Just Enough Music Theory

This class covers scales; how to create chords; how chords fit together to form a harmonic progression; how to select chords to support a melody. Especially good for guitar players and songwriters. All instruments, all voices, all levels. Reading music is very helpful, but not essential.  This is a demonstration and discussion course.
The concept of "overtones" is the foundation to music theory.  Don't let the technical vibe of the word put you off.  The concept is simple.  It helps to hear and SEE overtones at work.  This video by the overtone singer Anna-Maria Hefele is extremely helpful.  She sings overtones while displaying a spectrograph.  It's the clearest presentation of overtones I have seen.  Once you understand what the overtones are, concepts of scales, harmony and chords get much easier to comprehend.

While it's unlikely you will aspire to become an overtone singer, this video will significantly help your understanding of music theory. View her presentation below or on YouTube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHTF1-IhuC0&t=152s
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​You may wish to review the Power Point presentation I gave in class.  Download it at this link.  The file is about 3.6mb.
just_enough_music_theory_-_6-21-17.pptx
File Size: 3214 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
For a review and more information about the music theory, explore Ben Levin’s YouTube series titled Music Theory from the Ground Up.  Ben Levin is a graduate of Berkeley College music.  He knows the subject.  AND, he is a very effective communicator.  See the series at this link:
https://tinyurl.com/y6n3u335


Here are three important segments from Ben Levin’s series:

1) Naming Intervals

2)  How to Name Chords Part 1

3) How to Name Chords Part 2

Ben Levin's series on music theory is wonderful. ​HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Arranging a Tune - Putting Theory to Work
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