Master Music Composition: From Basics to Pro - 2026 Updated

In this lecture, you'll explore key concepts such as the history of the keyboard, tonic notes, scales, intervals, triad chords, and arpeggiators. You'll also learn about sharp and flat notes, chord voicing, and equal and unequal temperament. Resources needed include a DAW, notepad, and MIDI keyboard.

In this chapter, we’ll build on last week's focus on rhythm and beats by exploring the keyboard, keys, basic scales, and chords. Understanding music theory and using a controller keyboard will enhance your compositions. We'll also examine classic and contemporary pieces to blend techniques into your tracks.

In this chapter, we’ll build on last week's focus on rhythm and beats by exploring the keyboard, keys, basic scales, and chords. Understanding music theory and using a controller keyboard will enhance your compositions. We'll also examine classic and contemporary pieces to blend techniques into your tracks.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "The Keyboard".

In this lecture, you'll explore the history and evolution of the keyboard. You'll learn about the development of early keyboard instruments like the clavichord and harpsichord, and understand the invention and significance of the piano.

In this lecture, you'll learn how to identify the key of a song by understanding the selection of notes and chords used. You'll develop skills to determine the key through listening and analysis, and understand the difference between major and minor keys.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Key & Tonic".

In this lecture, you'll learn how to identify the key of a track yourself, focusing on the root note or tonal center. You'll practice ear training to find the tonic note and understand how to use the bassline as a reference for key identification.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Finding the Key & Tonic".

In this lecture, you'll explore which notes work together by focusing on scales. You'll learn how major and minor scales function, how they form the basis for key signatures, chords, basslines, and melodies. Practical exercises will help you understand these scales and how to use them effectively in your music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Scales".

In this lecture, you'll analyze two dance tracks—one in a major key and the other in a minor key. You'll practice identifying the tonic or root note and determining the scale that matches each track.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Playing Scales Over Tracks".

In this lecture, you'll explore various key identification software tools that help determine the key of a song. You'll learn how these tools can assist in your process while also understanding the importance of human verification to ensure accurate results.

In this lecture, you'll delve into intervals and chord creation. You'll learn how intervals, or the distance between two notes, form the foundation for building chords. By understanding how to combine notes and recognize their relationships, you'll gain insight into constructing various chords and their sonic qualities. This knowledge will help you effectively use chords in your compositions.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Intervals & Chord Creation".

In this lecture, you'll learn about triads—chords made of three notes: the root, third, and fifth.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "What is a Triad?".

In this lecture, you'll explore chord inversions. Building on our understanding of triads, you'll learn how to play chords in different positions: the Root Position, 1st Inversion, and 2nd Inversion.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Different Chord Voicing".

In this lecture, we'll explore why slowing down a track and looping specific sections can help in identifying chords.

In this lecture, you'll learn about arpeggios, where the notes of a chord are played individually in sequence rather than all at once. We'll explore how arpeggios add melodic interest and movement to music, with examples illustrating their use.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Arpeggiators".

In this lecture, we'll explore how musical keys convey emotions and how equal temperament changed our perception of these keys. We'll also look at the historical impact of different tuning systems on music.

This chapter serves as a recap to remind ourselves of the key music theory concepts we've covered. Review these fundamentals to strengthen your understanding and keep your skills sharp.

In this session, you'll explore Roman Numerals, chord sequences, and the importance of basslines. You'll learn about 7ths and 9ths chords, syncopated rhythms, and concepts like bassline riffs and passing notes. Advanced topics include the Circle of Fifths and slash chords.

In this chapter, you'll explore how to combine chords into sequences, using basic chords and scales to build complete musical ideas. We'll cover common chord combinations and the crucial role of bass lines. Finally, we'll introduce rhythm to set the stage for creating catchy tunes and melodies.

In this chapter, you'll explore how to combine chords into sequences, using basic chords and scales to build complete musical ideas. We'll cover common chord combinations and the crucial role of bass lines. Finally, we'll introduce rhythm to set the stage for creating catchy tunes and melodies.

