommended by players of instruments
as diverse as piano, guitar, bass, ukelele, mandolin, hammer
and Appalachian dulcimers, trumpet, clarinet, blues harp (harmonica),
tuba, and keyboard (and more), and styles as diverse as classical,
jazz, rock, blues, folk, world, and electronica (and more).
Comments
from Students
I'll be perfectly honest and admit that
I was skeptical, to say the least. To put it mildly, this was
not the first time I'd seen a book that promised to teach me
theory in understandable terms.
Well, your book arrived last week and
I spent several hours with it this weekend. I'll be perfectly
frank here and say.........I FINALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT ALL THE
OTHER BOOKS/TEACHERS/VIDEOS/ARTICLES/WEBSITES WERE TRYING SAY
ABOUT THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS! It feels like I'm the first person
to understand the complete prophecies of Nostradamus! I've only
made it to chapter four, and your book has taught me more than
all I've learned in the last fifteen years!
Just in case I'm not being clear about
all this, I just want to say.......THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK
YOU! I've spent many years trying to get even just a little bit
of understanding of musical theory and your book, in the first
few chapters, has been more understandable and taught me more than
anything I've ever read before. Here's to make good music, brewing
your own beer (yeehaw!) and good people like you who help out
boneheads like me!
~Jeff A.
I am going
to be a High School sophomore. Your book is just what I was looking
for. It makes it easier and goes a lot deeper than our theory
class did. Your book is wonderful and should be shipped to high
schools around the country. Thank you for writing it.
~Anthony H.
I'm a mostly
self taught 75 year older who was looking for something understandable
on chords etc., and about a year ago I found your book. Wow!
I just wish I had had it several decades ago. I showed my teacher
the book, and last week he bought a copy for himself. Thanks
to you I think I am on the way to becoming a self confident pianist.
~Sincerely, Frank D.
The book
is great! It has provided a much-needed refresher to get me up
to par for Analytical Techniques class. I must say, your book
is much more fun than Schenker!!
~Jessica L.
I've started
other music theory books and died consistently at about the third
chapter. Thank you for your readable tome!
~Peter O.
I was filling
out college applications [and found] I had to take a music theory
test. I went right to the bookcase and pulled out a copy of Edly's
Music Theory for Practical People. It saved me.
~Erin S.
In my opinion,
your theory book is groundbreaking. I tell everyone about it...
it's like a bible to me!
~Elizabeth S.
I was trying
to wade through a course in jazz theory at the Conservatory,
and it was about eight times harder than law school. When I found
your book, at least some of it began to make sense, and I kept
a few strands of hair.
~Pamela C.
I'm a 40-year-old
writer, trained in classical guitar as a kid, these days writing
songs for theater. Your books are not only accelerating my grasp
of the keyboard, they're also loosening me up, helping me feel
potential sounds and patterns through my fingers and in my ears.
What great books! I'm telling everybody about them. Also, I teach
writing at the college level. You're a terrific writer. That's
rare and much appreciated too. Really good instruction books,
in any art, are such a find. And yours are tops!--useful and
clear and stimulating and engaging. Congratulations!
~Michelle C.
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Your book
was an incredible aid for me in preparing for my masters program
in liturgical music. I would praise most your accessible language
coupled with a logical, funny and practical approach.
~Carolyn P.
Finally,
I believe I'll be able to understand theory.
~Susan S., dulcimer player
Imagine
my surprise when my guitar teacher showed me your book and it
was all done in my font! A lot of people use my typeface, but
your book rocks my world! Not only is it a dream to see it used
so thoughtfully, but the content unlocks a world of music theory
I thought I would never understand without dropping big bucks
at Berklee. It's an honor to have my handwriting grace your pages!
~All the best! Marydale A.
I absolutely
LOVED "Edly's Music Theory for Practical People"!!
I played trumpet as a child, but my theory was limited. I couldn't
believe how straight forward your explanations were. Being an
engineer, building things from the bottom up was perfect! Just
a note of thanks from a guy who learned a lot from your book.
~Bob V.
Love your
book and recommend it to everyone I see. It's the best, most
readable and easiest to understand book on the topic I've ever
seen.
~Dan S.
I recently
bought your music theory book and love it. After 29 years of
playing guitar I am finally able to tie it all together. THANKYOU!!
~Terry D.
You can't
believe how much your book is encouraging me and helping me.
