Music Theory & Education

Tutorial | Feb 18, 2018 by Hollin Jones

In this short video, Scott Freiman explains how the Beatles' approach to chord changes and song structure makes for great pop music. Dive in now to find out how they did it!

Tutorial | Feb 16, 2018 by Matt Vanacoro

Different techniques for voicing and playing chords can radically change the way a piece of music sounds. Matt Vanacoro shares 5 pro tips for better accompaniment.

Tutorial | Feb 16, 2018 by Hollin Jones

If you have ever wondered how to make your orchestral MIDI parts sound more believable, how to work faster and get better results, you'll want to watch these two short videos.

Tutorial | Jan 23, 2018 by Joe Albano

Arranging music can be tricky with the almost limitless freedom provided by modern DAWs. Here are 8 pro tips to avoid mistakes and get the best arrangement possible.

Tutorial | Jan 22, 2018 by Jay Asher

Logic Pro X has so many timesaving tricks and shortcuts if you know where to look for them. Here, Jay Asher shares some of his personal favorites for speeding up your workflow.

Tutorial | Jan 22, 2018 by Hollin Jones

When preparing a score for transfer between applications, knowing the best form of quantization to use can be crucial. This video explains why.

Tutorial | Jan 14, 2018 by Hollin Jones

Your approach to programming virtual strings depends on whether they will eventually be played by real instruments. This short video has some pro library selection advice.

Tutorial | Dec 10, 2017 by G.W. Childs IV

Playing by ear can be tricky to master but it's a great skill to have. Here are 5 tips to help you on your way to being a more instinctive player.

Tutorial | Dec 01, 2017 by Hollin Jones

By understanding this simple but seldom-discussed rhythmic technique you can take simple musical parts and make them more interesting. Jordan Rudess shows you how.

Tutorial | Nov 19, 2017 by Matt Vanacoro

Here's how using different kinds of common tones - additional notes held as part of a chord - can add an extra quality to your playing and go beyond simple chord structures.

Tutorial | Oct 05, 2017 by Hollin Jones

For anyone making music, it's crucial to understand the physical space you are in. This short video will explain how the behaviour of sound should play a key role in your studio design process.

Tutorial | Oct 02, 2017 by Joe Albano

Making authentic drum patterns even if you're not a drummer isn't as hard as you might have thought. Joe Albano takes you through the fundamentals of programming a great beat.

Tutorial | Sep 28, 2017 by Matt Vanacoro

In the latest in his series on music theory essentials, Matt Vanacoro gives you some pointers on how best to put together a chord chart for you and those you are working with.

Tutorial | Aug 30, 2017 by Matt Vanacoro

Keyboard players don't always have a guitarist on speed dial to lay down some tracks for them. Here's how you can fake it with keyboards, and get away with it!

Tutorial | Aug 16, 2017 by Joe Albano

Creating good harmonies for vocals involves more than just tweaking some plug-ins. Joe Albano explains the musical theory behind getting harmony just right.