Books by Joseph Straus

For undergraduate/graduate-level courses in Twentieth-Century Techniques, and Post-Tonal Theory and Analysis taken by music majors.A primerrather than a surveythis text offers exceptionally clear, simple explanations of basic theoretical concepts for the post-tonal music of the twentieth century. Emphasizing hands-on contact with the musicthrough playing, singing, listening, and analyzingit provides six chapters on theory, each illustrated with musical examples and fully worked-out analyses, all drawn largely from the classical pre-war repertoire by Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Bartok, Berg, and Webern. Straus takes a paced, methodical, logical approach to each topic. He introduces it in context and perhaps most significantly of all uses language that's so transparent that merely to follow his descriptions, explanations and illustrations carefully is to understand each aspect of the theory under consideration. Mark Sealey, Classical.net

The Fundamentals Text That Emphasizes Music Making. This music fundamentals textbook is for both aspiring music majors and non-majors. Based on an anthology of works from music literature, it features clear, concise explanations, extensive written exercises, and a variety of suggested in-class activities. It emphasizes process of making musicemphasizing, at every stage, that music is to be heard and madenot merely seen and learned in the abstract. All of the key topics are covered: music notation; rhythm; scales; intervals; triads; basic harmonic progressions. Several supplements are available for this text. An Audio CD is available including performances of key works analyzed in the text. The examples are also available in Finale files on MySearchLab that students can use to directly work on exercises on their computers. Teaching and Learning Experience Personalize Learning- MySearchLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals. Improve Critical Thinking- Written exercises and assignments both in traditional written and electronic formats reinforce concepts. Engage Students- In-class activities, including singing, dictation, and keyboard exercises are designed to supplement and reinforce the theory lessons. Support Instructors- Supported by the best instructor resources on the market; MySearchLab and an Instructors Manual.