pt. 1. Tones: Pitches and clefs ; Intervals ; Scales ; Major and minor keys --; pt. 2. Rhythms: Note values and basic notation ; Time signatures ; Tempo, dynamics, and navigation --; pt. 3. Tunes: Melodies ; Chords ; Chord progressions ; Phrases and form --; pt. 4. Accompanying: Transcribing what you hear ; Accompanying melodies ; Transposing to other keys --; pt. 5. Embellishing: Harmony and counterpoint ; Chord substitutions and turnarounds ; Special notation --; pt. 6. Arranging: Composing and arranging for voices and instruments ; Lead sheets and scores ; Performing your music --; Appendixes: The complete idiot's music glossary ; The complete idiot's chord reference ; Answers to chapter exercises ; The complete idiot's guide to music theory, second edition, ear training course CD.