This book is compilation of Dr. Gehrkens class notes and sources collected over the years, that a uniform text became available for schools and universities everywhere. Since the publication of this monumental work, Dr. Gehrkens provides not just the definitions of musical terms, but also the historical context of those terms. This inclusion enables students of music to better understand and remember those terms, and provides a platform from which Gehrkens argues for a uniform usage of musical terminology. Also included in the book are numerous musical excerpts, pictures, and actual analyses of musical examples. We have brought it back this important historical work as part of our ongoing global classical book series for readers. Karl Wilson Gehrkens was recruited by the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music to head the School Music Department as Teacher of Public School Music. During his thirty-five years of service, Gehrkens singlehandedly pioneered public school music education at the Conservatory and set national standards for training music teachers.