Composition Training (with Hindemith)?

Question

I am looking to get back into composition and trying to get some advice on textbooks.By way of background, my biggest liability is my lack of formal training (I have none). During my early teens, I worked through every exercise in Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum——working cover to cover three times until I could work with two and three part counterpoint with some ease.However, I never played my exercises. They were more or less math games. Coming back to music, eight years later, I want to (1) make my studies more practical —— in that I work on making real music and (2) improve my basic musicianship —— I can sight read on the piano decently but cannot sing a melody on sight.To help with both these I am thinking of working through Hindemith's Elementary Training for Musicians as well as his two volume works on harmony and/or the craft of musical composition.Two questions:1. Is it at all possible to derive benefit from Elementary Training for Musicians without a teacher? I have no dreams of great music talent, but I did teach myself through Fux. Looking for an honest take here.2. Do you recommend starting with Hindemith's harmony works or his craft of musical composition?I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Answer 1

It's great that you're diving back into composition and seeking advice on how to approach your studies. Here’s my take on your questions:

1. Elementary Training for Musicians Without a Teacher: Yes, it's definitely possible to benefit from Hindemith's Elementary Training for Musicians without a teacher, especially since you've already had the discipline to work through Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum on your own. Hindemith's exercises are very practical and designed to build a strong foundation in basic musicianship. They focus on rhythmic training, sight-singing, and ear training, which are crucial skills for any musician. The key is to be consistent and patient with yourself as you work through the exercises.
2. Starting with Hindemith’s Harmony Works or Craft of Musical Composition: If your goal is to improve your basic musicianship and make your studies more practical, I would recommend starting with Hindemith’s Elementary Training for Musicians. This will solidify your fundamental skills. Once you feel comfortable, you can then move on to his harmony works. Hindemith’s Traditional Harmony books are great for understanding harmonic principles in a practical context. After you’ve built a solid foundation in harmony, his Craft of Musical Composition can help you delve deeper into compositional techniques and structure.

Answer 2

Answer to question #1- Yes

Answer to question #2- No, I recommend starting with Vincent Persichetti's book " Twentieth-Century Harmony" published in the 1960's and so very applicable now in the 21st century.