Music Matters
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
Josquin Des Prez High Renaissance Motets - Music Appreciation
Discover how Josquin des Prez developed compositional style during the High Renaissance period. Josquin des Prez followed composers like Du Fay and Ockeghem, and prepared the ground for Palestrina and his contemporaries. As a singer,...
Music Matters
Understanding The Circle of Fifths
Find out how to draw the Circle of Fifths and why it's so incredibly useful! Learn how to use the circle of fifths to work out all the major keys, all the minor keys and all their key signatures. Useful for understanding keys and key...
Music Matters
How Well Do You Know The Circle of Fifths? - Music Theory
Can you answer all the questions in this Circle of Fifths 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 light-hearted quiz that is...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord III (in Minor Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord III what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
Music Matters
Modulating to Closely Related Keys (Minor Key Modulation Chart) - Music Composition
Each key has five closely related keys to which we can modulate. This music composition lesson explains how to find those neighbouring keys and the purpose and use of pivot chords, before showing all the options for using pivot chords in...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord VI (in Minor Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord VI what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord V (in Minor 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...
Music Matters
Modulating to Closely Related Keys (Major Key Modulation Chart) - Music Composition
Each key has five closely related keys to which we can modulate. This music composition lesson explains how to find those neighbouring keys and the purpose and use of pivot chords, before showing all the options for using pivot chords in...
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
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...
Music Matters
A Simple Guide to Modes - Music Theory
A simple guide to musical modes. Most musicians know about major and minor scales and keys. One thing that Jazz musicians and those interested in music from pre-1600 have in common is that they both know about modes. Modes existed before...
Two Minute Music Theory
Chords in Major and Minor Keys - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #47
As we continue our Chords series, today we look at the chords that can be made using the major and minor keys - which are called Diatonic Chords.
Music Matters
What is Pandiatonicism in Music? - Music Theory
What does pandiatonicism mean in music? How did pandiatonicism come about and which composers used it? This music theory lesson explains pandiatonicism, ‘pan’ meaning ‘all’ and ‘diatonic’ meaning inside a key. Examples are explored which...
Music Matters
The Best Chords to Follow Chord II (in Minor Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord II what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
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
The Best Chords to Follow Chord VII (in Minor Keys) - Music Composition
Are you struggling to get started in writing a chord progression? If you want to use chord VII what are the best options for chords to follow? This music composition lesson gives you plenty of options for chords that progress well from...
Two Minute Music Theory
Chord Functions
As we continue our Chords series, today we look at the different roles that chords play in major and minor keys.
Music Matters
Debussys Use of the Whole Tone Scale Composer Insights
How Debussy makes use of the whole tone scale to achieve his signature evocative sound. We look through his Piano Prelude “Voiles”. The use of low dynamics, slow tempo and plenty of rhythmic space are just three of the ingredients...