Basic Music Theory

[Sorry: this 352-page book is well worth reading, but the free promotion period for is over]

Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music (4th ed.) (4.5 stars. 65 reviews)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KW08ZY

Blurb:

Basic Music Theory takes you through the sometimes confusing world of written music with a clear, concise style that is at times funny and always friendly. The book is written by an experienced teacher using methods refined over more than ten years in his private teaching studio and in schools. Lessons are short, well-paced and enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner of any age, whether you're an experienced player who wants to bone up on your theory, or whether you teach music and need a fun way to do it, you'll find this book valuable and will refer to it again and again.

You will discover how easy it is to:

 * Learn quickly and efficiently with easy lessons designed by a professional teacher.
 * Learn the symbols used in written music.
 * Understand the terms musicians use.
 * Learn the piano keyboard and the guitar fretboard.
 * Use memory devices to learn terms and symbols.
 * Use the included study guides to remember it all.
 * Apply what you have learned with short, easy Practical Use sections at the end of each Chapter.
 * Tune in to radio shows, television shows and the Internet to find musicians demonstrating great music.

With Interludes On:

 * How to practice. Some topics: equipment, how to improve, ear training, listening, private teachers.
 * Conducting. What does all that arm-waving mean? How does it help? Find the answers and learn how!
 * Learn Some Italian. Many musical terms are in Italian. Learn them in this section.
 * Ultra-brief history of music notation.

Special Features:

 * Piano Keyboard w/ Note Names
 * Guitar Fingerboard w/ Note Names
 * Practice Aids
 * Staff Paper
 * Specially Designed Reviews
 * Practical Use Exercises
 * Extensively Cross-Referenced
 * Musical Terms Dictionary
 * Book Index