Introduction to Chord Notation Chord symbols are a musician’s secret language, a musical shorthand that unlocks endless creative possibilities. Imagine you’re at a jam session and someone calls out, “Play a Cmaj7!” Without these symbols, chaos might ensue. Common notations like C, G7, and Em guide us with specific instructions on which notes to play. […]

Introduction to Voice Leading Voice leading is the art of smoothly transitioning from one chord to another, akin to guiding singers to harmonize perfectly. It’s essential for creating music that feels cohesive and natural. Composers like Bach mastered this technique, crafting intricate harmonies that stand the test of time. I recall teaching a student who […]

Introduction to Brian Wilson’s Musical Brilliance Brian Wilson, the genius behind The Beach Boys, transformed pop music with his innovative and emotive compositions. His brilliance stems from his intuitive grasp of voice leading—a concept in music theory that dictates how individual melodic lines move within harmonies. Wilson’s approach was instinctive, crafting songs that were both […]

Introduction to Musical Connections Have you ever hummed a tune, only to realize it sounds eerily familiar, yet you can’t quite place it? That’s the magic of musical connections. These hidden threads weave through melodies, surprising us with their subtle nods to other pieces. Think of it as music’s version of an Easter egg hunt! […]

Introduction to Musical Improvisation Imagine yourself at a jazz club, immersed in vibrant rhythms and spontaneous melodies. This is musical improvisation—a dynamic interplay between structure and freedom. Historically, musicians have embraced improvisation to express individuality, from Bach’s organ solos to the soulful riffs of jazz legends. It’s a cornerstone of music, teaching adaptability and self-expression. […]

Introduction to Chord Identification When I first started learning guitar, my teacher handed me a chord chart and said, “Unlock this code, and you’ll play anything!” Chord identification is like learning a new language; it’s recognizing the musical “words” that form the foundation of songs. Understanding chord variations not only helps you play but also […]

Introduction to Dissonant Chords Dissonant chords are the rebels of the musical world. They make you sit up and ask, “What was that?” Characterized by tension and unrest, dissonance has historically been the spice in musical compositions, adding intrigue and flavor. From Stravinsky’s dramatic clashes to jazz’s evocative tension, dissonance is a tool for expressing […]

Understanding Dissonance in Music Dissonance in music often gets a bad rap, much like brussels sprouts at a kids’ dinner table. Yet, dissonance, at its core, is simply a combination of notes that creates tension. This tension can be as invigorating as a dash of chili in your soup, making the transition to consonance all […]

Introduction to Musical Notation Musical notation is the secret language musicians use to communicate—think secret-agent codes, but with melodies instead of spies! Imagine playing your favorite song by ear each time—chaos would ensue. The history of notation in classical music is a fascinating journey, starting with Gregorian chants, where monks jotted down squiggly lines called […]

Introduction to Rare 7-Tone Scales Seven-tone scales, or heptatonic scales, form the foundation of countless musical traditions, from the familiar major and minor to more exotic counterparts. My fascination with these lesser-known scales began during a late-night jam session when we stumbled upon a mysterious scale that transformed our sound, opening new creative doors. The […]