I never even considered learning any music theory because people
always told me theory was very difficult to learn. HA! Not with
your method! In short, you've managed to pull a bit of heaven
closer to earth in this book! And I want to say THANK YOU, THANK
YOU for publishing it.
~With best regards, Brenda C.
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A music
theory book that's hard to put down (Imagine that!)
This is by far the most entertaining book on music theory I have
ever read. It is one of the most understandable and easy to read,
too. I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone new to theory
read the book cover to cover. Experienced musicians will find
it useful as a reference.
~Amazon.com review
Your book
has been a life saver. My instructor is now buying the book for
many of his students after seeing what a great book it is.
~Ken T.
One of
my bass player friends uses your theory book as a basis for an
informal music theory learning group. They get together once
a week and try to play new stuff applying what they learn from
your book!
~Bonnie J.
Edly makes
music theory charming, funny, and interesting with a combination
of explanation, practical example, and humor. Believe it or not,
this book is hard to put down once you get going.
I'm currently
working my way thorough your music theory book and I love it.
It's the first book to really bring the subject alive in a way
that allowed me to stick with it.
~Stephen M.
Your organization,
allusion logic ("twelve eggs" vs. "one dozen"),
and overall implementation look to be the Rx for some of my music
theory novice friends, and several chapters will make for handy
review before I jump back into some other books. [Later] I've
given away all my copies of the theory book and will be picking
up some more. Your work has proven a very gratifying and engaging
review of essential theory foundation and I'll look forward to
the nourishment of your forthcoming keyboard stuff. Thanks, man,
for the solid work.
~Hal H.
I feel
like 'Bones' from the old Star Trek episode where he has to put
Spock's brain back together. Some how or other he finds this
big round metal hat with lights all over it and rods shooting
out here and there. Well, this hat contains all the knowledge
in the universe. Yes. And you know what Bones says as he's got
his fingers in the middle of Spock's noggin, still wearing the
funny cap?
"Of
course....It's so simple," he says.
~-Kevin G.
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I remember
a two inch thick theory text from college--it was absolutely
onerous reading. Edly's is fun, light reading, but all the information
is still there. I recommend it to all my musical friends when
the T-word comes up. Thanks! You've made me a better musician.
~Gene S.
I will
be attending Berklee this fall for singing. I absolutely love
your book. I love the way it is written--so easy to understand--and
I must say even though I'm only up to Chapter 17, I hear music
in a totally different way. Thanks to you I will be a bit more
ready for Berklee.
~Amy
I read
chunks of your book on a flight last week. You make everything
so clear! I found myself hoping the return flight would be delayed,
so I could spend more uninterrupted time in the airport reading
it. Now even I can use terms like "diminished seventh"
in casual conversation.
I used
to fear that musical knowledge, or the aptitude to acquire it,
was something you had to be born with. Now I know I can learn
this stuff, and have fun in the process. Thanks for demystifying
the whole subject.
~Shelley C
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I was enjoying
your theory book so much that I decided to get myself a keyboard
so I could learn it better. Now that I have a keyboard, I want
a copy of Edly Paints the Ivories Blue.
Such a
refreshing chaser to the traditional theory courses I've had.
I'm really excited. You've helped me make connections I never
understood before.
~Julia B.
I was shopping
for a music theory book for my girlfriend. Your book looked so
cool that I bought it for myself instead. It finally shed some
light on the dark and mysterious world of music theory.
Your theory
book is tremendous! I'm 1/3rd through it and looking forward
to the rest. Nice to see the mandolin fretboard early in your
book!
After searching
for a good theory book for my piano students for quite some time,
I discovered yours. It is fabulous!
~Lori H.
I am a
self-taught tenor banjoist, and need all of the help that I can
get. I just purchased your music theory book and think that it
is great.
~Don C.
I love
your theory book. I've tried several others and couldn't get
through them but really enjoy the combination of your rigor,
humanity, and silliness. Thanks for creating it for us!
~A grateful adult piano student, Joan H.
Very approachable
and laid out in a way that made sense both sequentially and as
a skipping-around reference.
~Colin M.
I never
really delved into theory. I knew I was missing out, but I was
intimidated by the "serious" music theory books I occasionally
thumbed through. Your book changed all that. I picked it up and
immediately read it cover to cover. I'm now going back over it
and doing the exercises. I am actually beginning to understand
music theory! It's great! Knowing a bit of theory has helped
my playing, and I'm anxious to continue studying.
