In this book, Kolman's approach to music fundamentals is straight-forward, yet he manages to inject humor and lightness in an otherwise fairly dry subject. And here is what I think is key (no pun intended): it is the approach. There is a plethora of fundamentals books and methods available and almost all of them follow the same patterns. While not bad in and of itself, this traditional approach leaves something to be desired in maintaining interest for those who are genuinely curious but not prepared for the rigor and dryness of the subject. Koman succeeds reworking the traditional approach with a well written and clear method, peppered with humor and amusing asides. I feel that this book could very easily be used by the music lover who wishes to be musically literate, or adopted any music fundamentals course for music majors (as review), or, especially, the the non-music major at any college or university.
