Music Matters
True or False Quiz - Music Theory
Test your knowledge by answering true or false to these random musical questions and see how many you can get right. This light-hearted musical quiz poses 10 questions covering a range of musical issues. Some of the questions are theory...
Two Minute Music Theory
Music And The Protestant Reformation - Part I: Germany
What does a German monk, a Roman Pope, and a Spanish Emperor have to do with music history? Today we look at the events that surrounded 15th and 16th Century German music - particularly that of Martin Luther and the Protestant...
Music Matters
How to use Neapolitan Chords in Minor Keys - Music Composition
How do you use Neapolitan chords in? How does a Neapolitan sixth chord resolve? What are the best approach chords to use before a Neapolitan? This music composition lesson explains the best ways to write approach chords to Neapolitan...
Music Matters
Modulation using the Neapolitan Chord - Music Theory
Learn how to modulate using the Neapolitan chord, a more advanced modulation technique that allows you to move keys quite dramatically. In this music theory lesson we explain how to use the Neapolitan Chord as a means of modulating to a...
Music Matters
Classical Style - Composing for the Piano
In this episode of composing for the piano we talk about writing in a classical style. We take the music matters theme and arrange it into a classical style, discussing music composition techniques and tips when composing for the piano...
Odd Quartet
Cannons In The Orchestra The Story Of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture
Maybe one of the most popular remixes of all time - we take a closer look at the 1812 Overture composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and why exactly he added cannons to the orchestra.
Two Minute Music Theory
Does This Chord Even Exist? - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #52
The I 6/4 chord as a part of an authentic cadence. Is it real? Will we ever find out? Does it actually exist? Okay, so obviously the chord exists. But, it plays a very particular function...and it's current label is a bit misleading. So,...
Music Matters
How to Realize Simple Figured Bass - Music Theory
How to realize and read diatonic chords in figured bass and how to play a short passage from a figured bass. This music theory lesson explains the figured bass system in relation to all the diatonic chords in root position, first...
Music Matters
Why Should You Practice Scales & Arpeggios?
Learning and practising scales and arpeggios can seem like a waste of time to many students. In this video, we explore the why spending time practising scales and arpeggios can really help improve your playing technique. “Oh no, not...
Two Minute Music Theory
What are Intervals? - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #14
How to tell how far apart two notes are. What are intervals?
Music Matters
Modulation Using a Tritone - Music Theory
This music theory lesson demonstrates a method for delivering an extreme modulation a tritone away within a four bar phrase. Starting in C major the video shows how to move to F# major using an enharmonic equivalent of a German 6th chord...
Two Minute Music Theory
Dominant Chords
The Dominant Chord (V) is the second most important chord in a key. Today we look at two chords (V, vii) that have the specific function of being Dominant Chords
Music Matters
Escape Notes (Non-Harmonic Tones) - Music Theory
This music theory lesson explains escape notes, what they are and how to use them. When it comes to inessential notes many musicians understand passing notes, understand auxiliary notes, and are happy about anticipatory notes. But what...
Music Matters
How to Recognise Modulation in a Piece of Music - Music Theory
How to recognise a modulation in music. This music theory lesson explains what constitutes modulation and works through a piece of music that contains several modulations. An analysis of chords, accidentals and cadences reveals the...
Odd Quartet
Music Theory - Triads
How to identify and describe the different kinds of triads in music theory by looking at the root, third, and fifth of the chord. We also talk briefly about chord inversions.
Music Matters
How to use Augmented 6th Chord in Major Keys - Music Composition
Learn how do to construct and use augmented 6th chords in major keys. This music composition lesson explains the best ways to write approach chords to Augmented 6th chords and the best ways to resolve them. After explaining how to form...
Odd Quartet
What Is Polyrhythm?
One of the most confusing rhythms in music can be polyrhythms, but they don't have to be confusing. Today we break down what a polyrhythm is and how to make one. We also listen to two different example of polyrhythm using eighth notes,...
Music Matters
Use of 7th Chords - Inside the Mind of Bach
Find out how Bach makes use of seventh chords inside his music. Join us as 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...
Odd Quartet
Voice Leading Music Theory
Today we're going to look at voice leading. Voice leading is a way to get from chord to chord in music that makes it sound connected (and can make it easier for musicians to play). First, we will take a chord progression, add a bass line...
Two Minute Music Theory
Season 3 Starting September 5! - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY
Season 3 of Two Minute Music Theory starts on September 5! Mark your calendars! Tell everyone you know! Tell everyone you don't know! Tell you friends. Tell your enemies. Tell that guy from the internet company who was supposed to be...
Music Matters
10,000 Hours to Master the Piano? - Music Performance
Does it really take 10,000 hours to master the piano? This music performance lesson explores the theory that 10,000 hours is what is needed to produce a great pianist. The idea comes from Malcolm Gladwell, that it takes about 10000 hours...
Music Matters
Can You Name the Key of this Piece of Music? - Music Theory
Can you name the key this piece of music is in? This music theory lesson explains how to look at a short extract of music and figure out the key without hearing it. This types of exercises are often met in theory exams, where you are...
Music Matters
An Introduction to Bach's Prelude & Fugue in F# Minor (BWV859)
An introduction to the 48 Preludes & Fugues and Bach's Prelude & Fugue in F# Minor (BWV859). This music analysis video provides a simple examination of the work. Through this study one begins to understand the structure and musical...
Odd Quartet
Looking at Complex Polyrhythms
Polyrhythms are based on the concept that any note can be broken down into any number of smaller notes - musicians call this subdividing or subdivisions. The idea is that you can take any note and divide it equally into 2 parts, 3 parts,...