Music Theory & Education

Tutorial | Mar 01, 2015 by Jay Asher

So you're writing melodies and motifs that sound good... how can you improve these? How to make them sound better and work better in your songs? Jay Asher has some advice to share.

Tutorial | Feb 21, 2015 by Lynda Arnold

Taking a bath in water (hot is my preference!) is second nature to us all. Every day though we may be bathed in different things like light and also sound. Lynda Arnold explains what a sound bath is.

Tutorial | Jan 17, 2015 by Lynda Arnold

Having explored emerging areas of "healing" and "wellness" in her 'How Sound Affects Us' series, Lynda Arnold now explores how sound and vibration can be used to create pain with violent ends in mind.

Tutorial | Jan 04, 2015 by Lynda Arnold

Ornaments and embellishment techniques are part of the language of every skilled musician or composer. Lynda Arnold explores both in Baroque and Classical in this fascinating music theory article.

Tutorial | Dec 10, 2014 by Gary Guttman

If you're even a little interested in how to create moods in your music, for film, games or for any reason, this tutorial is for you. Gary Guttman explores 4 simple ways to add emotion to your notes.

Tutorial | Nov 23, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

It's amazing how much we know about sound and waves and yet how we're only on the cusp of understanding how sound vibrations affect us. In this article, Lynda Arnold explores the science of Cymatics.

Tutorial | Oct 12, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

Using secondary dominant chords in your chord progressions can be a quick and easy way to add some spice to your tracks. And, it's easy to do as Lynda Arnold demonstrates.

Tutorial | Sep 07, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

Ever wanted some tips on how to effectively come up with two-part chord progression arrangements? Lynda Arnold cuts through the choices to help you creatively evolve your song.

Tutorial | Aug 16, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

Continuing her series on the relationship between sound and health, Lynda Arnold focuses on the instrument we all have'"our voice'"and how it can be used to positive effect.

Tutorial | Aug 03, 2014 by Jay Asher

Experienced musician, composer and Logic expert, Jay Asher, shares these excellent tips on how to use chord inversions to make your keyboard parts even more musical.

Tutorial | Jul 13, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

In part 2 of this mini-series exploring the Blues from a music theory perspective, Lynda Arnold shares two-handed exercises for keyboard and much more!

Tutorial | Jul 06, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

In part 1 of this mini-series exploring the Blues from a music theory perspective, Lynda Arnold explores its foundation and looks at harmonic and melodic variations of the 12-bar blues form.

Tutorial | May 23, 2014 by Toby Pitman

Take your improv skills to the next level as Toby Pitman shows you 10 scales you can play over a dominant 7 chord for greater melodic variation. This article includes audio examples too!

Tutorial | May 11, 2014 by Lynda Arnold

Take your music theory (and keyboard skills) to the next level as Lynda Arnold shows some useful ways to play a simple chord progression with two hands, with varying voicings, rhythms and patterns.

Tutorial | Apr 17, 2014 by Andy Bowen

Whether you're on Android or iOS, did you know your smart phone is a really useful songwriting tool? Andy Bowen explores the increasingly mobile occupation for getting song ideas from head to screen.