Greek Music & Beyond
Books on Greek Music — Rebetiko, Folk Songs & Modal Theory
From modal theory and rebetiko to folk song anthologies, poetry, and cultural history — these books are written for musicians, researchers, and anyone drawn to Greek music who wants to understand it from the inside. Every book draws on years of fieldwork, performance, teaching, and research across Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean — written to scholarly standards, but in a voice that never loses the musician.
Theory · Rebetiko · Modal system
The Theory of Rebetiko
The first comprehensive English-language guide to the modal system of rebetiko. Maps the relationship between Ottoman makams and Greek dromi — for bouzouki and oud players, and for ethnomusicologists. Covers 41 modes and dromi with 166 musical examples drawn from the classic repertoire, plus QR codes for instant listening. The foundational reference for anyone studying rebetiko theory in any language.
Anthology · Sheet music · Folk music
Greek Folk Music — Vol. 2
The second volume in this ongoing anthology series — a new selection of traditional Greek folk tunes, transcribed to balance scholarly accuracy with practical usability. Each tune is presented in dual notation (modal and equal-tempered), with chord symbols and QR codes for instant listening. Essential sheet music for anyone playing or studying Greek folk music.
Anthology · Sheet music · Folk music
Greek Folk Music — Vol. 1
The first volume, now in its expanded second edition. A selection of 22 traditional Greek folk songs with dual notation (modal and equal-tempered), chord symbols, and QR codes for listening. A foundation in Greek folk music for musicians, students, and researchers.
Poetry · Translation · Folk song
Songs of Greece — Vol. 1 [in Italian]
A gateway into the poetic and musical world of Greek folk song — featuring original Greek text alongside Italian translation, with detailed cultural and historical commentary. Valuable for scholars, translators, Greek language students, and anyone interested in the literary dimension of the Greek musical tradition.
Scholarly · Historical
The Greek Songs of Niccolò Tommaseo [in Italian]
A study of Niccolò Tommaseo’s landmark 1842 collection of Greek songs and its resonance in the living Greek musical tradition. Combines philological research with ethnomusicological fieldwork. Essential reading for researchers in nineteenth-century Greek cultural history, comparative literature, and the oral traditions of the Mediterranean.
Introduction · Culture · Ethnomusicology
Listening to Greece [in Italian]
An introduction to Greek music — covering instruments, dances, regional repertoires, and the cultural context that gives them meaning. Written and published in Italian as Sentire la Grecia. The ideal starting point for readers new to Greek traditional music.
FAQs
What language are the books written in?
The Theory of Rebetiko is available in both English and Italian. The Greek Folk Music anthology volumes are in English. Songs of Greece and The Greek Songs of Niccolò Tommaseo are in Italian with original Greek texts. Listening to Greece is in Italian. Musical notation and examples are universal across all editions.
Do I need to read music to use these books?
For The Theory of Rebetiko and the Greek Folk Music anthologies, basic ability to read standard musical notation is helpful, though the QR codes allow you to hear every example. The modal theory sections are explained in clear prose that does not require notation reading. Songs of Greece, the Tommaseo study, and Listening to Greece do not require any musical notation skills.
Which book should I start with?
If you play an instrument and want to understand the modal system of rebetiko, start with The Theory of Rebetiko. If you want Greek folk tunes to play, the Greek Folk Music anthologies are the right choice. If you are new to Greek music and want a broad cultural introduction, Listening to Greece is the ideal starting point.
What is dual notation (modal and equal-tempered)?
The Greek Folk Music anthologies present each tune in two notations: one reflecting the theoretical modal intervals of the Greek tradition (which include microtonal inflections), and one in standard equal-tempered Western notation. This allows musicians to see both the theoretical structure and a practical version playable on fretted instruments like bouzouki or guitar.
Are the books available as eBooks or PDFs?
Availability varies by title. Check the individual book pages for current format options and downloadable previews. Most titles are available in print through Amazon.
Can I use these books alongside your online lessons?
Yes, and many students do. The Theory of Rebetiko in particular serves as a reference companion to the bouzouki, oud, guitar, tzouras, and baglamas courses. The Greek Folk Music anthologies provide additional repertoire for practice between lessons.
From the page to the instrument
The theory and repertoire in these books connect directly to what we explore in lessons — start with a free trial and see for yourself.
