I had the pleasure of taking this course from one of its authors (James Brody) at the University of Colorado and I do believe that the textbook offers a wonderful approach to the teaching of Rock and Roll Basics.Too many students of my generation do not appreciate the "older" rock and roll and it is great to see a book that focuses equally if not more on the roots and evolution of rock and roll as on its more modern counterparts.However, Although the textbook is excellent, I believe that you only get about 3/4 of the experience, because having an author teach it allows for many of the blanks to be filled in, and an unbeatable course instruction.Bottom line: A great example for a rock and roll course, but without proper instruction it will fall short of what it is capable of.