{"ab":false,"abStatus":null,"abTestId":null,"abVariation":false,"abVariationAutomated":false,"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-music-theory-books","afterPostBody":null,"aifeatures":null,"allowedSlugConflict":false,"analytics":null,"analyticsPageId":"35320839925","analyticsPageType":"blog-post","approvalStatus":null,"archived":false,"archivedAt":0,"archivedInDashboard":false,"areCommentsAllowed":true,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","author":null,"authorName":null,"authorUsername":null,"blogAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"Grant Patten - VP, Marketing","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1557244191140,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Grant Patten","email":"grant@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Grant Patten","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/9751f803d54c2340cccdf5025adc9aa4","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":9474946913,"label":"Grant Patten","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Grant Patten","portalId":61352,"slug":"grant-patten","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1557244191140,"userId":null,"username":null,"website":""},"blogAuthorId":9474946913,"blogPostAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"Grant Patten - VP, Marketing","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1557244191140,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Grant Patten","email":"grant@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Grant Patten","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/9751f803d54c2340cccdf5025adc9aa4","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":9474946913,"label":"Grant Patten","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Grant Patten","portalId":61352,"slug":"grant-patten","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1557244191140,"userId":null,"username":null,"website":""},"blogPostScheduleTaskUid":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailCampaignId":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailRetryCount":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailTaskUid":"DONE_NOT_SENT","blogPublishToSocialMediaTask":"DONE_NOT_SENT","blueprintTypeId":0,"businessUnitId":0,"campaign":"816ef4f9-d3e3-4b22-a990-d1664954a69f","campaignName":"musicians","campaignUtm":"musicians","category":3,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"checkPostLevelAudienceAccessFirst":true,"clonedFrom":null,"composeBody":null,"compositionId":0,"contentAccessRuleIds":[],"contentAccessRuleTypes":[],"contentGroup":952267656,"contentGroupId":952267656,"contentTypeCategory":3,"contentTypeCategoryId":3,"contentTypeId":null,"created":1600957630063,"createdById":7915797,"createdTime":1600957630063,"crmObjectId":null,"css":{},"cssText":"","ctaClicks":null,"ctaViews":null,"currentState":"PUBLISHED","currentlyPublished":true,"deletedAt":0,"deletedBy":null,"deletedByEmail":null,"deletedById":null,"domain":"","dynamicPageDataSourceId":null,"dynamicPageDataSourceType":null,"dynamicPageHubDbTableId":null,"enableDomainStylesheets":null,"enableGoogleAmpOutputOverride":false,"enableLayoutStylesheets":null,"errors":[],"featuredImage":"","featuredImageAltText":"","featuredImageHeight":0,"featuredImageLength":0,"featuredImageWidth":0,"flexAreas":{},"folderId":null,"footerHtml":null,"freezeDate":1601303372000,"generateJsonLdEnabledOverride":true,"hasContentAccessRules":false,"hasUserChanges":true,"headHtml":null,"header":null,"htmlTitle":"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books","id":35320839925,"includeDefaultCustomCss":null,"isCaptchaRequired":true,"isCrawlableByBots":false,"isDraft":false,"isInstanceLayoutPage":false,"isInstantEmailEnabled":true,"isPublished":true,"isSocialPublishingEnabled":false,"keywords":[],"label":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books</span>","language":"en","lastEditSessionId":null,"lastEditUpdateId":null,"layoutSections":{},"legacyBlogTabid":null,"legacyId":null,"legacyPostGuid":null,"linkRelCanonicalUrl":null,"listTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-listing.html","liveDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","mab":false,"mabExperimentId":null,"mabMaster":false,"mabVariant":false,"meta":{"attached_stylesheets":[],"post_summary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","has_user_changes":true,"last_edit_session_id":null,"last_edit_update_id":null,"html_title":"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books","tag_ids":[949436814,30486043401],"topic_ids":[949436814,30486043401],"layout_sections":{},"campaign_name":"musicians","campaign_utm":"musicians","enable_google_amp_output_override":false,"featured_image":"","featured_image_alt_text":"","head_html":null,"link_rel_canonical_url":null,"meta_description":"Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 music theory books. We’ll discuss in no particular order: Musicophilia, How Music Works, The Study of Counterpoint & more.","post_body":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","publish_immediately":true,"use_featured_image":false,"published_by_id":7915797,"published_at":1658974434576,"rss_body":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","rss_summary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","blog_publish_to_social_media_task":"DONE_NOT_SENT","scheduled_update_date":0,"blog_publish_instant_email_task_uid":"DONE_NOT_SENT","featured_image_height":0,"featured_image_width":0,"blog_post_schedule_task_uid":null,"header":null},"metaDescription":"Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 music theory books. We’ll discuss in no particular order: Musicophilia, How Music Works, The Study of Counterpoint & more.","metaKeywords":null,"name":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books</span>","nextPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/protect%20your%20camera%20in%20snow/protect-camera-in-snow-shutterstock_551251480-forweb600.jpg","nextPostFeaturedImageAltText":"How to protect your camera in snow | protect your camera in cold weather","nextPostName":"How to protect your camera in snow | protect your camera in cold