What are harmonic inversions? If you're not using them, you run the risk of writing very boring progressions and pieces. But they don't have to be a scary confusing thing. In this episode, I …
Composing Without An Instrument
It is possible to write without the aid of an instrument. Instruments can actually be detrimental to your composing. And it's not just instruments. DAWs, notation software, and virtual instruments …
Music and Time: Theme Types
The two main theme types, the sentence and the period have somewhat different musical goals. In this episode, I talk about how I use them in my own composing. …
Music and Time: The Basic Idea
In this episode, I talk about the basic idea, and why it's such a useful way to start your themes. …
Music and Time: What Are Formal Functions?
This is the first video in a short series on form, or how your music relates to time. In this video, I talk about Formal Functions, the idea that your music can represent temporality. If …
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How I Setup My Scoring Template
In this episode, I show you my scoring template. …
More on Sketching
In this vlog, I show the techniques I talked about in the previous video on sketching. …
Five Tips for Better Sketching
Sketching is a critical skill. Here are five tips to improve your ability to sketch. …
Composing a Chord Progression
Watch me compose a functional chord progression. I took the music out that was around 9 minutes in. Major chart Minor chart Article on Diatonic Harmony …
Hearing Loss and Composers
Don't ruin your hearing. In this episode, I talk about why it's important for composers to protect their hearing. Listen to the music "Pancho Villa Rides" here: …
Five Minute Speed Composing Session
Watch me compose as quick as I can in five minutes. The goal of this episode is to just show you what it's like to sit down and write some music. It's really no big deal. I sit. I play. I …
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Dealing with Writer’s Block
Have you ever wanted to compose but ran into writer's block? This episode gives you a few strategies to tackle this universal problem that all composers have. …
Defining Creative Problems
What are creative problems and why are they important? Your growth as a composer is tied directly to the questions you ask. Learn how to ask the right kinds of questions to improve your …
Do I need to play piano to compose?
Piano is critical for you as a composer. In this daily vlog, I talk about what I think is important when you are learning to play the piano, the skills you need, and why they are …
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Should I go to college for music?
I get asked all the time if it is a good idea to go to college for music and composition. In this vlog, I try to answer the question. https://youtu.be/YdvSr2PJZW4 …
Compose More Music Than You’re Used To
Welcome to the very first episode of the new daily vlog. I tend to be a perfectionist, which means that I don't end up putting out as much content as I should. The goal now is to get over that, and …
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