music theory

[EmperorNero]

argghh..I'm taking that class now with very little music background; all of the other kids in my class have been learning music for 4+ years and I'm lost while the teacher talk about triads, tritone, perfect 8, major 6, etc, soooo anybody know of good:

1) beginner's music theory books that are comprehensive (not a book that teaches how to play an instrument, but a book on pitch, tempo, dynamic, notes and other music theory stuff)

2) a software music theory tutorial

3) a music notation program (preferably free)...I am currently using noteworthy - it seems nice but it's shareware

 

[dman]

I minored in music theory in college. The books I used were helpful but I had quite a few years experience going in, so, not sure if they'd be helpful to you AND it was close to 10yrs ago that I used them so they aren't likely available anymore. I'd suggest:

Buddying up with someone who can teach you the basics.
Whole Notes / Half-Notes
Where the notes are on a staff (helps with the first item)

Get yourself a piano keyboard (cheap electronic will do) and play each example on the keyboard.

Once you get the basics down, the rest falls into place. Mostly it's all about patterns.

 

[crabbyapple1]

My GF was a music major. Jsut a few years ago. And she's got a bunch of friends. If you're on later, I'll post what I find out (won't see her until later)