It was time to stretch . . . and so we did. We have created a Second Edition of Discovering Music. For our wonderful customers who have used our signature course since its birth in 2009, worry not! The outline of 17 units covering the Common Practice Period from 1600 to 1914 has not changed a bit. The video lectures fit perfectly with this new edition.

But technology has changed. And there were features we wished to retire from that “long-ago” period of 2009, as well as new directions we wanted to pursue. So that’s what we did across the winter, and it went to the printer last week. Our first copies arrived Tuesday!

First, you’ll see a new cover design (kudos to Hank, for his concept here). In the new, expanded textbook you will now find a substantial prose narrative for each unit, as well as illustrations, charts, timelines, and two helpful glossaries: Terminology and Who’s Who. (If you know our course Early Sacred Music, you’ll see similarities in format.)

Another change comes with the addition of a Student Workbook. Because we enlarged the textbook so much, we decided to extract the student material (exercises, viewing guides, projects), add and revise here and there, and give this material its own book. The new Student Workbook is spiral bound, which should make it convenient to use.

Many of you know that we phased out our original Listening CD set over the past years, although we still have a few left, if you still want to get one (you’ll find them in our store at a substantial discount). The listening in its new on-line form has been greatly expanded and includes links to video performances and some scores as well. Finally, we have taken the Teacher’s Manual online as a download at the nominal price of $1, better to allow parents a controlled access.

Remember, if you have our beloved original course (with its blue cover), you absolutely have the full course. The 17 Video Lectures remain the same. Still, if you do wish to update by adding the new Textbook and updated Student Workbook, then get ready for a new pattern in black, gold, and grey.

The new Discovering Music will be unveiled at conferences this season, starting tomorrow in Greenville, South Carolina. We expect to be shipping the Second Edition by the end of March. We look forward to your response! Soon I’ll be telling you about another series we’ve just begun, with the first volume just published as well (hint: enthusiasts of our “Night at the Opera” webinar series are going to like this one!).