Decoding Music 2nd Edition Book I, Applied Music Theory Textbook

Decoding Music, 2nd Edition Book I, Applied Music Theory

ISBN 978-1-938941-01-6

Music plays a major role in our society. Music theory
answers the question of how music is put together. It examines the elements of specific
pieces and/or styles of music, and shows how they are different or similar to other pieces
and/or styles.

So what is a working definition of music theory? For practical purposes, music theory is the study of how music is constructed. It includes but is not limited to, an examination of the pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, form, chord analysis, chord progression, cadences, style, and structure of musical pieces. You as a developing music theorist will become familiar with these terms over this course of study.