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I have
recommended this book to everyone I know. It has been my guide
to linking everything I have done over the past 17 years in music.
I just wish I would have read this a long time ago. I never thought
I would need music theory, and after reading it, I don't know
how I could live without it.
~Lowlifi
Comments
from Teachers
An excellent
way for any music lover to learn the basics. It is comprehensive
and user friendly; a must for both musician and listener.
~Dr. Kenneth Lampl, Professor of Music Theory, the Juilliard
School
Folksy
and clever, Edly's succeeds in making us feel comfortable with
a generally uncomfortable subject; it's funny, quizzical, witty,
and right.
~Jack Perricone, Songwriting Chair, Berklee College of Music
It was
exciting to see your fun and educationally sound way of presenting
the material. You are a very gifted and natural teacher. Congratulations!
~With much admiration, Bruce Pearson
A thorough
and entertaining guide to jazz theory.
~Scott Reeves, Director of Jazz Studies, University of Southern
Maine
Great book!!
I teach piano. All my students HATE theory. And I have always
loved it. Your book is so funny, it makes theory fun!! And so
right!!
~Fran Blasing
What a
cool theory book... it rocks! Now I don't dread lesson planning
for my music theory class.
~Lisa Palumbo, theory/appreciation instructor
I've taught
theory for close to thirty years and I find your book refreshing
and organized in a user friendly manner that takes a lot of the
intimidation out of studying music theory.
~Blair F. Bettencourt, Music Coordinator, Westford Public Schools
I am a
hammer dulcimer player and fiddler who plays largely traditional
music. I do A LOT of teaching around the country at music festivals,
workshops and "music camps." While teaching a class,
I said "there must be something out there in semi-English
that explains this stuff." And your book does! So I wanted
to thank you for writing such a good book!
~Ken Kolodner
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I want
to tell you how much I enjoy using your theory book with my high
school level students. The presentation is fresh. My kids got
a real kick out of, as they called them, "the little naked
guys."
~Raymond J. Suriani, High School Instrumental Music Teacher
Thank you
for being part of the conversion or at least expansion of yet
one more traditionally trained pianist and teacher. I specialize
in beginning students of all ages and returning adults, and my
goal is that all my adult students purchase your theory book.
~Alice P.
I read
all of it and I think it's wonderful! I'll be using this in my
theory classes. Also, I've showed and recommended the book to
other music instructors in the area and they too are interested
in using it with their students!!!
~Ed Levy
I am a
college music theory professor. I found your book a few weeks
ago and fell in love! Most of my students are adults coming back
to school after years out in the world, and I find that most
textbooks are hard for them to relate to. Yours is really perfectly
pitched for them, and most musicians who ask about theory books. They
know too much to deal with the Dick and Jane theory books, and
the last thing I want to do is alienate them by pointing them
to Aldwell and Schachter, or Piston. Your book fits perfectly.
You assume (correctly) that your readers want to continue to
make music; they just want to understand what it is they've been
doing, and do it better. Your writing style is inviting and fun
and instructive without being stuffy and overly technical. If
I had had your book when I was in high school, it would have
made my musical life a lot easier. So I tell everyone who
asks me about texts to get your book as soon as possible. Thank
you again for this gift to musicians and teachers everywhere.
~Jennifer Goltz
I am incredibly
impressed by your layout, graphics, great sense of humor, and
content. Everybody should have a copy of this book.
~Mark Hamilton
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I teach
guitar to approx 60 students in Anchorage Alaska, and let me
just say you are the man. I put you up there with the top 10
people I would love to meet... next to Dave Matthews... sorry....
Anyway your book, being an awesome work of genious, is the only
one out of countless others that is falling apart... and that's
a great thing. I often refer to it as the theory Bible. I highly
recomend your book as "the only theory book you'll need."
Thanx from the trenches.
~Aaron H.
I've used
your book with my piano students from levels 1-12. They don't
complain about the price because of the various levels that it
takes them through. My business partner and I even drill each
other from it when we have a break!
~Shellisa Prins
I have
found your book to be a very valuable resource in my private
studio. I have a student who is brilliant, but extremely hard
to please when it comes to theory. I presented it to him last
week and he immediately began poring through it, laughing at
the asides and great illustrations. He is literally "gorging"
on this book, highlighting his favorites parts at home and then
bringing them to lessons to share. You have helped immensely
in reaching this student with your outstanding book. I'm sure
I will use it many times over!
