Foundations of Diatonic Theory: A Mathematically Based Approach to Music Fundamentals

by Timothy A. Johnson

Overview

Foundations of Diatonic Theory: A Mathematically Based Approach to Music Fundamentals is an introductory, undergraduate-level textbook that provides an easy entry point into the challenging field of diatonic set theory, a division of music theory that applies the techniques of discrete mathematics to the properties of diatonic scales. After introducing mathematical concepts that relate directly to music theory, the text concentrates on these mathematical relationships, firmly establishing a link between introductory pedagogy and recent scholarship in music theory. It then relates concepts in diatonic set theory directly to the study of music fundamentals through pedagogical exercises and instructions.

Ideal for introductory music majors, the book requires only a general knowledge of mathematics, and the exercises are provided with solutions and detailed explanations. With its basic description of musical elements, this textbook is suitable for courses in music fundamentals, music theory for non-music majors, music and mathematics, and other similar courses that allow students to improve their mathematics skills while pursuing the study of music.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810862333
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/26/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	194
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Timothy A. Johnson is Professor of Music Theory at Ithaca College and Chair of Graduate Studies in Music. He is the author of Baseball and the Music of Charles Ives: A Proving Ground (Scarecrow Press, 2004).

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface
Part 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 1. Spatial Relations and Musical Structures
Chapter 4 2. Interval Patterns and Musical Structures
Chapter 5 3. Triads and Seventh Chords and Their Structures
Part 6 Conclusion
Part 7 For Further Study
Part 8 Notes
Part 9 Sources Cited
Part 10 Index

Editorial Reviews

Because of its innovative approach, Foundations of Diatonic Theory will come as a breath of fresh air for those who decide to incorporate it into fundamentals courses. It would also provide courses on music and mathematics, and on diatonic set theory, with a way of getting into the material that encourages students to think critically—a most desirable quality in a text, as critical thinking should be demanded of the student by any graduate or upper-division undergraduate course. If Johnson’s Montessori-style approach is contagious among the next generation of textbook authors, the benefits to theory students and instructors alike could be enormous.

GAMUT: Online Journal of the Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic

Not only does Foundations of Diatonic Theory accomplish its stated goals, but it does so in such a masterful way, and with such a refreshing approach, that after reading it, any course on music fundamentals, music and mathematics, or diatonic set theory taught without its perspective would feel incomplete.” —GAMUT: Online Journal of the Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic

“Because of its innovative approach, Foundations of Diatonic Theory will come as a breath of fresh air for those who decide to incorporate it into fundamentals courses. It would also provide courses on music and mathematics, and on diatonic set theory, with a way of getting into the material that encourages students to think critically—a most desirable quality in a text, as critical thinking should be demanded of the student by any graduate or upper-division undergraduate course. If Johnson’s Montessori-style approach is contagious among the next generation of textbook authors, the benefits to theory students and instructors alike could be enormous.” —GAMUT: Online Journal of the Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic

From the Publisher

Not only does Foundations of Diatonic Theory accomplish its stated goals, but it does so in such a masterful way, and with such a refreshing approach, that after reading it, any course on music fundamentals, music and mathematics, or diatonic set theory taught without its perspective would feel incomplete.

GAMUT: Online Journal of the Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic