Traces the origins and history of jazz, its major artists, and its stylistic varieties, and offers suggestions for assembling a recording collection

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A beautifully composed journey through music history! Music history is a required course for all music students. Unfortunately, the typical music history book is dry and academic, focusing on rote memorization of important composers and works. This leads many to think that the topic is boring, but bestselling author Michael Miller proves that isn’t so. This guide makes music history interesting and fun, for both music students and older music lovers. • Covers more than Western “classical” music—also includes non-Western music and uniquely American forms such as jazz • More than just names and dates—puts musical developments in context with key historical events

The complex art of conducting may look effortless to the casual onlooker, however, it requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. The success of a performance hinges on the director's ability to keep the group playing together and interpreting the music as the composer intended. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Conducting Music shows student and novice conductors how to lead bands, orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles effectively through sight-reading, rehearsals, and performances.

Presents basic lessons in reading music notation, advice on how to select an instrument, and details how to find your way around the keyboard.

Instruction and tips for creating arrangements, structuring compositions, and writing for various styles of music.

Covers the history of drumming, different drum types, how to care for them, and basic skills and tips for playing different types of music.