In this lecture, you'll learn to create triad chords in a key, use Roman numerals for chord sequences, and see how this system simplifies transposing music. You'll also explore practical applications for adapting chords.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Chord Progressions & Roman Numerals".

In this lecture, you'll explore the Circle of Fifths, a tool for understanding key signatures, related keys, and chord relationships.

In this lecture, you'll delve into chord sequences, their role in songs, and their emotional impact. Learn how chord progressions, whether simple or complex, support melodies and influence a song's mood.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Chord Sequences: How Much Do They Matter?".

In this lecture, you'll be provided with questions to consider about chord inversions. Writing down your answers for future use will help you practically benefit from understanding and applying these concepts.

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to expand triads by adding extra notes like 7ths and 9ths. We’ll explore how these additional notes create new chord types and their impact on music. You'll also examine examples of songs that use these expanded chords.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Beyond Triads - 7ths & 9ths".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the excitement that syncopation brings to rhythm. You’ll hear how syncopated rhythms differ from straight rhythms by comparing two 4-bar loops. We’ll also look at how these rhythms are shown in a piano roll. Plus, you’ll get a chance to download a Logic Pro project to see syncopation in action with drums.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Rhythm & Syncopation".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the vital role of the bass player in a band. You'll see how a great bass line can make a huge difference in your music, making it sound more cohesive and impactful.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Presenting: The Bass".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the evolution of the bassline from the double bass to the electric bass guitar. You’ll also learn about modern alternatives for creating basslines in your own productions, including synthesizers, synth basses, and unconventional sounds.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "What Can Be Used For A Bassline".

In this lecture, we'll explore the role of the bass note in reinforcing a chord and how it affects the chord's stability and harmony. We'll also touch on the human response to low frequencies and how they contribute to our sense of grounding and security.

In this lecture, we'll discuss how to craft a bassline by focusing on the root note of each chord and using it as a base. We'll also explore slash chords, which involve changing the bass note from the root note of the main chord.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Basslines Notes: Root Note & Slash Chords".

In this lecture, you'll learn about passing notes and their role in smoothly connecting key notes within a chord progression. We'll also cover bassline riffs, which are catchy, repetitive patterns that can define a song's character. You’ll discover how a strong bassline can even become the main focus of a track, highlighting its importance in shaping a song’s sound.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Basslines Notes: Passing Notes, Bassline Riffs, & Main Hook".

In this chapter, we covered the basics of chords and basslines, including how to use root notes and slash chords. We also explored passing notes and bassline riffs, learning how they contribute to a song's structure and feel.

Please do your homework!

In this session, you'll explore melodies and riffs, their crucial roles in popular music, and how to compose them confidently. You'll learn to harmonize over diatonic chords, understand the relationship between melody and key, and use various melodic techniques. Plus, you'll cover finding, sampling, and manipulating loops, and extracting chords from songs.

In this chapter, you'll learn to create melodies over chord progressions and enhance chords with different rhythms. We'll explore how these elements work together and discuss methods to kickstart your music compositions.

In this chapter, you'll learn to create melodies over chord progressions and enhance chords with different rhythms. We'll explore how these elements work together and discuss methods to kickstart your music compositions.

In this lecture, you'll learn the difference between riffs and melodies. We’ll focus on how riffs are repetitive, memorable patterns, while melodies evolve through different song sections like verses and choruses.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "What's the Difference Between Melody & Riff".

In this lecture, you'll learn to imitate, assimilate, and innovate by recreating and modifying riffs. We'll cover improvising riffs over chords and using embellishments and chord extensions to enhance your music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "How: Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate! and Improvising Riffs & Melodies Over Chords".

In this lecture, you'll explore comping—a technique to refine riffs and melodies by combining the best parts of multiple takes. You'll also learn about soloing, using unplanned instrument improvisations to create compelling solos in your tracks.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "How: Comping and Soloing".

In this lecture, you'll discover how chords can be the main hook of a song. Explore how catchy chord progressions and their rhythms can make a song memorable, with examples of tracks that use chords as their primary draw.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Playing Chords Rhythmically".

In this lecture, we’ll explore how drums and percussion can have a pitch and play a harmonic role in your music. Discover examples of how percussion can lead a track.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Creating Melody From Percussions".