weather","nextPostSlug":"articles/how-to-protect-your-camera-in-snow","pageExpiryDate":null,"pageExpiryEnabled":null,"pageExpiryRedirectId":null,"pageExpiryRedirectUrl":null,"pageRedirected":false,"pageTitle":"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books","parentBlog":{"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","allowComments":true,"ampBodyColor":"#404040","ampBodyFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampBodyFontSize":"18","ampCustomCss":"","ampHeaderBackgroundColor":"#ffffff","ampHeaderColor":"#1e1e1e","ampHeaderFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampHeaderFontSize":"36","ampLinkColor":"#416bb3","ampLogoAlt":"Front Row Insurance logo","ampLogoHeight":63,"ampLogoSrc":"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/front-row-logo.png","ampLogoWidth":175,"analyticsPageId":137640,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","businessUnitId":null,"captchaAfterDays":7,"captchaAlways":false,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"closeCommentsOlder":0,"commentDateFormat":"medium","commentFormGuid":"7a447743-bbf2-4b55-a759-b405bf392a7d","commentMaxThreadDepth":3,"commentModeration":true,"commentNotificationEmails":["mike@frontrowinsurance.com","grant@frontrowinsurance.com"],"commentShouldCreateContact":true,"commentVerificationText":"","cosObjectType":"BLOG","created":1401900293000,"createdDateTime":1401900293000,"dailyNotificationEmailId":"952268096","dateFormattingLanguage":"en_US","defaultGroupStyleId":"","defaultNotificationFromName":"","defaultNotificationReplyTo":"","deletedAt":0,"description":"The Front Row Insurance Blog where you can learn and converse about all things entertainment insurance related.","domain":"","domainWhenPublished":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","emailApiSubscriptionId":283237,"enableGoogleAmpOutput":true,"enableSocialAutoPublishing":false,"generateJsonLdEnabled":false,"header":null,"htmlFooter":"<!-- DELTA-->","htmlFooterIsShared":false,"htmlHead":"<!-- Blog Schema by Front Row Insurance // https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/ -->\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n {\n \"@context\": \"http://schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n \"mainEntityOfPage\":{\n \"@type\":\"WebPage\",\n \"@id\":\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-music-theory-books\"\n },\n \"headline\": \"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books\",\n \"image\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"\"\n },\n \"datePublished\": \"2020-09-28 14:29:32\",\n \"dateModified\": \"\",\n \"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"') }}\"\n },\n \"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FRONT ROW INSURANCE BROKERS\",\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/images/Logos/FR_logo_%5BConverted,-Inverted%5D.png\"\n }\n },\n \"description\": \"Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 music theory books. We’ll discuss in no particular order: Musicophilia, How Music Works, The Study of Counterpoint & more.\"\n }\n </script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","htmlHeadIsShared":true,"htmlKeywords":["Front Row Insurance Blog"," entertainment blog"," film blog"," film insurance"," event insurance"," film festival blog"," production blog"," musicians blog"," "],"htmlTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","id":952267656,"instantNotificationEmailId":"952268061","itemLayoutId":null,"itemTemplateIsShared":false,"itemTemplatePath":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","label":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","language":"en","legacyGuid":"469ce2ec-4dd9-442d-984a-3bab2557a02f","legacyModuleId":"164112","legacyTabId":137640,"listingLayoutId":null,"listingPageId":70026589976,"listingTemplatePath":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-listing.html","liveDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","monthFilterFormat":"MMMM yyyy","monthlyNotificationEmailId":"952267981","name":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","parentBlogUpdateTaskId":null,"portalId":61352,"postHtmlFooter":"<!-- OMEGA-->","postHtmlHead":"<!-- Blog Schema by Front Row Insurance // https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/ -->\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n {\n \"@context\": \"http://schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n \"mainEntityOfPage\":{\n \"@type\":\"WebPage\",\n \"@id\":\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-music-theory-books\"\n },\n \"headline\": \"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books\",\n \"image\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"\"\n },\n \"datePublished\": \"2020-09-28 14:29:32\",\n \"dateModified\": \"\",\n \"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"') }}\"\n },\n \"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FRONT ROW INSURANCE BROKERS\",\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/images/Logos/FR_logo_%5BConverted,-Inverted%5D.png\"\n }\n },\n \"description\": \"Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 music theory books. We’ll discuss in no particular order: Musicophilia, How Music Works, The Study of Counterpoint & more.\"\n }\n </script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","postsPerListingPage":10,"postsPerRssFeed":10,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publicTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publishDateFormat":"medium","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","rootUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","rssCustomFeed":"","rssDescription":"RSS feeds for ","rssItemFooter":"<IMG style=\"WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 78px\" title=\"\" border=0 alt=\"\" align=center src=\"http://focusinsurance.web6.hubspot.com/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\" width=138 height=78 