Music Matters
Harmonic Sequences - Music Composition
How to write simple harmonic sequences over a bass line that is derived from the pattern of the circle of 5ths. By alternating intervals of the 4th and the 5th in the bass a descending bass line is created above which a systematic chord...
Music Matters
Bass Sequence Using Falling Thirds - Music Composition
This music composition lesson explores one idea for writing a sequence based on a pattern in the bass line. In this case, the bass alternates falling thirds with rising seconds to generate a melodic pattern at the bottom of the texture,...
Music Matters
Alternating Inversion Chords when Harmonizing a Descending Bass - Music Composition
We explore one idea for harmonising a descending scale in the bass line. Many people find it easier to harmonise an ascending scale than a descending scale and most people find it easier to harmonise a scale at the top of the texture...
Music Matters
Two-Part Counterpoint Masterclass from Bach - Composer Insights
We explore the first of Bach’s 15 two part Inventions in the key of C. This composer insights lesson unbolts the imitative counterpoint, explaining the various contrapuntal ingredients and how they are used throughout the piece....
Music Matters
What Can You Write Before an Augmented 6th Chord - Music Composition
Which are the most common approach chords? We consider the reasons why these chords work better than other options, examining voice leading, the smooth progression of parts, and the avoidance of parallels & false relations. This music...
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Using Minor 5 Chords - Music Composition
We consider the possibilities for using chord V as either a major or a minor chord. In the harmonic minor context used by most composers since 1600 chord V is always major but in the context of the descending melodic minor scale and in...
Music Matters
Using a Slow Moving Theme with Cantus Firmus - Music Composition
We explore how to write a free moving line over a sustained melody presented in long notes. The example here uses the first two phrases of “Happy Birthday to you” set as a cantus firmus in long notes in the left hand, while the right...
Music Matters
Improving a Bass Line - Music Composition
How to take a plain bass line and turn it into something much more interesting. By using quavers and eighth notes this music composition lesson works through how to use extra chord tones, harmony notes and non-chord tones, inessential...
Music Matters
Identifying Non-Chord Tones - Music Theory
This music theory lesson works through a short passage of music identifying all the non-chord tones or inessential notes. The video explores the harmonic outline of the piece before covering an explanation of passing tones, passing notes...
Music Matters
How to Harmonize Repeated Notes - Music Composition
Many people struggle to know how to harmonize repeated notes. This music composition explores three strategies for dealing with such situations by harmonising the same note repeated six times. The first strategy is to consider the three...
Music Matters
How Schubert Creates Emotion - Composer Insights
We examine the opening section of Schubert’s famous Impromptu in Gb in order to discover how Schubert creates emotion. Starting with the melodic line we discover how the contour works and how the phrase design enhances the rises and...
Music Matters
Composing Twelve-Tone Music - Implications of Tonality in Serialism
How to approach constructing a note row that also incorporates a sense of tonality. The music composition lesson explores how to build in some implication of a key within a twelve-tone serial piece and explains how to achieve a...
Music Matters
Using Alberti Bass as a Compositional Technique - Music Composition
Discover how Alberti Bass works and how useful it is in breathing energy into accompaniments. Often composers write a successful melody but the accompaniment is limited to block chords. Using Alberti Bass is one way of liberating the...
Music Matters
Turning Chords into Arpeggios - Music Composition
This music composition lesson demonstrates how to take a succession of block chords and turn them into melodic lines with arpeggiated accompaniment. The chord sequence is analysed then organised as a melodic line at the top of the...
Music Matters
How to Approach a Flat II Chord - Music Composition
Some examples of chords that would work well approaching a Neapolitan flat two chord. This music composition lesson begins with a reminder of how to form a major chord on the flattened supertonic, otherwise known as a Neapolitan chord....
Music Matters
Creating a Moving Bass Line - Music Composition
Discover how to transform a piece of music that is using block chords into a much more engaging presentation with a moving bass line. Taking the opening of the British National Anthem this music composition lesson demonstrates how to...
Music Matters
Composing with a 5 Note Pitch Set - Music Composition
How to write a piece of music with only five notes. This music composition lesson takes a set of five notes and considers ideas for composing or improvising a piece based on those notes. We then explore how the Australian composer, Peter...
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...
Music Matters
Augmentation and Diminution Techniques - Music Composition
How to incorporate augmentation and diminution into a piece of music. This music composition lesson begins with a melodic line supported by a moving bass and goes on to demonstrate how the melodic line can be presented using augmentation...
Music Matters
Adding Elegance to a Melodic Line - Music Composition
Many composers are happy to write basic melodies that fit with chords but how do we give a melodic line more identity and elegance? We discover how appoggiaturas can play a significant role. This music composition lesson shows you how to...
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...
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...