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to use octaving to highlight melodies and how focusing on the top note of a chord can enhance melodic impact. We’ll cover these techniques and their applications in various songs.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "More Melody Tips".

In this lecture, you’ll discover how setting limits in music-making can enhance creativity. We’ll discuss creating a plan, defining boundaries, and using constraints to guide your music production process.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Setting Limits".

In this lecture, you'll explore sampling in music. We’ll listen to classic tracks to identify where their samples came from and learn how to sample and loop parts of songs in any DAW. You'll practice cutting samples, setting loop points, and adjusting tempos to fit your project.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Starting a Track: Sample".

In this lecture, you'll learn how to expand a loop into a unique composition by recreating it with various instruments. You'll also discover how to play over tracks to inspire new ideas and develop original pieces.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Developing The Loop & Playing Over The Top".

In this lecture, we'll explore various ways to manipulate a sampled loop to create unique and original sounds.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Loop Manipulation".

In this task, you’ll take a section of a song you enjoy and turn it into a seamless loop using the looping technique we’ve learned. After crafting the perfect loop, you’ll explore at least three creative techniques to modify and transform it into something unique. The goal is to reimagine the loop in a way that blends your creativity with the original sound, making it stand out with your personal touch.

In this lecture, you'll learn why capturing your own sounds is valuable. Discover how recording unique audio from your surroundings can inspire original ideas and avoid copyright issues, enhancing your creative process.

In this lecture, you'll learn why extracting chords from songs is essential for instrument variation, creating new progressions, and understanding harmonies. You'll also explore methods to extract chords and discover tools to assist with this process.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Extracting Chords From Songs".

In this chapter, we focused on how to enhance your musical ideas by combining rhythms with melodies and chords. We learned how to turn simple ideas into compelling musical parts and discovered methods for making our compositions more engaging.

Please do your homework!

In this session, you'll explore modal mixture and slash chords, learn about dominant 7ths and suspended chords, and gain insights into extended chords and key changes. You'll also dive into alternative minor scales, Pentatonic and Blue scales, and get an overview of modes and mediant concepts.

In this chapter, you'll expand your music skills by exploring extended chords, alternate scales, and progressions. We'll dig into these advanced ideas to help you create more complex music. If you feel stuck, reviewing earlier chapters can help. Expect to challenge some basic music rules—this is where creativity and new ideas start!

In this chapter, you'll expand your music skills by exploring extended chords, alternate scales, and progressions. We'll dig into these advanced ideas to help you create more complex music. If you feel stuck, reviewing earlier chapters can help. Expect to challenge some basic music rules—this is where creativity and new ideas start!

In this lecture, you'll explore how to mix major and minor chords using the Modal Mixture technique. You'll learn to create interesting progressions by blending chords from parallel keys, enhancing your songwriting skills.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Mixing Major & Minor Key Signatures (Modal Mixture)".

In this lecture, you'll be provided with more songs that use Modal Mixture. You can analyse these songs yourself to identify which chords come from their parallel keys.

In this lecture, we'll dive deeper into slash chords. You'll learn how they work with examples to listen to. Discover how playing a different bass note than the chord's root can add richness to your music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Slash Chords".

In this lecture, you'll explore the two main reasons for using slash chords: inversions and shorthand. Learn how inversions add variety and smooth transitions, while shorthand simplifies chord notation, making it easier to read and play.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "The Use Of Slash Chords".

In this lecture, you'll explore songs that use slash chords. You'll hear how these chords are applied in different tracks and get a chance to practice playing them yourself.

In this lecture, you'll explore the dominant 7th chord, a vital addition to your chord collection. You'll learn to distinguish between major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chords, and understand their roles in music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Dominant 7ths".

In this lecture, you'll learn how to create extended chords by adding notes like the 7th, 9th, and 13th to basic major, minor, and dominant chords, enriching your music with deeper harmonies.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Extended Chords".

In this lecture, you’ll explore Sus2 and Sus4 chords. These chords create a sense of tension and anticipation, adding a dynamic, unresolved feel to your music that invites resolution.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Suspended Chords".

