Mini Music Guides: Dictionary of Music: Book

This compact reference belongs on every music stand, in every instrument case, and on every classroom shelf. Unlike bloated music encyclopedias that sit unused, this dictionary answers questions in seconds with working definitions, instrument ranges you can actually use, and theory charts that don't require a separate textbook to understand.

Music students, private lesson instructors, band and orchestra directors, and anyone who needs quick answers to music vocabulary and theory questions. It serves equally well for the beginner asking "What does pizzicato mean?" and the advanced student checking transposition ranges or researching a composer's background.

• Keep a copy in the band or choir room library so students can look up unfamiliar terms without derailing rehearsal
• Use the instrument range charts when teaching transposition or scoring arrangements
• Reference the theory charts during sectional instruction to reinforce scales, modes, and chord construction
• Direct new students to the biographical section when programming unfamiliar composers

Keep a copy in your office and hand it to students during lessons when terminology questions come up, freeing you to focus on sound and interpretation rather than pausing to explain concepts. It also works well as a gift for high school students entering college music programs or for students preparing for music theory placements.

• understanding music terminology across historical periods (Medieval through contemporary)
• reading and interpreting music theory charts (scales, modes, chords, key signatures)
• identifying instrument families and their transpositions using written and sounding ranges
• researching composer biographical information for program notes and contextual study
• applying pronunciation guides to foreign musical terms in rehearsal and performance