mce_src=\"/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\">","rssItemHeader":"","settingsOverrides":{"itemLayoutId":false,"itemTemplatePath":false,"itemTemplateIsShared":false,"listingLayoutId":false,"listingTemplatePath":false,"postsPerListingPage":false,"showSummaryInListing":false,"useFeaturedImageInSummary":false,"htmlHead":false,"postHtmlHead":false,"htmlHeadIsShared":false,"htmlFooter":false,"listingPageHtmlFooter":false,"postHtmlFooter":false,"htmlFooterIsShared":false,"attachedStylesheets":false,"postsPerRssFeed":false,"showSummaryInRss":false,"showSummaryInEmails":false,"showSummariesInEmails":false,"allowComments":false,"commentShouldCreateContact":false,"commentModeration":false,"closeCommentsOlder":false,"commentNotificationEmails":false,"commentMaxThreadDepth":false,"commentVerificationText":false,"socialAccountTwitter":false,"showSocialLinkTwitter":false,"showSocialLinkLinkedin":false,"showSocialLinkFacebook":false,"enableGoogleAmpOutput":false,"ampLogoSrc":false,"ampLogoHeight":false,"ampLogoWidth":false,"ampLogoAlt":false,"ampHeaderFont":false,"ampHeaderFontSize":false,"ampHeaderColor":false,"ampHeaderBackgroundColor":false,"ampBodyFont":false,"ampBodyFontSize":false,"ampBodyColor":false,"ampLinkColor":false,"generateJsonLdEnabled":false},"showSocialLinkFacebook":true,"showSocialLinkLinkedin":true,"showSocialLinkTwitter":true,"showSummaryInEmails":true,"showSummaryInListing":false,"showSummaryInRss":true,"siteId":0,"slug":"articles","socialAccountTwitter":"","state":null,"subscriptionContactsProperty":"blog_blog_the_front_row_view_subscription","subscriptionEmailType":null,"subscriptionFormGuid":"a2c254df-2214-4c54-bd51-46da1e3029fb","subscriptionListsByType":{"daily":12,"instant":11,"monthly":10,"weekly":13},"title":null,"translatedFromId":null,"translations":{"fr":{"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/fr/blogue","id":2471031463,"language":"fr","masterId":952267656,"name":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"slug":"fr/blogue"}},"updated":1693318083280,"updatedDateTime":1693318083280,"urlBase":"www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","urlSegments":{},"useFeaturedImageInSummary":true,"usesDefaultTemplate":false,"weeklyNotificationEmailId":"952268106"},"password":null,"pastMabExperimentIds":[],"performableGuid":null,"performableVariationLetter":null,"personas":[],"placementGuids":[],"portableKey":null,"portalId":61352,"position":null,"postBody":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","postBodyRss":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","postEmailContent":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","postFeaturedImageIfEnabled":"","postListContent":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p></span>\n","postListSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postRssContent":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","postRssSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postSummary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","postSummaryRss":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","postTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","previewImageSrc":null,"previewKey":"BiPflvYY","previousPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Best%20Filmmaker%20Instagrammers/insta-shutterstock_1171276837-forweb600.jpg","previousPostFeaturedImageAltText":"Top 10 Filmmaker Instagram Influencers","previousPostName":"Top 10 Filmmaker Instagram Influencers / Best Filmmaker Instagrammers","previousPostSlug":"articles/top-10-filmmaker-instagram-influencers","processingStatus":"PUBLISHED","propertyForDynamicPageCanonicalUrl":null,"propertyForDynamicPageFeaturedImage":null,"propertyForDynamicPageMetaDescription":null,"propertyForDynamicPageSlug":null,"propertyForDynamicPageTitle":null,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publishDate":1601303372000,"publishDateLocalTime":1601303372000,"publishDateLocalized":{"date":1601303372000,"format":"medium","language":"en_US"},"publishImmediately":true,"publishTimezoneOffset":null,"publishedAt":1658974434576,"publishedByEmail":null,"publishedById":7915797,"publishedByName":null,"publishedUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-music-theory-books","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","resolvedLanguage":null,"rssBody":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2>9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" width=\"200\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.&nbsp;</i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/the-10-best-usb-audio-interfaces-for-musicians\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST USB AUDIO INTERFACES FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/instrument-insurance-blog/20-best-music-podcasts\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 20 BEST MUSIC PODCASTS / PODCASTS FOR MUSICIANS</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://stories.frontrowinsurance.com/the-10-best-music-theory-books/\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Web Story: The best music theory books</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>","rssSummary":"<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n","rssSummaryFeaturedImage":"","scheduledUpdateDate":0,"screenshotPreviewTakenAt":1710967388479,"screenshotPreviewUrl":"https://cdn1.hubspot.net/hubshotv3/prod/e/0/cda90b8f-6d36-434b-8628-8eda5dd6eebf.png","sections":{},"securityState":"NONE","siteId":null,"slug":"articles/10-best-music-theory-books","stagedFrom":null,"state":"PUBLISHED","stateWhenDeleted":null,"styleOverrideId":null,"subcategory":"normal_blog_post","syncedWithBlogRoot":true,"tagIds":[949436814,30486043401],"tagList":[{"categoryId":0,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"contentIds":[],"cosObjectType":"TAG","created":1401900445000,"deletedAt":0,"description":"","id":949436814,"label":"Musical instrument insurance","language":"en","name":"Musical instrument insurance","portalId":61352,"slug":"musical-instrument-insurance","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"updated":1649857146996},{"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"contentIds":[],"cosObjectType":"TAG","created":1591812219849,"deletedAt":0,"description":"","id":30486043401,"label":"Best of","language":"en","name":"Best of","portalId":61352,"slug":"best-of","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"updated":1649863391496}],"tagNames":["Musical instrument insurance","Best of"],"teamPerms":[],"templatePath":"","templatePathForRender":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","textToAudioFileId":null,"textToAudioGenerationRequestId":null,"themePath":null,"themeSettingsValues":null,"title":"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books","tmsId":null,"topicIds":[949436814,30486043401],"topicList":[{"categoryId":0,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"contentIds":[],"cosObjectType":"TAG","created":1401900445000,"deletedAt":0,"description":"","id":949436814,"label":"Musical instrument insurance","language":"en","name":"Musical instrument