Here is a discussion of some of the harmony ideas you guys submitted.
Category Archives: Free Lessons
Interesting in recording? Here is some information for you.
Yes, I hate my own arrangements sometimes.
An easy way to get away from playing octaves in the left hand.
Ideas from a weekend seminar.
A hook is a term that has different meanings in music. Sometimes, it refers to a chorus. When I use it, I am usually referring to some bit of something that makes a song memorable. For example, it could be a rhythmic idea, a melody line, or some interesting harmony. Arrangers want their music to […]
Over the past several months, I have been focused on the theory of improvised music. I am far from done covering theory, but it is about time for you to start improvising your own music if you are not already doing it. Church music is full of opportunities for improvisation–preludes, offertories, accompanying, reflective music, etc. […]
If I am going to be honest, I am going to be a little slow posting lessons through the summer. I am traveling a lot and very busy. I have about three months to finish arranging the music for my next CD, and am feeling that pressure. Not only does the music have to be […]
I did a masters class last week, and covered a few of the concepts I have been writing about here on the site–using 7ths and the ii7-V7-I progression. I was impressed with the knowledge of the students, but after an hour or so, I was still getting a lot of blank stares. It reminded me […]
I have been too busy this week to do an extensive lesson, and last week’s lesson was pretty heavy anyway. Besides everything else I do, I am studying new music theory, planning a round of summer concerts, and arranging my new project which I hope to record this winter. I want to talk about musical accessibility […]
I often talk about how one of the highest goals of your music should be beauty. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time talking about harmony that is in itself, very dissonant. If this seems a bit inconsistent to you, I can understand. Today, I want to talk about dissonance and why […]