The Best Electronic Music Theory Books

We’ve put together a list of the best electronic music theory books to help you take your production skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned producer, these books will help you learn the ins and outs of music theory and composition.

Introduction

There is a wide range of books available on the subject of electronic music theory, and the following is a selection of some of the best. These books cover a broad range of topics, from the basic principles of sound and waveform theory to more advanced concepts such as composition, arranging, and mixing.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, these books will help you take your knowledge and understanding of electronic music to the next level.

The Best Books on Electronic Music Theory

There are a variety of books available on electronic music theory, and it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best books on the subject to help you out. In this list, we’ll take a look at the top five books on electronic music theory, based on our own personal experiences and opinions.

A Theory of Harmony by Heinrich Schenker

Heinrich Schenker’s A Theory of Harmony is one of the most important and influential books on music theory ever written. First published in German in 1906, it was translated into English in 1954 and has been reprinted several times since.

Schenker was a music theorist, critic, and composer who developed a unique and highly influential approach to understanding tonal music. His theory is based on the idea that all tonal music is based on a small number of underlying structural principles, which he called “Urlinie” (or “original melodic line”).

The Urlinie is a kind of melodic skeleton that can be found beneath the surface of many pieces of tonal music. It is usually hidden from view by the surface melody, but Schenker believed that it was the key to understanding how tonal music works.

A Theory of Harmony is not an easy book to read, but it is essential for anyone who wants to understand Schenker’s approach to music theory. It includes many detailed musical examples, as well as a thorough discussion of Schenker’s ideas.

The Foundations of Electronic Music by Curtis Roads

This is one of the few books available on the topic of electronic music theory, and it is considered to be the authoritative text on the subject. The book covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of electronic music history, an introduction to synthesis and sound design, and a discussion of various compositional strategies. The book also includes a section on music perception and cognition, which is particularly relevant for anyone interested in creating electronic music that is both innovative and accessible.

The Structure of Electronic Music by Peter Manning

The Structure of Electronic Music is a comprehensive guide to the theory and history of electronic music. It covers all the major concepts and artists, from the early days of musique concrète to the present day. Manning provides a clear and concise explanation of how electronic music is made, and how it fits into the broader Musical landscape. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in electronic music, and an excellent resource for students and scholars alike.

The Technique of Electronic Music by Thomas Stockham

Thomas Stockham’s The Technique of Electronic Music is a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of electronic music composition. It covers topics such as synthesis, sound design, signal processing, and composition techniques, and includes a section on computer music. The book is geared towards intermediate to advanced level composers and producers, and is an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of electronic music theory.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best electronic music theory books. Although there are many other great books out there, we feel that these are the best ones for those looking to get started with learning about electronic music theory. So what are you waiting for? Start learning today!