In 1725, Johann Joseph Fux wrote Gradus ad Parnassum (Steps to Parnassus), one of the first and most influential “music theory textbooks.” Parnassus is a mountain in Greece that is home to the Muses—the goddesses of literature, the sciences, and the arts. A number of well-known composers studied from Gradus ad Parnassum, including Mozart.
The title Steps to Music Theory has a double meaning. First, it is in homage to Fux’s Steps to Parnassus. Second, it refers to the steps students take to understand music theory. Steps to Music Theory breaks down each concept into step-by-step instructions.
Steps to Music Theory has branched out to Steps to Harmonic Dictation and Steps to Chord Progressions. I hope that these free resources can help students reach their goals.
Books on Music Theory
Steps to Music Theory
-
Steps to Music Theory Volume I: Fundamentals covers the fundamentals of music theory in an easily digestible step-by-step format with accompanying video lectures.
-
The Steps to Music Theory Volume I: Fundamentals textbook and accompanying video lectures are FREE online, and a printable PDF with scannable QR codes sells here for $3.99.
Steps to Harmonic Dictation
-
Steps to Harmonic Dictation is an entirely online resource to help both students and instructors. This covers harmonic dictation over 11 units, complete with listening exercises, worksheets, and answer keys.
Steps to Harmonic Dictation is designed to help students hone their harmonic dictation skills, and to assist educators who are not pianists.
-
Steps To Harmonic Dictation is a FREE online resource, no purchase required.
About the Author
Learn more about Susan de Ghizé