SATB Cadences
A cadence is a way to mark the end of a phrase (in much the same way that commas and full stops are used to mark the end of a …
Writing A Simple Canon
Writing A Modern Canon A canon (or “round”) is a melody which is played by two or more instruments at staggered intervals. Because each part starts the melody at a …
Writing a Pentatonic Composition
Pentatonic Composition A pentatonic piece is built on just five different notes. A minor pentatonic scale uses the notes D, F, G, A and C (or those notes transposed to …
Medieval Music
Music in the Medieval Period This short series of videos explores the development of music during the Medieval period in Europe. Guillaume de Machaut Guillaume de Machaut was a French, …
The Keynote or Doh
Key and the Tonic (or Keynote or Doh) The tonic (also called the “keynote” or sometimes “doh”) is the most important note in a piece of music. It’s the note which …
Intervals – Can I Count Semitones?
Can I Count Semitones (half steps) to Work out Musical Intervals? Short answer: No. About once every few months or so I get an email from someone who has counted …
The Musical Modes
Modes in Music What does “Mode” mean in music? The term “mode” has two distinct meanings. It can refer to “church modes” which were used to classify Gregorian chant in …
Audio Examples
Music Theory Audio Examples If you are like many other music theory students, you might find it difficult to “hear” in your head when you’re reading about music theory. It’s …
How to Play Arpeggios
How to Play Arpeggios Arpeggios are part of the Trinity music theory syllabus, but they are not tested in the ABRSM music theory syllabus. If you take a practical (instrumental) …
7th Chords
Chords with an Added 7th A “7th chord” is a general term for any triad with an added note which is a 7th higher than the root of the triad. …