What are the "must have" books for every muscian?

[Ladyn]

Hello Everyone,

I have been playing now for about 8 months, and I have progressed pretty well.  I have had some previous music training in band and chior in school and even had piano lessons as a child.  I am able to play most songs by ear in a short time now, and I can write out the chords that I am playing with ease in all 12 keys. I also understand progressions as well.  I especially like taking the songs chorded out here and re-doing them using roman numerals.   I just want to know what other books should I look at buying to increase my knowledge of music theory and technique that also come with a CD. I do read music, but I still need help with more complicated rythm patterns.  There are so many talented muscians here!  I know that I will get better with TIME and practice, so I am looking for something that I can work through and increase my ability and understanding over time. 
Any suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated. 

Thank you,

Nichole

[bopeuph]

I used in high school and college "The Practice of Harmony" by Peter Spencer.  The book is extremely thorough.  It's in the standard language of theory.  That is, it's the basis for how we talk about theory.  I use it with some of my students when I feel their instrument practice is coming along.

The book is based on the rules set down by J.S. Bach after studying a large number of his chorales.  So the practice in the book is mostly for four part vocal writing, but it's the same for everything, of course.  The book is in textbook format, so each chapter explains the theory of the chapter, and then there are numerous practice problems for the rest of it.  You can find this book used at Amazon.com; my students say they are around $15-20 there.

Another book to have for learning chord symbols is "The Jazz Language" by Dan Hearle.  It's a thin book, at 64 pages, so it's under 20 new.  It goes through practically all chords used in jazz (the same chords are in gospel, and ALL genres of music,  jazz is just more complex).  It's also a good basis to start learning improvisation.

Both these books are best used together, to really understand harmony in this genre of music.

Nick

[DaNatiMaestro]

Hello!

1. The Jazz Piano Book - Mark Levine (<--- This book is without a doubt the best piano book I've ever read.. PERIOD)
1a. The Jazz Theory Book - Mark Levine (<--- Locrian Mode, Pentatonic Scales, Whole Tone Scales, it's all here..)
2. African-American Hymnal (?) (<-- Gotta have your hymns)
3. How to Play from a Fake book - Michael Esterowitz (will help you to play those gospel song books)
4. How to Play Popular Piano in 10 Easy Lessons - Norman Monath (<--- This book taught me how to play piano when I first started - NO LIE)
5. Funk Keyboards: The Complete Method-- A Contemporary Guide to Chords, Rhythms, and Licks - Gail Johnson (<-- This book will teach you your runs)
6. Blues Piano: Hal Leonard - Mark Harrison
7. Jazz-Blues Piano: Hal Leonard -Mark Harrison
8. Smooth Jazz Piano: Hal Leonard - Mark Harrison (<-- Neo Soul keys.. what else can I say?)

[Ladyn]

Thanks DanNatiMaestro!  Those look like some great books. I have seen the Mark Levine books recommeded by so many people. I will definitely be purchasing that one too. 


I did find a very good book review on this site that I highly recommend. This is the link: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,41732.msg353068.html#msg353068

This is also where you will find some more "must have books".  I have purchased the "Gospel Piano" book and I have learned so much!  I also have "The Contemporary Keyboardist"  by John Novello.  I am working through these two books right now.  I am learning so much.  I am also learning to apply what I have learned which keeps me motivated!