The textbook prepared by the influential theorist and cantor of Magdeburg for use in Lutheran schools summarises medieval practice but is written with understanding to simplify the young learner's task. While Agricola's other well-known treatises are in the vernacular, Rudimenta Musices, at Georg Rhau's instigation, was written in Latin to conform with Melanchthon's educational policy. Translated by John Trowell. The musical examples transcribed into modern notation with commentary by Brian Trowell. The original pages have been enlarged by fifteen per cent for reading in the Latin.