"In the Groove: Form and Function in Popular Music" gives students a clear, concise, accessible introduction to popular music, and the features of popular songs.
Students begin by learning the musical terms and concepts they will use throughout the text to better understand the structures and musicality of various pieces of music. Boxed hints help students with pronunciation, and show how specific terms are applied in specific songs. Boxed warnings minimize confusion between similar terms and concepts, and educate students about common mistakes.
The chapters that follow discuss musical forms, advanced features of songs, and rhythm and meter. The book helps students discover new ways to engage with and think about music they already know and love. It also introduces them to music that is less familiar to them. Reading through the material makes it possible for students to approach all music from a more knowledgeable perspective. A song analysis template is included so students can apply what they have learned.
"In the Groove" includes diverse musical material that reflects different pop traditions from a variety of eras. The book is an excellent supplemental text for classes in popular music, music history, and music appreciation.
Mark Elliot Bergman serves on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. In addition to his work in education, he is a bassist, composer and author. Professor Bergman is a member of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, and the Britt Festival Orchestra. In 2006 he founded the award-winning string trio Virginia Virtuosi. Fairfax Connections credit the ensemble with turning classical music cool. In 2011 Professor Bergman received the William Strauss Fellowship from the Arts Council of Fairfax County in recognition of his work as a composer. His previous writing about popular music has been published by Oxford University Press.