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.

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

How does serialism work? We look at writing a piece of music using the twelve tone technique, creating a note row, exploring different ways to treat it and explore the fundamentals of the 12 note Serial technique devised and adopted by...

Learn how to build and recognise major and minor chords. This music theory lesson teaches you how to construct major and minor chords above any given note. Two techniques are explained, one based on intervals and the other based on...

Writing bad four part harmony?! Lots of people manage part of the journey with four-part harmony then get stuck or struggle to develop an outcome that is musically satisfying. This music composition lesson starts with a piece of...

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...

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...

Hey there! Looking for fun, awesome piano lessons for kids ages 6-10? Check out this video!

Secondary Dominants can be a little confusing. Why does the label look like a fraction? What does it mean to borrow a chord from another key? We'll talk about all of that today.

How to go about realizing more advanced figured bass, including how to read diatonic chords and seventh chords in figured bass and how to play a short passage from a figured bass. In this music theory lesson the figured bass system is...

We often see accidentals in music but they have different significance depending on the context. Accidentals might be flagging up a key change, or they might be decorative chromatic notes, or they might be signifying a minor key, or they...

In this episode of composing for the piano we talk about writing in a baroque style. We take the music matters theme and arrange it into a baroque fugue style, discussing music composition techniques and tips when composing for the piano...

Solfege has been around for a long time - over 700 years. And it gets mentioned a lot, in music rehearsals, on this channel, and in the Sound of Music. So, what exactly is solfege, and how can we use it?

This is very important. Please share to raise awareness of this important issue. You do not build to a crescendo.

A look at how Bach elaborates a chord progression in one of his chorale harmonizations. We examine the choice of harmony, chromatic chords, secondary dominants, borrowed chords. and modulation, the part writing, the use of inessential...

To round out our 2nd series on Chords, today we look at the chords with Subdominant Function - the ii and the IV chords.

When you look at a melody how do you know in which key it is composed? This music theory lesson presents a short piece and explains how to determine the key of a given melody. It also talks about modulation to a different key. How good...

What makes a diminished 7th chord and how do we use it best? In this music theory lesson you will discover exactly what a diminished 7th chord is, how to construct a diminished 7th, and how to locate a diminished 7th in the context of a...