Interview with Christopher Galvan

Author of Music Theory Field Manual

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area and after travelling the United States for years as a musician, I’m now back in the Washington, D.C. area.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I live near where I was born in the Washington, D.C. area.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve been teaching music and music theory for many years, including at the college level, and have found that there is a lack of material out there that helps a player apply music theory knowledge directly. Most theory books delve far deeper into the weeds than is needed, wanted, or necessary for the actual performer to use. That’s why I wrote Music Theory Field Manual. My goal was to cut through the weeds and help players access and use music theory directly.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My book is a quick reference guide for the practical application of music theory concepts.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I feel that my book’s likely audience would be professional musicians(who would likely reference the chord/scale index) ,music teachers at any level, music students and parents of music students that want clear answers to questions such as “what is a key?” or a simple explanation of a chord/scale relationship.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned during the process of writing this book that I needed to further simplify certain concepts as I wrote about them. As a lifelong musician, I found during the editing process that I was using terminology that was basic to experienced musicians, but not necessarily to others. I imagine that this might be a problem for writers in any field of study.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I would tell my past self to compose a clearer set of goals for the reader of the book and probably to write a separate book that deals with rhythm only, with the same objectives in mind as the first book but from the rhythmic layer. Maybe I’ll write that book in the near future!

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like to reach as many people as possible with my book. In my view, music theory has been “institutionalized” and hence uses many outdated terms and far too much jargon. These are barriers to those that want to just grab some of the concepts and actually use them in their playing. You shouldn’t even have to know how to read music to appreciate most of these concepts.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge with this process has been getting people to download the book. I’ve had some success, and I’ve had some good reviews, but I would like for more people to use it. I think it would help lots of musicians and even music fans.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength writing this particular book is my extensive understanding of the topic. I didn’t want to write a book that wasn’t extensively researched, and I wanted to write one that any professor at any conservatory or music school would think was a solid representation of this material, and would agree that I achieved what I was setting out to achieve. As far as publishing and marketing, I don’t feel that I have much strength!

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weaknesses regarding the process was definitely publishing and marketing.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

Writing a book is an endeavor. I would some day like to write another, perhaps “Rhythm Field Manual”, but I have a family and it’s not a cost-effective activity that I can dedicate the necessary time to at the moment. I wouldn’t want to put something out just to do it. Readers can sense a lack of passion.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I self-published through BookBaby. They have been very professional and I’m pleased with their service.