This informative and stimulating new volume with CD on the art and craft of composing will be welcomed by anyone who is learning to compose and is especially suitable for those taking secondary school music examinations. Two well-established music educationalists, James Rae and Mike Cornick, both of whom are composers with a combined wealth of teaching experience have, together, produced a practical and supportive resource to meet the needs of developing composers.
In Sound Foundations, James Rae and Mike Cornick present a vast amount of essential information in an accessible and readable style. Historical background is introduced where necessary and many compositional approaches and starting points are explored. Amusingly illustrated with additional light relief in the form of entertaining anecdotal snippets, this volume can be read in its entirety or dipped into whenever needed.
Sound Foundations includes:
• The fundamentals of music theory, including time- and key-signatures, scales and a section to get you started in understanding harmony
• Explanation of the basics as well as many of the finer points of musical notation and the applications of music software
• A CD with over 100 recorded examples directly related to the text as well as two play-along tracks for jazz improvisation
• Specific tips on writing for the voice and the piano as well as a thorough survey of virtually every other instrument, including ranges and characteristics
• The meaning of foreign musical terms
• Adding dynamics, articulation and other essentials to your score
• More than 150 suggestions for further listening in a wide range of genres
• An extensive glossary of technical terms
• A range of inspiring compositional assignments
"This is a well-presented and carefully planned resource, packed with so much useful information that it would be ideal for those taking GCSE and A-level Music. Many students are bound to gain some inspiration from the suggestions for further listening and the helpful recordings on the supporting CD.
It would make a good reference book for any music teacher who has students keen to compose, and would help get the less keen composer started."
Classroom Music Magazine 11/2010
