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Musica Practica  is a historical investigation into the social practice of Western music which advances an alternative approach to that of established musicology. Citing evidence from Barthes, Nietzsche, Bakhtin, Max Weber and Schoenberg, Michael Chanan explores the communal roots of the musical tradition and the effects of notation on creative and performing practice. He appraises the psychological wellsprings of music using the insights of linguistics, semiotics and psychoanalysis. Tracing the growth of musical printing and the creation of a market for the printed score, he examines the transformation of patronage with the demise of the ancien régime , and draws on little-known texts by Marx to analyze the formation of the musical economy in the nineteenth century.Chanan sketches out an unwritten history of musical instruments as technology, from Tutankhamen’s trumpets to the piano, the ancient Greek water organ to the digital synthesizer. The book concludes with reflections on the rise of modernism and the dissolution of the European tradition in a sea of postmodernism and “world music.”Musica Practica  assumes no specialist knowledge of music beyond an ordinary familiarity with common terms and an average acquaintance with the music of different styles and periods. It is a fascinating commentary on the soundtrack of daily life in the metropolis of the late twentieth century.

If you're captivated by the whirlwind universe of television, particularly fantasy series that resonate with young adults, you'll find yourself immersed in Todd Slavkin's personal narrative. His book lets you peek behind the curtain of showrunning, offering an authentic taste of the challenges and triumphs in the world of screen storytelling. Plus, supporting this book benefits charity, making your read a contribution to a greater cause.

If improving your ability to sight-read music seamlessly is high on your to-do list, then this workbook is your ticket. Perfect for musicians looking to refine their skills or battle sight-reading anxiety, it offers a methodical approach to build confidence and technique. You'll appreciate the structured exercises and the encouraging tone that turn a challenging task into an achievable feat. Plus, monitoring progress is simple, keeping both you and your teacher fully engaged in your advancement.

Drum Circle Facilitation could be a good read for anyone interested in creating a sense of community through music. Arthur Hull's comprehensive guide provides useful tips and practical strategies for facilitators to learn how to conduct a successful drum circle. The interviews with successful facilitators and marketing tips make this book stand out as a complete rhythm event facilitation handbook from an expert in the field.

If jazz guitar chords often seem intimidating, this book can change that. Dan Papaila's clear photos and illustrations offer a simple way to grasp complex chords. Whether you're a student eager to expand your knowledge or a seasoned player looking to refine your library, this book promises an educational and enriching dive into the world of jazz guitar.

The Opera Companion is an excellent resource for both casual or devoted opera lovers. With synopses of frequently performed operas, this book helps the reader to understand the key elements of the story as well as the musical techniques used to convey emotion. The book not only goes into detail about the mechanics of opera, it also includes a short history of opera and a glossary to aid in understanding. Highly recommended for those looking to deepen their appreciation and understanding of opera.

Improve Your Sight-Reading! Violin - Grade 2 is a great resource for any violin player looking to improve their sight-reading abilities. The book offers practical exercises and advice to help overcome the nerves that can cause problems when sight-reading. With check-boxes to track progress and real unprepared sight-reading tests, this book is sure to boost confidence and skills. Users will appreciate the step-by-step approach that includes rhythmic and melodic exercises as well as prepared pieces with associated questions. Overall, a highly recommended resource for any intermediate violin player looking to sharpen their sight-reading skills.

This book is a must-read for music teachers who are interested in improving their teaching methods. It provides practical tips and an in-depth analysis of formative assessment, which can help teachers transform their approach to teaching music and enhance their students' learning experience. Users have praised this book's clear writing style and how it helps them see familiar concepts in a new light.