Music Matters
Composing from a Chord Progression - Music Composition
Composing music in different styles using the same chord progression. Have you ever experienced the frustration of finding a sequence of chords you really like the sound of but have been unsure about how to compose a melody to fit those...
Music Matters
What is a Motif in Music? - Music Theory
Learn all about the motif, what they are, famous examples and how to write your own. One way in which music is written is for it to be based on a motif or combination of motifs. So what is a motif and how would a composer work with a...
Music Matters
How Does a Pedal Point Work? - Music Theory
A pedal point or pedal note is a musical device that is used to build harmonic tension within a piece of music. A pedal point is usually the dominant note (the 5th degree of the scale), either sustained for a period of time or repeated...
Music Matters
William Byrd and the Breakdown of Modality - Composer Insights
A look the breakdown of modality in “Ecce Advenit” by William Byrd. The typical features of the late Renaissance style are illustrated, including the linear construction and use of counterpoint. The video then proceeds to explore how the...
Music Matters
Double Modulation - Inside the Mind of Bach
A masterclass in modulation achieved by studying one of Bach's Chorales. We examine the choice of harmony and modulation, the part writing, the use of accented and unaccented passing notes, plus other features of the Bach Chorale style....
Music Matters
What is a Tritone Substitution? - Music Theory
What is a Tritone Substitution? How do you work out a tritone substitution? How do you use one?The tritone is defined and it’s use within a Dominant 7th chord is explored. The inversion of the tritone is demonstrated as a means of...
Music Matters
Simple Soloing using the Pentatonic Scale - Music Performance
Never been quite sure what the pentatonic scale is? Know what the pentatonic scale is but not sure how to use it? Want to improvise or compose a really effective piece without having to know much about theory or chords? Get creative with...
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How Chord Inversions Work - Music Theory
Learn how chord inversions work, what they are, how and when to use them, and how to label them. This music theory lesson includes U.K. and U.S. terminology to describe inversion chords and you will learn how to use all the diatonic...
Music Matters
Generating Rhythmic Movement and Embellishment - Inside the Mind of Bach
A look at a Bach chorale where the embellishments work in conjunction to create rhythmic movement within the piece. We examine the choice of harmony, the part writing, dealing with harmonic and melodic minor, plus other features of the...
Music Matters
Horizontal and Vertical Sight Reading
Learning to sight read advanced piano music involves improving your skills in both horizontal and vertical sight reading. Some keyboard players tend to read individual lines from left to right on the score. This is useful for absorbing...
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Creating Melodies from Chord Progressions - Music Composition
Learn how to create melodies from chord progressions. We start with a set of chords in four-part harmony and find notes which fit the progression before going on to add melodic variation and input some non-harmonic tones. This music...
Music Matters
How to Compose a Melody from a Chord Scheme - Music Composition
Learn how to write a melody over a chord progression. Have you got a great set of chords that need a melody to fit with them? In this music composition lesson we learn how to compose or improvise a melody that fits with a given chord...
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Common Notes Between Chords - Inside the Mind of Bach
How does Bach create stability when writing harmony? Let's find out as we take a deeper look into a fantastic chorale harmonization and examine the choice of harmony, chromatic chords, secondary dominants, borrowed chords. and...
Music Matters
Reading and Understanding Intervals - How to Read Music
How to work out intervals and develop the ability to hear and pitch them. Many people struggle to pitch notes accurately from a score, whether you’re a singer or someone needing to sight sing in an instrumental exam. In this video you'll...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord V (in Major Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord V what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
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Using a Common Note in Harmony - Music Composition
How to convert a less than satisfactory passage of harmony into a passage that works much better. In particular, there is a focus on how to use common notes (common tones) to maintain stability in the part writing when moving from one...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord One - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? When you're writing a chord progression it often makes sense to start with chord one but which chords could you use next? This music composition lesson gives you thirteen...
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3 Ways to Modulate from the Same Opening - Music Composition
This music composition lesson takes an opening bar and demonstrates how to modulate into three different closely related keys. The opening bar is used as a departure point for modulations to the dominant, the subdominant and the relative...
Music Matters
Music Theory Exam Tips & Advice - Music Theory
These music theory exam tips could make all the difference in your exam. Are you taking a music theory exam soon? Then this music theory lesson is for you. Find out what to take to the exam, how best to prepare, how to work through the...
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The Best Chords to Follow Chord IV (in Minor Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord IV what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
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What are Messiaens Modes of Limited Transposition: Music Theory
Learn about the 7 modes of limited transposition used by Olivier Messiaen in his music. The difference between these and more common modes is explained, along with an explanation of how each mode has a particular number of possible...
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George Michaels Skillful Use of Extended Chords Composer Insights
An insight into the introduction of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” to discover the skills employed to create the opening to this iconic song. This video lays out the chord scheme used during the introduction and demonstrates the...
Music Matters
Why the Notes E# B# Cb and Fb Really Do Exist - Music Theory
Yes, the notes E#, B#, Cb and Fb really do exist and it's important to know why. In this music theory lesson we explain the often confusing topic of enharmonic equivalents and why in music we sometimes have to call a note E# instead of...
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How to Harmonize a Major Scale - Music Theory
Would you like to be able to harmonize a major scale? Improve your keyboard harmony and learn how to easily harmonize a major scale. Being able to harmonize a major scale gives you a good feel for the key - useful for players and...