Now don’t get offended with the title of this music theory book…I use it as a reference book for my piano teaching and composing. The title…“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory”.

The description on the front cover of this book gives an excellent overview:

“Essential information on reading and writing—including basic notes, rhythms and scales”

“Helpful hints on creating your own melodies, chords and harmonies”

“Audio exercises (CD included) to develop your ear training skills”

My favorite chapter in the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory deals with chords…(chapter 9). This chapter gives the reader an overview of the basic types of chords used in today’s music.

For example…the basic types of chords mentioned in this chapter include the following: Major, minor, diminished and augmented.  The chapter then goes into “chord extensions”…my favorite section! Oh, and the “power” chords are interesting too

There is a complete chord appendix in the back of the book that covers every kind of chord–in every key!  The writer of this book says to use this appendix when you want to write a chord but don’t know how.

List of the Appendixes

A. The Complete Idiot’s Music Glossary

B. The Complete Idiot’s Chord Reference

C. Answers to Chapter Exercises

D. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory, Second Edition, Ear Training Course CD

Click on following link to view a sample chapter of this book:

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory

You may purchase the book at the above link or try to find on Ebay or Amazon for a more reasonable price. (make sure the CD is included)

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While reading I John 4 this morning…the words to the hymn “The Love of God” swept through my mind….

The love of God is greater far, than tongue or pen can EVER tell;

It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin!

O love of God, how RICH and PURE! How MEASURELESS and STRONG!

It shall FOREVERMORE endure, The saints’ and angels’ song.

Click here to read short story behind this hymn. You’ll be surprised to learn how verse three came into existence!

I plan to start working on an advanced arrangement of this reassuring hymn.

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After publishing a video of me playing “How Great Thou Art” in a nursing home…I began receiving requests on youtube and my website for a copy of this arrangement.  The funny thing about this arrangement…it was spontaneous.

After at least two years in the make (on and off–during this time frame)…I am about to put the finishing touches on this arrangement. It will be available by March 15th !  I will offer it at a special price for the first two weeks after publication.

Keep in mind…the arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” won’t be exact note for note as played but…will be VERY close It took me about 20 minutes to re-create about 3 measures at a time.  I would watch my youtube video by the piano and pause ALOT to write what I heard.  Fun! Fun!  Actually, it was alot of fun.  Sure stretched me!

Thanks to all who encouraged me to write this arrangement of “How Great Thou Art”.

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Do any of you church pianists compose? If so, you will
find the following links very beneficial.

As a composer myself, I found the following two part article
very interesting…an interview with the composer…Kevin Costley.

The web address of the interview host is:
http://www.composecreate.com/wendys-piano-studio

Interview links:
http://www.composecreate.com/archives/1784 Part One

http://www.composecreate.com/ Part Two

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The interpretation of a piano solo is of upmost importance.

In my younger years, my dad always reminded me to play as though I were speaking the song.

He told me to “feel the music” and learn to breathe just as a singer would breathe when singing the same song.

To this day, I always sing the words in my head while playing to focus on the message.

Some words may need to be slower for a special emphasis…while other words can be sped up

to portray a sense of urgency or importance.

To stress the importance of interpretation…I will play an excerpt of my arrangement

“What a FriendWe Have in Jesus”.

The first time through…I will play in strict time with no ebb and flow.

Hear the difference in the second time as I play in a more conversational style.

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Notice the treatment of the inner voice movement (notes under the melody) and fill-ins (notes between held words).

Fill-ins are played with a softer touch then the melody.

Fill-ins are always meant to be softer than the melody to avoid distraction of the message.

The next time you play or sing a solo….just remember to interpret the music just as though you were ‘speaking’ the words.

The message will be so much more affective!

Free Music:  What_ a_ Friend_ We _Have_ in_ Jesus

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