First Steps in Music Theory by Eric Taylor

I recommend First Steps in Music Theory by Eric Taylor.

This pocket sized book, produced by ABRSM publishing is a brilliant resource, for students and tutors alike. The Grades are clearly differentiated, as are the separate sections which the students are required to understand. Whilst for very beginners the long passages of writing might be a bit daunting, the visual representations are useful, and the divisions of each subject make it easy to define a section to work on. Musical terms which are new and should be known are emboldened to make them clear, and each statement is backed up by a visual example.

For advanced players who are tutoring beginners the structure of the book is useful as a reference for what level a student should be working to and each chapter is concluded with a list of terms and signs that should be understood.

An invaluable resource in such a compact size which, when teaching beginners, I wouldn't be without.