Music Theory Through Musical Theatre

<p><em>Music Theory through Musical Theatre</em> takes a new and powerful approach to music theory. Written specifically for students in music theatre programs it offers music theory by way of musical theatre. Not a traditional music theory text <em>Music Theory through Musical Theatre</em> tackles the theoretical foundations of musical theatre and musical theatre literature with an emphasis on what students will need to master in preparation for a professional career as a performer. Veteran music theatre musician John Franceschina brings his years of experience to bear in a book that offers musical theatre educators an important tool in equipping students with what is perhaps the most important element of being a performer: the ability to understand the language of music in the larger dramatic context to which it contributes.<br />The book uses examples exclusively from music theater repertoire drawing from well-known and more obscure shows and songs. Musical sight reading is consistently at the forefront of the lessons teaching students to internalize notated music quickly and accurately a particularly necessary skill in a world where songs can be added between performances. Franceschina consistently links the concepts of music theory and vocal coaching showing students how identifying the musical structure of and gestures within a piece leads to better use of their time with vocal coaches and ultimately enables better dramatic choices. Combining formal theory with practical exercises <em>Music Theory through Musical Theatre</em> will be a lifelong resource for students in musical theatre courses dog-eared and shelved beside other professional resource volumes.</p>