The 5 Best Music Composition Books for Beginners

Are you an aspiring musician looking to take your first steps into the world of music composition? Do you want to learn how to write your own music but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this article, we will be discussing the 5 best music composition books for beginners that will help you get started on your musical journey.

1. "Music Composition for Dummies" by Scott Jarrett and Holly Day

Don't let the title fool you - this book is an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of music composition. The authors, Scott Jarrett and Holly Day, break down complex musical concepts into easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn.

The book covers everything from melody and harmony to rhythm and form, and includes exercises and examples to help you practice what you've learned. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some musical experience, "Music Composition for Dummies" is a great place to start.

2. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Composition" by Michael Miller

Similar to "Music Composition for Dummies," "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Composition" is another great resource for beginners. Author Michael Miller takes a step-by-step approach to teaching music composition, starting with the basics and gradually building up to more advanced concepts.

The book covers topics such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form, and includes exercises and examples to help you practice what you've learned. It also includes a section on how to use music notation software, which can be helpful for those who want to start composing on their computer.

3. "Fundamentals of Musical Composition" by Arnold Schoenberg

If you're looking for a more in-depth look at music composition, "Fundamentals of Musical Composition" by Arnold Schoenberg is a great choice. Schoenberg was a renowned composer and music theorist, and this book is based on his famous composition classes.

The book covers topics such as harmony, counterpoint, and form, and includes exercises and examples to help you practice what you've learned. It also includes Schoenberg's own compositions as examples, which can be helpful for understanding how to apply the concepts he teaches.

4. "The Study of Orchestration" by Samuel Adler

If you're interested in composing for orchestras or other large ensembles, "The Study of Orchestration" by Samuel Adler is a must-read. This book covers everything you need to know about orchestration, from the different instruments and their ranges to how to write for different sections of the orchestra.

The book includes exercises and examples to help you practice what you've learned, and also includes a CD with recordings of orchestral pieces to help you hear how the concepts are applied in real-life compositions. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with orchestration, "The Study of Orchestration" is an invaluable resource.

5. "The Craft of Musical Composition" by Paul Hindemith

"The Craft of Musical Composition" by Paul Hindemith is another great resource for those who want to dive deeper into the world of music composition. Hindemith was a renowned composer and music theorist, and this book is based on his famous composition classes.

The book covers topics such as harmony, counterpoint, and form, and includes exercises and examples to help you practice what you've learned. It also includes Hindemith's own compositions as examples, which can be helpful for understanding how to apply the concepts he teaches.

Conclusion

Whether you're a complete beginner or have some musical experience, these 5 music composition books are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn how to write their own music. From the basics of melody and harmony to the intricacies of orchestration and form, these books cover everything you need to know to get started on your musical journey.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these books and start composing today! And if you want to practice composing online, be sure to check out our website, composemusic.app, where you can create your own music using our easy-to-use online composer. Happy composing!

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