Music Theory - Songwriting

Using Music Theory to Increase Your Songwriting Creativity

Music theory tends to get a bad rap in the world of songwriters. The main argument against the use of music theory is that it can stunt one’s creativity, but that’s a ludicrous suggestion. If an understanding of the nuts and bolts of theory results in you feeling less creative, you’re using it wrong. Music […]

guitar, pencil, music theory

Using Music Theory to Speed Up Your Songwriting Process

The one thing that music theory gives songwriters is vocabulary. With one word or phrase, a musician can describe and communicate an entire idea to other songwriters: “I think if we modulate to E major at that point…” The time you save is incalculable, but theory does more than offer you a communication tool. It is […]

Music Theory - Songwriting

50% Sale on “Easy Music Theory” – 1 Day Only

If I’m ever asked what one thing a songwriter can do that will be guaranteed to improve songwriting technique, my answer is always: get some music theory chops. Today, for one day only, my video-based music theory course, “Easy Music Theory,” is being offered at a 50% discount. To take advantage of this half-price deal, […]

Transcribing Songs: The Best Ear Training a Songwriter Can Do

When I was a teenager, I had a somewhat limited knowledge of music theory and how it worked. I think that’s typical for most young people. I played trumpet and a bit of piano, so I could read notes in the treble and bass clef, but I had a very rudimentary understanding of what chords […]

Songwriting, pen, music, lyrics

Music Theory Doesn’t Stunt Creativity: It Fuels It

Predictably, the people who think music theory is a waste of time are the ones who’ve either never studied it, or who’ve learned to hate the study of it. Just as predictably, the ones who feel that music theory is a must for anyone who writes or performs music are the ones who’ve got a […]

How a Knowledge of Music Theory Improves Your Songwriting

Have you ever had anyone tell you that music theory will stifle your sense of creativity? That’s a common fear, but in fact the exact opposite is true. A knowledge of the rudiments of music will actually improve your imagination and make you far more creative. You need to look no further for evidence of this […]