The Principle and Practice of Modal Counterpoint follows the pedagogical tradition of stressing writing skills in the manner of Palestrina, i.e. modal vocal counterpoint of the Roman sacred school of the sixteenth century. Rather than using the direct approach to counterpoint, this textbook uses the species approach. This textbook pays attention to the music that led up to Palestrina's style and the subsequent music that led to the instrumental style of Bach. Stress is placed on the basic principles of contrapuntal music throughout the history of western music and how they are put into practice in various styles. Each chapter includes a number of exercises that helps the student assimilate the material of the chapter.

Covering modal music from Gregorian chant through the seventeenth-century, The Principles and Practice of Modal Counterpoint is a comprehensive textbook combining stylistic composition, theory and analysis, music history, and performance. By supplementing a modified species approach with a wealth of complete musical examples and historical information, this textbook thoroughly joins principle with practice, providing a truly immersive experience in the study of modal counterpoint and familiarizing students with modal repertoire.