Music Theory & Education

/ 177 Articles

8 Tips for Writing Pop Songs

Are you curious about writing pop songs? If you're an established or aspiring writer who's interested in writing pop music, here are a few tips on how to craft better pop songs.

5 Common Beliefs About Song Copyrights, Some True, Some False

Confused about copyright in the music industry? Unsure how similar your song can sound to an existing one before you're infringing upon copyright? Jay Asher explores 5 common beliefs here.

How to Build a Wireless Visual Metronome that Synchronizes with your DAW

Learn how to build your own wireless, visual metronome that flashes along (multi-coloured) to your music in a DAW with MIDI out. Liam Lacey uses Processing, Spark Core and a bit of DIY magic.

Music Theory Tips: Using the Major Modes in Contemporary Styles

Following on from his article on how modes are constructed, Matt Vanacoro explains how you can utilize the major modes in your improvisation and melodic compositions. Music theory made easy.

Music Production Techniques, Part 6: Compression

Dynamics are a hugely important part of the mixing process. If you've just started mixing your own projects or have not had any formal training, dynamics processing seem mysterious. Time to demystify!

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up Studio Monitors

Correctly setting up studio monitors is crucial to ensure your audio productions aren't awash with problems. In this enlightening read, Joe Albano discusses 7 things which can be avoided.

Why You Should Consider Small Monitors For Your Project Studio, Part 2

In part two (the final part) of this mini-series, Shane Berry looks at Hi-Fi vs. nearfield monitors and the pros and cons of adding a subwoofer to your project studio speaker setup.

Why You Should Consider Small Monitors For Your Project Studio, Part 1

It's a myth that you need BIG speakers (or monitors) for your studio. In this two-part mini-series, Shane Berry explores the reasons you should go small, and the benefits this could bring you.

Music Production Tutorial: Back to Basics - Bit Depth, Sample Rate, and Headroom

All modern music makers need to understand audio concepts like bit depth, sample rate and headroom so they can push your production setup to the max. Matt Vanacoro explores the basics and some.

Music Theory Basics: Sus 4 and Add 2 Chords

It's time for another music theory helper. In this short tutorial-article, Jay Asher takes a beginner's look at how the popular Suspended 4 and Add 2 chords can be used in your productions.

Building EDM Chord Progressions in Logic Pro

Darren Burgos reveals how to easily program electronic-style chord progressions in Logic Pro X which you can then trigger with single keys. Great for producers and performers.

How Sound Affects You: Healing Tinnitus with Sound Therapy

Many musicians and DJs suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. For some it can be a mild condition and for others, sadly, more debilitating. Lynda Arnold proposes sound therapy as a way to help.

Music Theory Tips: Learning Modes for Improvisation and Production

If you're feeling stuck in the major, minor and pentatonic scales box when composing or playing, consider investigating modes. Matt Vanacoro explains how modes can transform your music.

Music Production Tips: Breaking Through Creative Blocks

If you're suffering from writer's block there's good and bad advice around on the net. So, we asked 5 successful producers and artists what they do when facing a creative drought. Essential reading.

Cutting to The Root: How to Write Better Lyrics By Being Genuine with Yourself

If you're interested in exploring ways to become a better, fresher, more original song or lyric writer then listen up. G. W. Childs recommends taking a genuine, no BS path. Read on if you dare.