Living Your Life Like There Is No Tomorrow

A Musician's Primer is a college-level first semester course in the rudiments of, as well as being a lead-in to continued study in Common-Practice Theory. It is intended for use in classes, in conservatory private lessons, and for those merely wishing to create their own kind of music. Most available books either 1.) fail to challenge students because they give insufficient information and present Rudiments as if they were an end in themselves, or 2.) provide insufficient time and space to the basics of Theory. This book attempts to solve both problems. It works well with both extreme types of students, those who have had high school level theory, and those who, while being able to read and play an instrument, know little about Theory. And ironically, it also serves well for students who will only have one Theory course in their lives. Simultaneous ear training instruction and class piano, while helpful, are not necessary for certain types of advanced students. Spelling scales in various keys is introduced gradually from lesson to lesson, so as to simultaneously and gradually introduce meters and labeled rhythms, intervals, famous literature in featured keys, supplementary information and easy melodic assignments. Seemingly extraneous information turns out to be necessary for continued use in more advanced study and in music careers. Ideally, the book should be used under the guidance of an experienced teacher, and that teacher is encouraged to continue the kinds of tests and quizzes they have always administered.