Have you ever wondered why certain chords just seem to flow naturally from one to another? Or why some keys feel more “at home” together than others? It’s not magic—it’s the circle of fifths! As a music teacher, I’ve often seen students struggle with understanding key relationships, chord progressions, and the theory behind how music […]
Continue reading →
As musicians, whether we’re songwriters, producers, teachers, or students, music theory is our foundation. Understanding the building blocks of music theory—like scales—is crucial for everything from composing to teaching. In today’s post, I’m diving into a concept that often confuses musicians: scale spelling. We’ll break down what it is, why it’s important, and how to […]
Continue reading →
One of the most fascinating aspects of music theory is how it allows musicians to create unique and interesting progressions by breaking (or bending) traditional rules. Let’s take a closer look at Nirvana’s song “About a Girl,” a track that blends simple and complex elements to create something distinctive yet universally appealing. Specifically, we’ll explore […]
Continue reading →
As a music teacher and piano player who hasn’t had formal lessons in many years, I recently found myself in an interesting situation: trying to help my son with his French horn. The more I looked into it, the more I realized that understanding how different instruments interpret the same note differently is a bit […]
Continue reading →
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for any small business. Customer feedback plays a significant role in shaping your business reputation, and online reviews can make or break your brand. However, managing reviews across multiple platforms is often a time-consuming, overwhelming task that can lead to missed opportunities, customer […]
Continue reading →
As a music teacher and lifelong learner, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between music and human culture. Recently, I came across a study that shed light on the hidden patterns in folk songs and how they reveal the evolution of music across different cultures. This got me thinking about the universal nature […]
Continue reading →
Music, at its core, is about creating and resolving tension. As a composer or songwriter, you may have come across cadences and their powerful role in shaping the emotional tone of a piece. Whether you’re writing a classical piano composition or producing the next hit pop song, understanding cadences can give your music a deeper […]
Continue reading →
As a music teacher and piano enthusiast, one of the most common questions I get from students is: “What is the F# minor piano chord, and how do I play it?” Whether you’re a beginner pianist or an advanced player looking to deepen your understanding of music theory, learning and applying the F# minor chord […]
Continue reading →
Piano Companion is an incredible tool that can transform anyone’s journey into music theory, even if, like me, you have no idea where to start with a complex chord progression. Recently, my girlfriend, who is an accomplished keyboard player, sent me a screenshot with the message: “Have fun finding out what that means.” The screenshot […]
Continue reading →
Maple Leaf Rag, composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, is one of the most famous examples of ragtime music. But when it comes to understanding the song’s form or structure, a question often arises: what exactly would you call the song’s form? Is it Rondo form, or something else? In this blog post, we’ll explore […]
Continue reading →