Basic Library
This comprehensive written theory series is both versatile and effective. It presents music theory with a step-by-step approach that is fun and straightforward. Students may go as fast as desired since the materials are self-explanatory, a particularly appealing feature for older or more experienced students. The series features clear explanations, a variety of activities, and a flexible, moderate pace. Each book is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 83 pages.

Editors' Choice
Comprehensive Ear Training is a progressively leveled series of ear-training practice sessions on CD. Each CD offers a variety of formats for training the ear, all of which are recorded on an acoustic piano. The series includes rhythm, melody, interval, cadence, chord and meter exercises. Each CD comes with an answer booklet for immediate feedback. The Grade 1 CD includes 32 practice sessions, appropriate for the late elementary-level piano student. Each practice session on the Grade 1 CD includes two rhythm clapback exercises in 2/4 or 3/4 time and three melody playback exercises of just four notes. The series progresses gradually to the final, "Diploma" CD, at the advanced level. The "Diploma" CD includes 24 practice sessions: two meter identification exercises in 2/4, 3/4, 6/8 or 9/8; six interval identification exercises of any interval within a major 9th above a given note and any interval within an octave below a given note; one chord identification exercise of chords in root position on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th degrees of the scale; and two melody playback exercises. The series may be used with any piano method and is based on the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME) and Royal American Conservatory (RACE) standards.

Editors' Choice
This wonderful series is a step-by-step guide that teaches students how to compose. Book 1 is written at the early elementary level and introduces students to the art of original composition. It features the following composition tools: range, damper pedal, dynamics, tempo, melody, harmony, repeated patterns, conversations, meter, and grand staff. Book 2 is written at the elementary level. It features the following: melodic shaping, phrasing, octave displacement, accidentals, major chords, minor chords, articulation, tempo changes, motif, and form. Book 3 is written at the late elementary level. It features the following: eighth notes, syncopation, sequences, phrasing, crescendo and diminuendo, musical high point, primary chords, pandiatonicism, upbeats and downbeats, and song lyrics.

Basic Library
This superb series provides piano students with an organized course for the study of music theory. Each volume contains essential rudiments of theory particularly relevant to the study of piano music. The appropriately graded levels present concepts in a clear, systematic manner to ensure steady and thorough progress. The Preparatory Level begins at the elementary to late elementary level with clearly outlined, progressive activities involving note values; the staff; note naming; time signature and rhythm; sharps, flats, and naturals; half steps and whole steps; 5-finger patterns and triads; tetrachords and major scales; key signatures; and signs and terms. Each level progresses gradually and leads to Level Ten, covering such advanced topics as seventh chords; secondary dominants; modulation; cadences; Neapolitan sixth and augmented sixth chords; fugue; sonata-allegro form; tonality in the twentieth century; and more. Highly recommended.

This series is designed to help students develop the skills needed to become more comfortable with sight-reading. The author, Paul Harris, provides rhythmic and melodic exercises throughout the series to support and develop excellent sight-reading skills.

Editors' Choice
Basic Library
Music by Me is a progressive series for young pianists in individual or group settings, introducing them to the joy of composing their own music. Books One through Three contain seven units, designed for the elementary student who has a fundamental understanding of notes and basic rhythms. Each unit in Books One through Three is divided into four parts: "Tool of the Trade" (an important element or tool of composition), "Let's Explore" (a fun activity to further understand this tool), "Improvise!" (improvisation and experimentation), and "Compose on Your Own" (writing an inspiring, original composition). The six units of Book Four include an additional part, "Scanning the Score," where students are given the opportunity to analyze a piece of music literature.

Schaum's Rhythm Workbook series helps the student develop an understanding and feeling for fundamental rhythms and is appropriate for students of all ages. This practical, step-by-step course correlates note and rest recognition with counting, rhythmic drills, various time signatures, and measure construction. Although these books are primarily intended to reinforce the teaching of rhythms, extra benefits can be derived by having the student use them as note reading exercises since rhythms are placed on various notes of the treble or bass staff. The Primer Level can be used with beginners at their very first lesson. Each book starts where the last left off. Level Four reaches the late intermediate level.

Basic Library
The Theory Time workbook series will enrich the musical studies of every student. The series will complement any music method a student is using if studying piano or another instrument, or it will serve as an independent music theory course and teach students the fundamentals of music in general (from beginning through advanced). Theory concepts are explained, drilled and reviewed in sequence, by grade level. Each level includes vocabulary, ear-training, graphic hints, and a comprehensive review test. Fun Sheets or Challenge Sheets are intermittently spaced in each grade level workbook to reinforce theory concepts. You may find a crossword puzzle, a word search, a maze, a story with note reading, or a hidden picture that is sure to delight any student! Theory Time workbooks average 55 to 60 pages of drill - enough to last throughout a school year. The Teacher's Editions include the answers and ear-training guides for each workbook.

This course is designed for teens who want to further develop their skills in music theory but have limited time to study it. It includes eight units devoted to the following subject areas: rhythm, minor intervals, natural and harmonic minor scales, major and minor key signatures, musical terms and symbols, diminished triads, dominant seventh chords,and inversions in major keys, and I-IV-V7-I chord progressions in major and minor keys. Each unit contains a succinct introduction to the subject matter, short drills for five days of the week, and extra credit examples with further challenges.

This course is a perfect supplement to private piano study, piano class, or instruction on any instrument. Book 1 is a first year theory resource that motivates by creating interest through worksheets and music writing. Book 2 continues the series with emphasis on melody and harmony - discussing the make-up of scales and chords (triads). Book 3 covers relative minor scales, cadences, chord progression, modulation, intervals, and figured bass. Book 4 gives an introduction to form in simple examples of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods; as well as counterpoint and simple four-part harmonic composition. Book 5 continues on the subject of form through phrase/period construction and gives an introduction to modes and polyrhythms.