"how music works" book series

A fun, richly illustrated course for children and curious readers of all ages.  Volume 1 focuses on rhythm and melody.  Note values, time signatures, key signatures, clefs, scales, intervals are playfully and carefully discussed in a way that requires no previous knowledge of music.  At each step, exercises assure reader comprehension while pieces for singing and clapping apply new skills to real music-making.

Volume 2 focuses on more advanced topics of harmony and form.  Chords, the harmonic series, transcription, figured bass, and Bach chorales are made accessible and fun.  A famous classical sonata is used to explore musical form in depth.  Numerous exercises and performance pieces for solo or ensemble will challenge and engage readers to not only learn about music, but hear it and play it.  You may even be inspired to write your own!