insurance","portalId":61352,"slug":"musical-instrument-insurance","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"updated":1649857146996},{"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"contentIds":[],"cosObjectType":"TAG","created":1591812219849,"deletedAt":0,"description":"","id":30486043401,"label":"Best of","language":"en","name":"Best of","portalId":61352,"slug":"best-of","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"updated":1649863391496}],"topicNames":["Musical instrument insurance","Best of"],"topics":[949436814,30486043401],"translatedContent":{},"translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"tweet":null,"tweetAt":null,"tweetImmediately":false,"unpublishedAt":0,"updated":1658974434581,"updatedById":7915797,"upsizeFeaturedImage":false,"url":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/10-best-music-theory-books","useFeaturedImage":false,"userPerms":[],"views":0,"visibleToAll":null,"widgetContainers":{},"widgetcontainers":{},"widgets":{"module_156398965931111":{"body":{"definition_id":null,"module_id":8696351,"path":"/Marketplace/HubSpot/Team_Member/Team Member","per_widget_wrapper_html":"","smart_objects":null,"smart_type":"NOT_SMART","tag":"module","type":"module","widget_name":"Team Member","wrapping_html":""},"child_css":{},"css":{},"deleted_at":1649789668161,"id":"module_156398965931111","label":"Team Member","module_id":8696351,"name":"module_156398965931111","order":9,"smart_type":null,"styles":{},"type":"module"},"module_15960847531069":{"body":{"definition_id":null,"field_types":{"add_form":"form","add_form_title":"text","enable_form":"boolean"},"module_id":33051772119,"path":"/Coded files/Custom/blog/FrontRow2014/Blog Subscribe New Module 2020","smart_objects":null,"smart_type":"NOT_SMART","tag":"module","type":"module","wrap_field_tag":"div"},"child_css":{},"css":{},"deleted_at":1649789668161,"id":"module_15960847531069","label":"Blog Subscribe New Module 2020","module_id":33051772119,"name":"module_15960847531069","order":4,"smart_type":null,"styles":{},"type":"module"},"module_15965216980304":{"body":{"definition_id":null,"field_types":{"add_content":"richtext","enable_rich_text_module":"boolean"},"module_id":33156769794,"path":"/Coded files/Custom/blog/FrontRow2014/Basic Rich Text Box for Blog","smart_objects":null,"smart_type":"NOT_SMART","tag":"module","type":"module","wrap_field_tag":"div"},"child_css":{},"css":{},"id":"module_15965216980304","label":"Basic Rich Text Box for Blog","module_id":33156769794,"name":"module_15965216980304","order":7,"smart_type":null,"styles":{},"type":"module"},"name":{"body":{"title":"The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books"},"id":"name","label":"Title","name":"name","type":"text"},"post_body":{"body":{"html":"<h1>The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books</h1>\n<p>Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 <strong>music theory books</strong>. We’ll discuss:</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p><i>(in no particular order)</i></p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#musicophilia\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmusicworks\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>How Music Works </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#counterpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Study of Counterpoint </span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#hook\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Hooktheory</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#silence\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Silence: Lectures and Writings</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#joyofmusic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>The Joy of Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#tonal\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmonic\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Harmonic Experience</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#harmony\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Theory of Harmony</span></a></li>\n<li><a href=\"#computer\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</span></a></li>\n</ol>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"musicophilia\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><i><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/musicophilia-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Musicophilia book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\"></i>1.<span> </span>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0676979793/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0676979793&amp;linkId=1919e0368d3a1496bf0d04b891cbea2c\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.</p>\n<p>Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"howmusicworks\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/how-music-works-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"How music works book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">2.<span> </span>How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0804188939/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0804188939&amp;linkId=89e0e06a297f48c8b61e9c265112b418\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>How Music Works</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed <i>Talking Heads</i> singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"counterpoint\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/counterpoint-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Counterpoint book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">3.<span> </span>The Study of Counterpoint</h2>\n<p>Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0393002772/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0393002772&amp;linkId=04c8e76b857c1c86b16a27d1f527e5f4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span>this classic</span></a> [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.</p>\n<p>This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).</p>\n<p>Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"hook\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/hooktheory-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Hooktheory book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">4.