Talking about scales can get a little tricky if you’re not on the up and up. In this installment of Musical Fundamentals, we’re talking scale degrees, what...

The major scale feels basic, because it is. But, basic isn’t bad. The major scale is the most important scale we ever learn; because it sets us up to learn all the...

There’s one thing I always do with my advanced clients: We go back to the fundamentals. Mastering and reviewing our musical fundamentals is key to sustained growth...

Ever wonder what makes a melody not just good, but great? Well, I think I’ve come up with the answer…err, make that five answers. Today, I’m sharing...

We all know one guy that decries and derides music theory as limiting creativity. News flash – it’s not true! Today I’m going to show you how chord...

 This week in Watch a Real Composer Write Music in Sibelius, we elaborate on the 3 bars that completely changed the piece from last episode. I also finish the first...

I love extended chords. Like, a lot. They’re so expressive and beautiful and are able to convey more complex emotions and feelings than just major, minor, or seventh...

Halloween holds a special place in my heart, so this week I’m exploring three ways to make your music sound scary using some of the same techniques as the greats...

It’s easy to write the same chord progressions over and over. And that’s fine, if it works, it works. But, with just a little know-how you can alter those...

For many of us, the chord progression is the backbone of a song. And while everything has pretty much been done, it hasn’t been done the way we would do it. Today...

Use musical textures, they’re your friend. I mean, we’re already using them, but we can also use them intentionally. Wild, right? I know, man. I know.

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If there’s one thing I can point to that helped my voice leading the most, it was an understanding of the 3 Types of Motion. 

I came away with easy voice...