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Does anyone know of a reference book where I can quickly look up symbols and other unfamiliar notation?

I find most books are workbooks with lessons and exercizes. I'd really love to find a quick look-up guide so I can find what I need to know and get back to playing.

Thanks!

I'm not sure of any books, but there are plenty of websites which explain music notation symbols - for example:
http://www.treblis.com/Notation/Music.htm

Welcome to the forums, also!
Euan.

I find this to be a really good question! I'm also looking for a "reference" type book or website, particularly about ornamentation. I have no idea where to look when I can't figure out how to play an ornament!

I found a copy of Fundamentals of Music by Frederick Fay Swift at the local used book store. It is 5x8 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Somehow they get an amazing amount of information in this very compact volume. It covers: Musical Terms, Transposition, Embellishments, Intervals, Terms of Composition, Scales, Time values, and more.

I have found it easy to use this book to find the answer to every question I have had thus far in my own piano journey.

The book is currently out of print.... but, I just did a Google search and found 2 copies available for sale. Perhaps you will find more. Good Luck!


http://www.antiqbook.com/boox/top/221417.shtml

and another at

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fundamentals-music-Frederic-Fay-Swift/dp/B0007DTDG2

Krysse,

Welcome to the ABForum. As you can see, you will find many helpful friends here willing to assist with any questions you may have.

pianoluvr,

Below is a link to the most comprehesive musical notation site I have found on the Internet. I hope it helps both of you.

http://www.dolmetsch.com/musicalsymbols.htm

Sincerely,

Lisztener

Hi Krysse,

Welcome to the forums.

I keep these by my piano:

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=34384870073019478&lc=recs:detail&item=3512438

and

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=34384870073019478&lc=recs:detail&item=3512441

Rich

Hello Krysse,

Welcome to the forums!!

This helps me a lot as well...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_musical_symbols#Notes_and_rests

Thanks everyone for being so helpful and friendly! I'll definitely check out those ideas.

I'm really glad I found this forum. I'd love to take some piano lessons but I can't afford it right now so I'll have to make do with whatever information I can find.

Krysse