Basic Materials in Music Theory: A Programed Course

NOTE: This ISBN is for a Pearson Books a la Carte edition: a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf text. In addition to the flexibility offered by this format, Books a la Carte editions offer students great value, as they cost significantly less than a bound textbook.

For one-semester, freshman-level courses in Basic Musicianship, Music Fundamentals, or Music Foundations; and for graduate courses in theory review.

Core knowledge essential for those interested in pursuing the serious study of music

Basic Materials in Music Theory , 13th Edition, is an auto-instructional introduction to music fundamentals that lets readers work independently and at their own pace. Through a programmed format proven to be efficient and effective, readers can master the materials quickly and thoroughly. This allows instructors to concentrate on the more creative aspects of their course, creating a more productive and enjoyable learning experience both in and out of the classroom. This edition contains a wealth of lessons and exercises for readers, including new sample recordings to assist with ear training, and has been revised to increase overall clarity and reflect current trends.

*Music for your course is available through your Pearson Companion Website.

About our authors

Dr. Greg A. Steinke holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University. Dr. Steinke retired in June 2001 as Chair of the Art and Music Departments, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, and as holder of the Joseph Naumes Endowed Chair in Music at Marylhurst University in Oregon. Formerly, he was Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Professor of Music at Millikin University, Director of the School of Music and Professor of Music at Ball State University, Assistant Director of the School of Music at the University of Arizona, Chairman of the Music Department at San Diego State University, Director of the School of Music at the University of Idaho, and Chairman of the Music Department at Linfield College. He has also been a faculty member at Northern Arizona University, The Evergreen State College, California State University, Northridge, and the University of Maryland.

Currently, Dr. Steinke is a freelance composer, writer, oboist and conductor. He is the author of numerous articles, has done the revisions to Paul Harder’s Basic Materials in Music Theory (7th through 12th Editions), Harmonic Materials in Tonal Music (6th through 10th Editions), Bridge to Twentieth Century Music (revised edition), and, with H. Owen Reed, Basic Contrapuntal Techniques (revised edition, Alfred Music). He holds membership in a number of professional organizations and served for 9 years (3 terms, 1988 to 1997) as the President and National Chairman of the Society of Composers, Inc. Professor Steinke is active as a composer of chamber and symphonic music with a number of published works, as a speaker on interdisciplinary arts and as an oboe soloist specializing in contemporary music.

Dr. Paul O. Harder, deceased, received a Master of Music degree in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, where he performed as oboist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Later, as a fellowship student at the University of Iowa, he received his PhD in Music Composition. He studied composition with Mlle. Nadia Boulanger at the École des Beaux Arts de Fontainebleau, France, and at the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. Harder held the post of Chairman of Music Theory at Michigan State University before becoming Assistant Vice President and Professor of Music at California State University, Stanislaus. He was a Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University. In addition to approximately 50 compositions for a variety of media including orchestra, band, chorus, and chamber groups, Dr. Harder was the author of Harmonic Materials in Tonal Music, Parts I and II, through the 5th Edition; Basic Materials in Music Theory, through the 6th Edition; Music Manuscript Techniques, Parts I and II; Bridge to Twentieth Century Music, through the 1st Edition; and as co-author (with H. Owen Reed), Basic Contrapuntal Techniques. All were published by Allyn & Bacon.