Key Highlights
- •Covers music history comprehensively from the Middle Ages to contemporary styles.
- •Features clear writing and helpful Listening Outlines for key musical works.
- •The updated 13th Edition of a trusted and widely-adopted music appreciation textbook.
Description
Ready to finally understand and really enjoy music? Dive into Music: An Appreciation, 13th Edition by Roger Kamien! This isn't just another dry textbook; it's your friendly guide through the amazing world of music history and listening. Ever felt lost listening to classical music or wondered about the story behind the sounds? This book is designed to make music history and theory accesibile and engaging.
Who is this book for? It's perfect for college students taking introductory music courses, but also great for high school students, adult learners, or anyone simply curious about music! If you love music but want to deepen your understanding beyond just casual listening, this book is definately for you. Music teachers often recomend this text too, because it works!
What problem does this book solve? It breaks down the sometimes intimidating world of Western music history into manageable, understandable parts. It tackles the challenge of actively listening and appreciating different musical styles, giving you the tools and context needed. This book help you move from simply hearing music to truly understanding it.
What will you gain from reading it? You'll journey through musical eras – from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, through the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, right up to the 20th century, jazz, rock, and even non-Western music. You'll learn about key composers, recognize important musical works, and develop critical listening skills. Gain confidence in discussing music and understand its cultural significance.
Why is it worth reading? Roger Kamien's Music: An Appreciation is a classic for a reason. This 13th Edition is refined and updated, known for its clarity, comprehensive coverage, and fantastic listening outlines that guide you through musical pieces. It makes learning about music history genuinely enjoyable. Get your convenient PDF copy today and start appreciating music like never before!
FAQ
Do I need any prior music knowledge to understand this book?
Not at all! The book is specifically designed for beginners and assumes no previous musical training. It explains concepts clearly from the ground up.
Is this book only about classical music?
The main focus is on Western classical music history, but it does include dedicated sections covering jazz, rock, pop music, and non-Western musical traditions to provide a broader perspective.
What makes the 13th Edition different?
The 13th Edition includes updates to content, incorporating newer scholarship and perspectives, while retaining the clarity and structure that made previous editions popular. It ensures the information is current and relevant.
Does the PDF include audio examples?
The PDF itself doesn't contain audio files, but the book features detailed Listening Outlines designed to be used alongside recordings. These guides point out key elements to listen for in important musical works, enhancing your listening experience (you'll typically use streaming services or other audio resources alongside the book).
Is this book difficult or too academic to read for fun?
While it's comprehensive and used as a textbook, Kamien's writing style is known for being very clear and accessible. Many readers find it engaging even for self-study outside of a formal course.
How is the book structured?
It's generally structured chronologically, guiding you through the major periods of Western music history, with sections dedicated to specific composers, styles, and important musical concepts within each era.
Reader Reviews
About the Author
Roger Kamien is a distinguished musicologist and educator known for making music appreciation accessible. He earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University and taught at institutions like Queens College, CUNY. His *Music: An Appreciation* has become a benchmark textbook, beloved by students and instructors for its clarity, engaging narrative, and effective approach to developing listening skills.