<span> </span>Hooktheory&nbsp;</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MG98OFQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00MG98OFQ&amp;linkId=ca1667bc7acc41591eba5d4a6df3e7dc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Hooktheory I: Music Theory</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.</p>\n<p>Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.</p>\n<p>Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the <a href=\"https://www.hooktheory.com/\"><span>Hooktheory site</span></a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"silence\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/silence-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Silence book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">5.<span> </span>Silence | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0819573655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0819573655&amp;linkId=9f3b1427e7b4daecf32f7ca5b5c765b5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Silence: Lectures and Writings</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. <i>Silence</i> is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.</p>\n<p>Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.</p>\n<p>One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"joyofmusic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/bernstein-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Joy of music book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">6.<span> </span>The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p>American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, <a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1574671049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1574671049&amp;linkId=cf5ccd7f1fdf7685297e58be41eba80f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>The Joy of Music</i></span></a> [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.</p>\n<p>There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"tonal\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/tonal-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Tonal harmony book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">7.<span> </span>Tonal Harmony</h2>\n<p>Since its publication in 1984, <a href=\"https://geni.us/eOAz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span><i>Tonal Harmony</i></span></a> [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.</p>\n<p><i>Tonal Harmony</i> contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.</p>\n<p>Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmonic\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/harmonic-experience-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Harmonic experience book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">8.<span> </span>Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0892815604/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0892815604&amp;linkId=cca4e97ea64bffcbab3db924486bf2bc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Harmonic Experience</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.</p>\n<p>Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"harmony\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/theory-harmony-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Theory of harmony book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">9.<span> </span>Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0520266080/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0520266080&amp;linkId=663a2603df5326653e9ad861690bb44a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Theory of Harmony</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.</p>\n<p>From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<a id=\"computer\" data-hs-anchor=\"true\"></a>\n<h2><img src=\"https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/best%20music%20theory%20books/computer-music-forweb.jpg\" alt=\"Music theory for computer musicians book cover\" width=\"200\" style=\"width: 200px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\">10.<span> </span> Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books</h2>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1598635034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=frontrowinsur-20&amp;camp=15121&amp;creative=330641&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1598635034&amp;linkId=2e9e605b258f6cc029116b442897f7c8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><i>Music Theory for Computer Musicians</i></a></span> [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.</p>\n<p>The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.</p>\n<p>One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h2><span>Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians</span></h2>\n<p>If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.</p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><strong>Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments</strong></a></span> is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, <i>etc.</i> You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the <a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span>instrument insurance</span></a> site.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><i>About</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides </i><a href=\"https://musicians.frontrowinsurance.com/\"><span><i>musical instrument insurance</i></span></a><i> for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.</i></p>\n<p><i>One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios. Front Row has offices in Toronto, Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver and a staff of 50+ with a combined ~510 years of insurance experience. Front Row also has a Nashville office with </i><a href=\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/tom-corley\"><span><i>Tom Corley</i></span></a><i>, music industry insurance expert. </i></p>\n<h3>Related posts:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/10-best-how-to-photography-books\" rel=\"noopener\">THE 10 BEST HOW-TO PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/10-best-filmmaking-books-top-books-on-filmmaking\" rel=\"noopener\">BEST BOOKS ON FILM DIRECTING/BEST FILMMAKING BOOKS</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><i>Amazon Associates Disclosure</i></strong><i>: Front Row Insurance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you.</i></p>"},"deleted_at":1618324674850,"id":"post_body","label":"Blog Content","name":"post_body","type":"rich_text"}}}

