Alfred's Teach Yourself Music History Book & CD

Learn an impressive amount of music history in this 99 page book! I am so impressed at how much this book manages to pack in its pages. 1500 years of music history is broken down into six periods, from Medieval to Modern. The first page for each period has a running timeline of the advancements in music along with major historical events to help solidify the information and provide context. There are also pictures of famous paintings and sculpture from the corresponding era for a more complete mental picture, along with lots of info about the cultural implications of the music and key elements of music theory that impacted the pieces. The book provides so much info, that reading alone might get a little dry, but don't worry. There is an included 15 track CD to provide applicable listening material. Not only that, but on the publisher's website, you can find even more music (ranging from 5 to 45 pieces per chapter) to really solidify what your student is learning. The information is provided in straightforward text, so older students are able to read and understand by themselves, though a parent could easily summarize the info for a younger student who wants to learn alongside an older sibling. Use alone, or as a history supplement for your musical student. 99 pg, sc., with 15 track CD. - Laura