Based on tested methods used by the author in many years of teaching, Music First! takes a step-by-step approach to the fundamentals of music theory and basic composition, engaging students by a combination of explanation and interaction. Students learn cumulatively as they progress through the book. This popular "learn-by-doing" approach reinforces theoretical principles through practice and will enliven any Fundamentals course.

New to this edition

• Enriched Online Learning Center (OLC) with additional interactive activities to reinforce key concepts
• New in-text icons in the margins tightly integrate the website activities with the text, cuing students to the website for immediate practice of text concepts.
• In-text definitions have been clarified and expanded throughout
• Chapter structure has been refined throughout, helping students to focus on the key information. “Quick Checks” after major sections within the chapters allow students to check their grasp of new material that’s just been presented. At the end of each chapter, three sections have been made more distinctive: Key Terms, Listening, and Using What You Have Learned. Finally, assignments have been moved from the back of the book to fall at the end of the appropriate chapter.
• Chapters 1 and 2 have been re-ordered to keep together materials on rhythm and meter
• The five Interludes between groups of chapters are updated with new quotes and critical thinking questions for discussion.

Features

• A CD with the songs from the book accompanies each new text. The CD contains contains nine accompaniments, called Examples 1-9, to be used with the ear-training exercises in the text, plus accompaniments to all the songs in the Songbook.
• An easy-to-use format incorporating a workbook and a songbook, recordings, and technological support tools make Music First! a popular choice for the Fundamentals course.