The 10 Best Music Theory Books | Top 10 Music Theory Books

Let’s review Front Row’s top 10 music theory books. We’ll discuss:

(in no particular order)

  1. Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain
  2. How Music Works
  3. The Study of Counterpoint
  4. Hooktheory
  5. Silence: Lectures and Writings
  6. The Joy of Music
  7. Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music
  8. Harmonic Experience
  9. Theory of Harmony
  10. Music Theory for Computer Musicians

 

Musicophilia book cover1. Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain | Best Music Theory Books

This interesting crossover of music and neuroscience – Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain [Amazon Link] – was a bestseller. Written by famed neurologist Oliver Sacks.

Sacks explores the place music occupies in the brain and how it affects the human condition.

One user’s comment (Noman) on Amazon: “An eye opener into the world of music therapy, and a thoughtful work expressing the benefits of music with respect to neurology and neurological disease.”

 

How music works book cover2. How Music Works | Best Music Theory Books

How Music Works [Amazon Link] by famed Talking Heads singer David Byrne is a creative exploration of the musical art form and how music can be so powerful.

There are chapters on how technology (both analog and digital) shapes music, the power of curation, and the anthropology of music, among others.

One user’s comment (Michael) on Amazon: “As the book progresses, Byrne explains much about the technical processes involved in recording music and the business side of music.”

