Music Matters
Composing Twelve-Tone Music - Including the Familiar
How using traditional elements of music theory is useful to think about when writing a twelve-tone serial piece of music. Examples of using tonal elements and rhythm that isn't too complex are explored in order to demonstrate that...
Vlogbrothers
What is The Oldest Song?
In which Hank sings the oldest song we know of...the Seikilos Epitaph. Most songs from this period were written with only the lyrics, but the Seikilos Epitaph, buried as part of a funeral, contained an unmistakable chord chart. And so,...
Music Matters
Why Should You Learn Music Theory?
Students learning music often think of music theory as a waste of time, they think it’s boring, and something they’ll never actually need. We explain why you should learn music theory in order to become a better musician. Plenty of...
Two Minute Music Theory
Intro To The Harmonic Series - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #31
Music is made by sound waves. The objects that make those waves make complex waves. Which create what we call Harmonics. Today we look at some Music Physics and get an intro to the Harmonic Series.
Two Minute Music Theory
Music and Mythology, Education, and Theory (Greece, Part 2) - Music In History
It's hard to separate the study of Greek music into different categories since they were all so interconnected...but we're going to try! Today's Episode features research and commentary from Dr. Emily Williams Burch, who joins me to talk...
Music Matters
Understanding The Circle of Fifths
Find out how to draw the Circle of Fifths and why it's so incredibly useful! Learn how to use the circle of fifths to work out all the major keys, all the minor keys and all their key signatures. Useful for understanding keys and key...
Odd Quartet
Music Theory - The Circle Of Fifths - Your Ultimate Guide
In this music theory lesson we look at the circle of fifths. It can seem complicated at first, but the circle of fifths can be a really useful tool when learning music theory. It organizes key signatures, and it can tell you what kinds...
Music Matters
Classical Melody Writing Tricks - Music Composition
Classical melody writing tricks and music composition techniques. We begin with an exploration of how melody notes must either belong to the harmony or be identified as inessential notes. We then move on to consider how conjunct and...
Music Matters
Modulation Using the Circle of Fifths - Music Theory
How to use the circle of fifths to modulate and change keys. If we are writing or improvising a piece of music and we want to modulate to other keys, how do we decide which keys to move to? The Circle of 5ths not only explains the whole...
Music Matters
Circle of Fifths Quiz - Music Theory
How well do you know the circle of fifths? Test your knowledge with this short quiz. The Circle of Fifths tells you everything you need to know about major keys, minor keys, and key signatures. This music theory lesson presents a...
Two Minute Music Theory
Is Older Music Better? - Music Theory Vlog #1
Is older music better? Is current music worse? Are we as composers and songwriters devolving? I discuss these topics on my first ever music theory vlog.
Music Matters
Extreme Modulation Using Chromatic Harmony - Music Theory
Harmonizing a melody using chromatic chords and advanced harmonic techniques to effect modulation to extreme keys. The melody to be harmonized includes an extreme modulation from Eb to B major before travelling back to Eb major. This...
Music Matters
Creating Tension and Release in Music - Music Composition
Learn how to create tension and release in music. This music composition lesson explores five particular ways in which tension and release can be achieved in music. While this will be of particular interest to composers it will also...
Music Matters
How Well Do You Know The Circle of Fifths? - Music Theory
Can you answer all the questions in this Circle of Fifths quiz? The Circle of Fifths tells you everything you need to know about major keys, minor keys, and key signatures. This music theory lesson presents a light-hearted quiz that is...
Music Matters
How to Tell if Music is in Simple Time or Compound Time - Music Theory
What is simple time and compound time? How can you tell the difference? Are you able to listen to a piece of music and hear if it's in simple time or compound time? Many people find the area of simple time and compound time confusing. In...
Two Minute Music Theory
The Math of Music - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #32
Did you know that all musical intervals can be expressed using some basic math? Today we talk about some of that math.
Music Matters
Test Your Knowledge of The Circle of Fifths - Music Theory
Test your knowledge of The Circle of Fifths! Can you answer these questions? The Circle of Fifths tells you everything you need to know about major keys, minor keys, and key signatures. This music theory lesson presents a light-hearted...
Music Matters
Minor Key Harmony - Music Theory
Minor key harmony can be very complicated. Many people are reasonably happy about choosing chords to harmonize a melody in a major key but minor keys present particular challenges, especially when trying to figure out your way around the...
Music Matters
Music Exam Preparation Tips - Music Performance
Many musicians across the world enter for music exams. If you’re taking an exam how best can you prepare and what are the things to consider so you can give your best on the day? This music performance lesson reflects on Gareth's decades...
Music Matters
Why Do We Have 3 Minor Scales? - Music Theory
There are 3 minor scales, or more precisely, 3 variants of the minor scale because of how harmony and melody interact in Western musical tradition. Why do they exist and what are they? In this music theory lesson we explain the Natural...
Music Matters
How to Recognize Written Chords in Sheet Music - Music Theory
How to recognize written chords in sheet music. This music theory lesson will help you understand how to look at a chord and know what chord is written. By the end of this lesson, you will have a good understanding of how to identify...
Two Minute Music Theory
How To Use The Circle of Fifths - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #19
Now that we've built the circle, how do we use it? What all can we do with the Circle of Fifths?
Music Matters
Sight Reading Advice & Tips - Music Performance
Get better at sight reading with these expert tips and techniques, suitable for candidates preparing for ABRSM exams. How good are you at Sight Reading? It’s an area that many musicians worry about. In music exams, quite often it turns...