So I got my copy of the second edition of Rick Snoman's Dance Music Manual in the mail today. I've just flipped through it so far, so I haven't really been able to determine how much new content is available in the second edition. I read through the first one a couple years ago and some of the techniques were out of date then, so it'll be interesting to see what has been updated. Its always hard to put out any type of printed material on a subject like dance music, since it changes so rapidly, but I still think it is a great resource for producers both novice and professional. No matter how much this genre changes, the basics of producing remain essentially the same.

I also think its good to refresh yourself on your fundamentals from time to time no matter what level you are at. Even in the few first pages on basic synthesis, there were a few things that were pointed out that I had forgotten.

I should get a chance to read through it more in the next couple of weeks once I go on vacation, but its up on amazon now for those of you who are interested.

http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Music-M...24392479&sr=8-1

Last edited by Eric J on Oct-19-2008 at 05:02

Oh so this is an updated version of the original book?

I just had a look at it on Amazong and google books, and it seems pretty solid. 300+ pages with all that info might actually be an interesting read.

While I think I know quite a bit about production now, you never know what kind of ideas you can get from reading something like this. It's not even expensive either.

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I have the first book so will check this second book out, it's the small tips and tricks that make the bigger difference

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Just bought it based in this link and the reviews I read on the site.

I too have the first one, was a good read. So think I will def get this one too.

PC

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Ive read the first book ,i believe a lot of stuff that was in the book you could have found on line or you could figure out yourself.

Also there was not much in the first book anyways

Just be creative and do what you want

I feel if its tips and tricks you want you can find a lot more tips and tricks online. The dance manual book he only had the basics in there most people know by know if your producing.

I think he is just trying to make money.

Last edited by newtrancer on Oct-29-2008 at 21:46

Thanks Eric, was not aware of these books. Might be ordering one now as I too believe it's useful to revisit the fundamentals every so often.

(btw, did you ever do the review of the focals....?)

quote:

Originally posted by newtrancer Ive read the first book ,i wont be buying any books from this point on no matter whats in the book. the fact is theres no right or wrong when it comes to music ,i believe a lot of stuff that was in the book you could have found on line or you could figure out yourself. Just be creative and do what you want and expirement with synths ,theres no need to read a how to make dance music book because each song you make is different everytime you make a song your not gonna go to that chapter in the book you need to have an open mind and just be creative and do things unexpected ,you dont want to sound so typical I feel if its tips and tricks you want you can find a lot more tips and tricks online.

some people have a more systematic approach to learning man...

i'd rather read a boat building book before i built a boat... if you want to get misc tips & tricks and try to put them together yourself, then go for it. you can't knock reading material, there are always rules and guidelines in any creative field but knowing all the rules & guidelines will only help you have alternative perspectives.

DJ im not knocking reading books or this book what im saying is if your gonna make a dance manual;

Why not have everything in there like that is considered dance

like happy hardcore, psych ,dark trance,hard core,dream trance,drum n bass,break beats,tech - trance,acid trance.
progressive house,deep house,german techno.
progressive psycadelic trance.

I could go on and on but you know what i mean.

im not knocking reading its good to learn and brush up on stuff ,i read books myself all im saying is i wont buy any more dance music manuals as theres enough material in the first one and there was not much material in the first one anyways.

its like anything else in life you learn english in high school then you write and talk how you want.

you learn how to drive then you have your own way driving


the same with music you learn theory learn a insturment and you have your own style .

no author is gonna tell me how to produce talent comes with hard work
and time . not two weeks after you read a manual.

Looks pretty cool. First time I've heard of the guy.

Would you guys recommend this for a beginner? Or is it directed towards the more advance? Thanks in advance.

Has anyone read this yet? I read the first one and thought it was brilliant, although a bit dated.

Neverforget: this kind of book is essential for beginners! highly recommended!

Anyway, I would love to know if there is enough new content in there to make it worth buying the second edition.