Earl L. Henry was professor and director of the B.A. program in music at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri, US).

Dr. Henry was a native of East Tennessee where he was a successful high school band director before obtaining a Ph.D. in music theory from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He received a B.A. in music from East Tennessee State University and an M.A. in music from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Henry joined the Webster University faculty in 1976 and died suddenly on Saturday, July 26, 2008.

Substantially revised, the fifth edition of Fundamentals of Music presents a complete introduction to music fundamentals and basic musicianship. It enables the user to learn the terms, symbols, practices, and conventions that make our music sound the way it does. In this popular book the author employs a fresh, user-friendly style to introduce and explain such traditional topics as notation, meter, scales, triads, and chords. Basic theoretical information is balanced with helpful suggestions for study, copious exercise material, and introductory aural skills training. Whether users are preparing for a career in music or desire to simply develop an appreciation of the musician's language, this is the book that will aid their learning experience. Also a useful tool for music educators.