In this lecture, we'll recap what we've learned so far about triads, extended chords, slash chords, dominant 7ths, and sus chords before testing your recognition skills visually and by ear.

In this lecture, we’ll cover intervals; the distance between two notes. Understanding intervals aids in harmonizing, chord creation, and ear training. Review the Interval Names Poster for reference.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Intervals".

In this lecture, we’ll explore writing melodies with intervals and see how they shape riffs and melodies, similar to chord progressions.

We'll listen to examples like “Taste The Night” and “Space Minus One” to understand how intervals add depth and contrast to music. By downloading the MIDI files, you can hear and analyze how intervals enrich melodies and add musical interest.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Writing Melodies: Intervals".

In this lecture, you'll learn how to modulate to relative keys to change your song's mood. We'll practice moving between a major key and its relative minor to see how it shifts the feel of the music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Changing Keys: Modulation".

In this lecture, we'll see an example of how to use a pivot chord to smoothly transition from A♯ Major to F Major in a chord progression. This technique helps make key changes feel natural and interesting.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Modulate To Any Key".

A small reminder: Keep practising, stay curious, and remember that progress takes time. You're doing great—keep going and never give up!

In this lecture, we'll recap the Major and Natural Minor scales and then introduce the Harmonic Minor and Melodic Minor scales. Understanding these scales will broaden your creative options for composing melodies.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Alternative Minor Scales".

In this lecture, we'll explore the Harmonic Minor scale. We'll focus on how this scale adds a unique tension to your music. Listen to an example and understand how it enhances resolution and musical expression.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Harmonic Minor".

In this lecture, we’ll cover the Melodic Minor scale, focusing on its unique pattern where the 6th and 7th notes are raised when ascending and revert when descending.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Melodic Minor".

In this lecture, we’ll explore modes—variations of scales that bring unique flavours to your music. These modes add variety and depth to compositions, offering new ways to approach melody and harmony.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Modes".

In this lecture, we’ll explore real-world examples of the seven musical modes by listening to a variety of songs that highlight each mode's unique mood and feel. You can also download a PDF for a handy reference table with all the modes and corresponding songs.

In this lecture, we’ll categorize modes from dark to bright, showing how altering notes in a scale can change the overall mood. A table is provided to illustrate this concept.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Modes: Brightness".

In this lecture, we’ll look at how American popular music has changed over time, blending European and African influences. We’ll see how blues and rock 'n roll used pentatonic scales and how they helped shape modern music.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Pentatonic & Blue Scales Introduction".

In this lecture, we’ll look at the major pentatonic scale and see how it’s built using five specific notes. We’ll use the C Major Pentatonic Scale as an example.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Major Pentatonic Scale".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the minor pentatonic scale and how it’s constructed using five key notes. We’ll use the A Minor Pentatonic Scale as our example.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Minor Pentatonic Scales".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the minor pentatonic blues scale, which adds a special "Blue Note" to the regular minor pentatonic scale. We'll see how this works with the A Minor Pentatonic Scale.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Minor Pentatonic Blues Scale".

In this lecture, we’ll listen to two songs that showcase the pentatonic blues scale. We'll hear how this scale, with its distinctive Blue Note, shapes the sound and feel of each track.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "Minor Pentatonic Blue Scales Song Examples".

In this lecture, we’ll explore how the black keys on the keyboard can be used to create both major and minor pentatonic scales.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "The Black Keys on the Piano".

In this lecture, we’ll explore the wide variety of scales beyond the familiar ones in Western music. We’ll look at Non-Western Music Scales like Indian Ragas and Arabic Maqam, dive into Contemporary Scales such as the Whole Tone Scale, Diminished Scale, and Lydian Dominant Scale, and touch on Microtonal Scales.

In this video, we'll visually explore the concepts from the text lecture "More Modes and Scales".

In this lecture, we'll cover Diatonic Mediants, which provide stability; Chromatic Mediants, which add interesting variations; and Double-Chromatic Mediants, which create dramatic contrasts. We’ll use examples and a table to show how each mediant type can enhance your music.