Hello,

I have no theory knowledge and i would like to start reading books related to the theory of music, musicology, music history etc.

Can you please give me some suggestions?

Thanks.

Are you wanting a leveled Theory curriculum to learn from? If so, I recommend the Snell theory books, level Prep on up to 9-10 levels. They are very comprehensive and for at least the first several levels, can be done on your own; they have a lot of detailed description.

I like Snell, too. But I'm not sure I agree they can be done on your own. My students make lots of mistakes, and need things re-explained. Someone else needs to be at least eye-balling them to make sure there is some basic comprehension.

They are good for absolute beginners?
Are you talking about the "Fundamentals of piano theory"?
I wanted something about genreal music theory, is there a difference?

Yes, it's called 'Fundamentals....'; not sure how a 'general' music theory course would differ, but I think the Snell series is very comprehensive.

I have 16 students (ages 8-10) that have been working this year in the Prep level, preparing for our MTAC Certificate of Merit theory exam. They've had no problems understanding the directions and doing the assignments. That's why I said I think it's doable on your own for the first few levels (I'm assuming the OP is not an elementary age student).

How does the Snell compare with the Barbara Wharram Elementary Theory of Rudiments? Is it similar? I've also become curious about the "piano" in the title "piano theory" (Fundamentals of Piano Theory). What is "piano theory" and how is it different from music theory?

You must have some superior readers for piano students! My problem with these Prep-level books is that they are written in such advanced language, at the very least kids would need to be in 5th grade to understand what's going on. I'd rather teach the theory directly in lessons, using words that students can understand.

There are other theory books that are more "children friendly." The theory books that come with method books are much more accessible to young children.

There's no real difference, except that Piano Theory focuses on piano-specific things. You won't see anything in alto clef, transposing instruments and score order aren't covered, many examples are written on the grand staff, and the repertoire examples are of piano music.

Can the snell series bring the student to an advanced level when completed?

I was just taking a look at the upper levels (8-10) of the series, and it took me back to my music major college days, sitting in 2nd-year theory class. Yes, these books take you to an advanced level. Unfortunately (please somebody correct me if I'm wrong) the Snell series don't include some aspects of theory, such as modes, or 20th century theory techniques. But if you're wanting to explore the components of classical or baroque music and learn to analyze, these books would be great in helping you do that.

Mmm... maybe so. I teach theory in group class, so we go over every concept together and they're assigned the unit for homework. Each week I ask if they had trouble following the directions or understanding anything; they seem to be doing fine. The parents really like the books because if their child does need help, the explanations and directions are detailed. Granted, this is for the Prep level and I teach most of the concepts for that level before we even work in the book.

To ABC, the Snell series covers 11 levels (Prep through 10) and correlates with California's Certificate of Merit evaluations.

The thing about "child friendly" theory books is that often times they are filled with puzzles or games that simply reinforce concepts, and depending on the child, some don't do well with this type of "fun busy-work". Or the pictures and activities are too distracting from the concept. Most of my students (I teach many young ones) are fine with theory book in the method series, but for others they do better with the Snell books. I explain the new concepts to them before they're assigned, and few kids have had difficulty with the prep or 1st level. My adult student loves the Snell series, and goes at her own pace, asking questions along the way if they come up. But generally they're very self explanatory.

Thank you. Essentially RCM preparatory would be the same. In Intermediate it branches into the alto and tenor clefs, so that's different. Advanced covers cadences in a rudimentary manner, written a second phrase, and then has all kinds of score types.

For score types, I've seen a professional accompanist suddenly having an open score of Brahms plonked in front of her, with instrumental music and the choral part above. The choir master told her, "We changed our mind and we're doing this one. Oh, and please highlight the alto part, because they're weak." And she sight read that open score, including highlighting the alto. So I imagine that alternate scores do involve piano at a higher level. (?)

What do you mean by "advanced?"

Snell covers functional harmony and form/analysis, but it doesn't cover the analysis of atonal music, Schenkerian analysis, neo-Riemannian theory or advanced counterpoint.

I'd say someone who makes it all the way through Snell has pretty much covered the first two years of an undergraduate music degree, plus a semester of form and analysis.

What book/s would you recommend for the subjects not covered there?

Schenker's theories are outlined in his book, "Free Composition." There's also an introduction to his techniques by Allen Forte.

For counterpoint, there are a number of books. Those by Robert Gauldin are advanced but quite good. Fux's "Gradus ad Parnassum" is the standard for learning a species approach. There are many others (some of which are mentioned in the Wikipedia article, which would be a good place to start.)

Probably the two most important books of the last few decades are David Lewin's "Generalized Musical Intervals and Transformations," the standard work on transformational theory, and Lehrdahl and Jackendoff's "A Generative Theory of Tonal Music," which describes new and current thought on tonal music.

Also keep in mind that theory is a HUGE field. It's like asking "What's a good book on Mathematics?" There are quite literally thousands of books on music theory, plus numerous journal articles, etc...

If you are starting theory from scratch, Shenker and Fux are a few years away. One proposed order of study was put forth here last year. I jotted it down:
Rudiments
Basic harmony (figured bass, inversions, cadences)
Advanced harmony (modulations, Neopolitains)
Basic counterpoint (species)
Advanced counterpoint (florid)
Form & analysis
Orchestration

Would you say i should start with the snell series or the "elementary theory of rudiments?" I would BTW like to approach theory in the most general way, not necessarily piano related.

If you want something more general, try the college music theory text by Kostka/Payne.

Did not find this one on the net.

?

Just go to Google and type kostka payne and several links will come up.

This one is used by our local high school AP music theory class.
http://www.amazon.com/Tonal-Harmony-Introduction-Twentieth-Century-Music/dp/0072415703

That's the Kostka/Payne I just mentioned.

Is this one good for complete beginners?
It is hard to decide which one to start with.

Can someone tell me how useful can a book like snell's be when playing the flute for example? How much is it piano only related?

I answered that question earlier...

Snell doesn't cover the range, fingerings, or techniques specific to the flute. Those kinds of things will be in books on instrumentation and orchestration.

ABC, I don't know the Snell books, but Kreisler has said "I'd say someone who makes it all the way through Snell has pretty much covered the first two years of an undergraduate music degree, plus a semester of form and analysis."
That sounds pretty comprehensive to me, and I'd make a start on that, if I were you. Once you have a bit of knowledge you'll have a better idea of what you don't know. It's almost impossible to design yourself a course when you don't know what you don't know ...
Keystring's post also gave some good topic headings to explore. Time has come to just get going and start, I think.

Thanks.