Essays
Long-form writing on music, sound, culture, composition, listening, and human life.
Relative Minor & Major Keys Chart: Every Key Signature
Here are the relative and parallel minor and major keys for every key signature. I also explain below how these key relationships are derived.
2nd Species Counterpoint – composition for two voices
2nd species counterpoint is two notes against one. Meaning the cantus firmus is a whole note and the counterpoint consists of two half notes.
What is music analysis? What’s it good for?
Music analysis is a powerful tool used to understand how and why music works. Analysis can be used for a variety of reasons by musicians of any genre. Using classical…
Music theory and math – understanding connections
This idea that music is math or at least mathematical, is one that I encountered often at the university. To be fair, virtually anything can or does involve numbers and…
1st Species Counterpoint – a foundation for two voices
In this article you will learn how to write a 1st species counterpoint in 6 steps. I also strive to bring a deeper understanding around some of the “whys” of…
What is Cantus Firmus Counterpoint? – how it improves any creative musician
Yes, learning counterpoint is an old way composers have learned the basics of composition but I believe it is a skill all composers, songwriters, and producers should have in their…
How to use a diminished chord
You know your major and minor chords and have heard of this diminished chord but are unsure how to use it in your music. I break down what a diminished…