~Susan O.
I am a
band director in Kentucky. I really loved reading your book.
I plan on using it with members of my jazz band.
I have
been using your book to teach my high school jazz bands. Excellent
book!
~Bob H.
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Comments
from the Press and other Luminaries
A light-hearted
yet no-nonsense approach to a subject that often plagues the
music hobbyist and professional alike. The book proves that music
theory doesn't have to be a hair-pulling, nail-biting experience;
it can actually be fun!
~Sheet Music Magazine
So unusual
and fun, even an ex-grad student can get excited.... could make
all the difference to the student whose eyes glaze over at the
mention of theory.
~Ernie Rideout, Keyboard Magazine
Edly made
a book about theory that isn't cold and boring. Hooray! Now I
don't have to look for a book to teach my kids!
~Michael Hedges, Windham Hill Recording Artist
A most
useful and entertaining book; covers the basics in a language
so clear and simple that even guitar players will understand!
~Alex de Grassi, Windham Hill Recording artist, guitarist
A whimsical
look at theory somewhere between Dr. Suess and PC for Dummies.
~Adam Remson, Music & Sound Retailer Magazine
What 'Dummies'
would have been had the editors been a little hipper.
~the Walrus, Egg Magazine
If I had
something like Edly's when I was growing up it would certainly
have become a bible."
~-Paul Woodfin, Egg Magazine
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Edly's
teaches the building blocks of musical literacy in plain language,
a step at a time. Veterans of college music theory courses will
find Roseman's approach disarmingly frank, refreshingly irreverent.
Underlying the banter is plenty of solid information and down-to-earth
advice. Helpful rules of thumb abound. A highly useful contribution
to the literature.
~Nick Humez, Portland Sunday Telegram
This book
proves that music theory needn't be dry. The informative tome
is fun, peppered with witty asides and lightened by playful drawings.
~Dana Pearson, York County Coast Star
The breezy,
humorous approach and whimsical cartoons add to the book's appeal.
~the Instrumentalist magazine
Theory's
simple... like Lego, only noisier. Edly's is simple and clear,
yet goes deep into many of theory's quirky complexities. The
best book on popular theory I've seen.
~Gunnar Madsen, cofounder/songwriter: The Bobs
Your book
is the bomb. You've written a really fun and effective source
for teaching music to any type of folk. It's unusual to find
a book so insightful, well-organized, deep, and user-friendly
all in one package, dude! The way you deal with fundamentals
is penetrating -- almost like a meditation. The enthusiasm is
infectious. I laughed when you told me to put it in the loo,
but I can see why you suggested it -- it's fun to read!
~Josh Roseman, trombonist, recording artist and Edly's cousin,
New York, NY
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Comments from Dealers
I can't
believe how fast your book is flying out of here! Nine copies
in a month and a half; as good as any theory book moves in this
store!
~Walter Peters, Theodore Presser Music, Bryn Mawr, PA
We could
sell this book all day!
~Christine, Berklee College of Music Book Store, Boston, MA
The best
music theory book this planet has ever seen. Thorough, interesting,
and best of all, fun! New music student or professional that
needs to connect the dots, this book is for you. Brilliantly
produced and illustrated.
~Kevin Crossett, Play It Again Sam's, Montpelier, VT
Deserves
to be in every store... a hell of a book.
~Al Corey, Al Corey Music, Waterville, ME
It arrived
Saturday; I barely had a chance to look at it before it sold
yesterday. It's a very exciting book. I think we'll be doing
a lot of business.
~Justin Root, Virtuoso Classical Music Service, Bellevue, WA
Your book
is GREAT! I have a B.A. in Music Ed., and I am impressed with
your thoughtfully laid out, knowledgeable approach to theory.
~Ed Intagliata, Cassell's Music, San Fernando, CA
We have
one of your wonderful theory books and we want more.
~Michael Knapp, Byron Hoyt Music, San Francisco, CA
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On-line Forums, User Groups, etc., whose members recommend Edly's
Names and
some URLs of forums, etc., whose members have enthusiastically
recommended Edly's books. Finding the actual specific reference
may take some digging, and/or searching for key words.
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Compositions