 

Counterpoint book cover3. The Study of Counterpoint

Many of the greatest composers, including Bach, have benefited from this classic [Amazon Link] – first published in 1725, and its concepts are still relevant to the modern musician.

This book explains in detail the concept of counterpoint (a melody played in conjunction with another).

Counterpoint techniques and rules are explained with clarity, and succinctly, as the book is a slim 160 pages. The book has a straightforward, analytic style.

 

Hooktheory book cover4. Hooktheory 

Hooktheory I: Music Theory [Amazon Link] describes itself as “an intuitive, modern take on music theory.” Examples are drawn from popular songs you have likely heard on the radio.

Chapters include “The building blocks of music”, harmony, melody, and inversions. The book includes skill-building exercises with an easy-to-understand music format that is an improvement on sheet music.

Anyone interested in music theory and writing songs should also check out the Hooktheory site.

 

Silence book cover5. Silence | Best Music Theory Books

Silence: Lectures and Writings [Amazon Link] by the revered experimental composer John Cage has influenced the thinking of many musicians since the book’s publication in 1961. Silence is a collection of essays and lectures Cage wrote during the period from ‘39 to ‘61.

Cage can perhaps be a bit inscrutable at times, but his ideas have remained important, especially his emphasis on the intelligent use of silence to create the perfect melody.

One user’s (SH) Amazon comment: “Even if you don't like Cage's music, reading this book will give you insights into what he did that may change your mind or at least instill a newfound respect.”

 

Joy of music book cover6. The Joy of Music | Best Music Theory Books

American composer Leonard Bernstein’s first book, The Joy of Music [Amazon Link], abandons the traditional academic style of books on classical music. The initial chapters are cast in the style of conversations about music between Bernstein and several imaginary people.

There are chapters on jazz, musical comedy, Bach, opera, and more.

One user’s (Tobin) comment on Amazon: “If you can't read music, you would enjoy getting CDs of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Brahms' First Symphony, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion before curling up with this book. It will enhance your enjoyment of Bernstein's exciting descriptions, and will make them come to life.”

 

Tonal harmony book cover7. Tonal Harmony

Since its publication in 1984, Tonal Harmony [Amazon Link] by Kostka (American music theorist) has been consistently praised for its practicality and ease of use for the practicing musician, music student and instructor alike. This textbook is widely used in music classrooms across the world.

Tonal Harmony contains chapters on the elements of pitch, rhythm, triads, diatonic chords, voice leading, harmonic progression, inversion, cadences, and more.

Now available in McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect® with SmartBook® format (a digital version of the textbook, with interactive exercises and assignments).

 

Harmonic experience book cover8. Harmonic Experience | Best Music Theory Books

Harmonic Experience [Amazon Link] by W. A. Mathieu (American composer and recording artist) is an exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions.

The book contains chapters on octaves, major thirds, harmonic relationships, mixed modes, chromatic pairs, triads, diesis, cadence, and more.

Mathieu’s theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament.

 

9. Theory of Harmony | Best Music Theory Books

Theory of Harmony [Amazon Link] by famed Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg delineates connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture.

From this one book, one may well learn less about harmony than about form, about aesthetics, even about life. First published in 1948, it remains one of the most influential music theory books.

One user’s comment on Amazon: “This book is the ‘Teach Yourself Person's’ music theory bible. If you take the time to study it properly and reread any sections that seem a bit hazy, it will take you a while to get through it, but your understanding of music and harmony will be incredibly profound.”

 

Music theory for computer musicians book cover10. Music Theory for Computer Musicians | Best Music Theory Books

Music Theory for Computer Musicians [Amazon Link] is a more modern music theory book that focuses on DJs, electronic music producers and musicians who compose computer music.

The book contains chapters on musical sound, notes, scale, rhythm, score editing, meter, chords, keys, triads, root movement, diatonic modes, intonation, and more.

One user’s comment on Amazon: “Easy to read and a wealth of information. The diagrams of scales are especially useful for quickly coming up with new ideas.”

 

Get Musical Instrument Insurance | Front Row Instrument Insurance | Insurance for Musicians

If you’re reading music theory books, chances are you own some musical instruments. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.

Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, etc. You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the instrument insurance site.

 

About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides musical instrument insurance for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.

One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios. 

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