Book excerpt: This publication explains the basic concepts of music theory, & how they relate to the mountain (Appalachian) dulcimer. Rockwell, who has spent some 20 years as a folk musician & mountain dulcimer teacher/player/builder, has distilled his own formal theory training in this book. Section 1, Music Theory, surveys the musical rudiments of all musicians' basic training. Rhythm notation, notes, meter, accidentals, scales, scale-building, key signatures, circle of Fifths, chords, etc., are covered & an explanation of whole & half-steps on the dulcimer fretboard is included. Section 2, Chord Reference, takes the reader/player through an orderly, rational evaluation of a dulcimer fretboard tuned D-A-D. Using graphic "pitch/interval surveys," "constellations," & "chord tablature," Rockwell explains the fretboard patterns of various triads. Chord progressions for 8 familiar tunes are provided: Bile Them Cabbage Down, Stretched Cabbage, Soldier's Joy, Fisher's Hornpipe, Liberty, Rickett's Hornpipe, 12-bar Blues in D & A. An appendix, Understanding the Modes, surveys the antique modes associated with this instrument. Exercises, diagrams & illustrations amplify this tightly packed reference, which will benefit dulcimer players at all levels, arrangers, & primary & secondary music educators. Includes publisher's CIP. To order: J.C. Rockwell Music, 6368-B Ambleside Dr., Columbus, OH 43229. 614-846-1096. E-MAIL: [email protected].