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

A history of world music that places musical developments in context to important historical events and examines the evolution of both Western and non-Western music from prehistoric times to the present.

MP3 is an Internet music format to compress music for easy download and storage. This work gives a history of how MP3 came to exist and what the technology is. The authors offer pointers and tips for would-be artists who want to run for the music industry.

Published in 1992, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theoryhas proven itself as one of Alpha's best-selling books and perhaps the best-selling trade music theory book ever published. In the new updated and expanded second edition, the book includes a special CD and book section on ear training. The hour-long ear-training course reinforces the basic content of the book with musical examples of intervals, scales, chords, and rhythms. Also provided are aural exercises students can use to test their ear training and transcription skills. The CD is accompanied by a 20-page section of exercises and examples.

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.

Discusses American history from prehistory through 2006, including brief biographical sketches of historical figures and events from popular culture.

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

Offers an introduction to Italy's history and culture, from ancient Rome and the power of the Vatican to Mussolini's rise to power, Milan's fashion designers, and Italian cuisine.

Yours"re no idiot, of course. Yours"re familiar with Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joan of Arc and their extraordinary achievements. However, you may never have heard of many other women whose accomplishments have been overshadowed by their male counterparts. You donrs"t have to enroll in a womenrs"s studies program! The Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg; to Womenrs"s History shows you how, again and again, women transcended their traditional roles to re-make the world. In this Complete Idiotrs"s Guidereg;, you get: A comprehensive examination of women throughout the world-from ancient to modern times. The true stories behind such history-making women as Hatshepsut , Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Sanger, and many others. The contributions women have made to society, including science, mathematics, medicine, and art. Stories of political struggles, from formidable women rulers of ancient times to Womenrs"s Liberation and beyond.

Puts world events in a context that is relevant for today's students and casual readers Updated to include the significant events from the past several years