The Vault: Theory Free Lessons

Theory is the basis for almost everything I teach and I have found that most pianists do not get the level of theory they need to really be good at such skills as playing by ear and improvisation. These free lessons will help you get up to speed.

Secondary dominants

An introduction to secondary dominants
More about secondary dominants
When to use secondary dominants
Video Lesson: Demonstration of secondary dominants

Miscellaneous

Do you need to know theory to arrange?
Polychords made easy? (Maybe not)
How to chart a song
Random but important theory
A new way of looking at scales
How to practice scales and arpeggios
The importance of the number four
Nashville charts
Tips for labelling accidentals correctly
How many chords are there?
Chord Cheat Sheet
“Just As I Am” – Example of identifying chords
Labeling chords as letters or numbers
Why chords can be called different things
Chords with missing 3rds or 5ths 
More about slash chords
What is a jazz chord?
Triads vs 7ths 
Three classifications of chords

Courses

Theory for Church Pianists
Arranger’s Package
The Chord Toolbox
The Nashville Number System