News — Music Theory Courses

Learn how basic harmonic exercises transform into powerful modulating sequences by treating chord progressions as "words" you can combine. KEY LESSON POINT: Mastering small harmonic movements as reusable "words" allows you to create sophisticated modulating sequences by combining them in new ways, just as composers like Barber and Wagner did. By thinking of chord progressions as reusable words that can be combined into musical sentences, you transform technical practice into creative possibility. Find more of the examples used in this video in our Functional Harmony Course and exercises.   

Is It "Stealing" to Use Other Composers' Progressions? This lesson explores the common practice of reusing harmonic progressions through examples from Tchaikovsky, Alfred Newman, James Newton Howard, and others. Through practical demonstrations, we examine how the same basic progressions appear across different genres and time periods. KEY LESSON POINT: Using existing harmonic progressions and techniques from other composers isn't stealing - it's a fundamental part of musical composition. The artistry comes from how you reimagine and repurpose these common elements in your own unique way. Rather than trying to invent completely new progressions (which in purely diatonic music is most...

We have a new course on writing memorable melodies that we just released.  The goal is to provide a set of tools to help you develop better melody writing habits.  Breaking free from creative ruts can be one of the most challenging aspects of melody writing. If you've ever felt stuck repeating the same musical ideas or struggled to bring freshness to your compositions, we have a new course for you. We're excited to announce: "Basic Melodic Practice," designed to provide you with practical tools and lessons to rejuvenate your melody writing. Reinvigorate Your Melodic Creativity "Basic Melodic Practice" focuses...

Learn how a new way to compose by focusing on motif and themes first, without worrying about chord progressions.  Check out our latest mini-course, The Venus Legacy! This course is centered around a full composition built on cinematic sound, designed to teach you how to use small motifs and thematic ideas to create expansive, compelling pieces of music. With a focus on thematic reuse, you’ll discover how even the simplest motifs can serve as the glue that holds a composition together. We’ll explore advanced harmony techniques like cadence replacements, modulations, and more, all while working with a detailed reduction and...