The first tip about space is something that I tend to forgot when composing with MIDI sequencing. I tend to fill the space with ("silly") notes because it looks like empty when you see the piano roll. It's actually a valuable advice. I wonder why most of the music teachers don't teach those things.
in my gcse course, we had 20 hours (over the course of a few months) to write 3 minute piece, and although i love making music, we had to fill every bar with something and even with only 3 instruments i hated listening to how congested it was, this video is so good for a refresher or even a beginners introduction.
Many musicians aren't great teachers and vice-versa. I tend to forget to tell people things because to me it has become second nature. It's like "well duh," but to a beginner, it's not.
With something as complex as music, there is no single "right way" to teach theory or composition. Having said that, I wish I had seen this approach to writing melody years and years ago. I can't believe that I just learned so much about music that I didn't understand before. The mere idea of starting out with the concept of "space" is brilliant. I do have a suggestion for you if you choose to extend your series on melodies, and that would be to show some examples of the great composers (classical, jazz, pop, whatever) using various of these four elements to maximum effect. I'm a classical guy, so I immediately started thinking of Schubert when you were talking about space, Beethoven when you were talking about repetition, and on and on. Some of the slower melodies of Bach (air on the g string comes to mind) suddenly make more sense to me just because you began your topic with the concept of space. Terrific!
The first point you make about space I think is so very important. 99% of the time when I get stuck with making music it's more about changing my way of thinking rather than something technical I'm doing wrong, and this is no different. You described perfectly what I was doing wrong in terms of trying to fill in as much space as possible. Even listening to one of the songs I reference a lot I immediately recognized how space was being used.
You are literally opening up a UNIVERSE for me, Michael. So much room for experimentation, getting the FEEL for small things, not just plodding on with sheet music. That, combined with your Circle of Fifths and Chord in a Key videos... it liberates the spirit. Deeply appreciated, really.
I've been watching your videos and as someone who knows nothing about music, outside of playing a lil guitar and some keyboard - your instruction is amazing. It's clear and concise. Not too long or boring. It allows me to learn quickly. I just want to thank you for producing such great content for free. I don't think enough youtube creators get genuine thanks for their effort.
Is your day job teaching? You teach music theory better than most colleges. I really get an understanding from your videos instead of just memorizing things you should consider starting a school or something.
not really.......school courses are designed to teach this stuff over the course of 1-4 years...so its way more in depth.... youtube is the fast food version of learning this shit..if you cant learn it in school youre either vastly ADD or suck at music...every music theory class ive taken gives you the technical definition of how each note works within a scale..Besides music theory in general teaches you how to identify what it is you are hearing...its not there to teach you how to make music
Klaas ---- For other people here that don't know . Klaas is Dutch for Nick like Klaus is German for Nick or Niklaus or Nicholas or St. Nicholas better known as Santa Clause or St Nick
I hope it helps. 1. emotion without it, everything is meaningless. 2. when you're saying, you may be able to realize you're singing. try to figure it out. that's the most important secret of melody. 3. high-low upward-downward, staying, jump 4. time(rhythm) talking speed and rest. rest is as important as notes. 5. pattern a / a / b / b I love / I love you / but you don't / you don't love me 6. energy high energy: high pitch, short < long, loud low energy: low pitch, short > long, soft how do you say when you're happy, sad, angry? 7. balancing between stable and unstable 8. use contrast pleasure - sad - happy angry - calm - rage stable - unstable - stable loud - soft - loud low - middle - high short - long - short and so on.
This is an excellent video on the particulars of writing melody. I think almost as important is to not forget yourself as a listener; what interests you as an audience member? What feels right and sounds good to you? This may seem like a really fundamental step but it's something I see composers forget all the time. It's easy to get stuck in "writing mode". Don't forget what is motivating you to write in the first place. All that said this is still fantastically useful once you get down to the actual mechanics of your melody, which is where the real work is, I think.
Hey guys? any advice In how to fit lyrics into the melodies? I am having such a hard time doing it. I mean I have the whole idea a nice chord progression and then I get stuck :(
More super advice! If it wasn't 3AM I'd keep going. Anyway, I love 7:13 in the video - that's why I always found the bass line in the chorus of "Changes" by David Bowie annoying. All it does is just go down the scale and I'm like shoot, I could do that. (Not really) I've probably heard that song over 100 times, but the rhythm (if you can even call it that) in the chorus still always loses me somewhere in the middle. Actually I've never been too good with guitar or bass though, so I have no room to speak. Anyway, off to bed I go!
This is one of those rare videos that can suddenly transform your music playing. What’s the word for that? Ya ... epiphany. SUDDEN insight. Aha-Erlebnis (German). I think, after a while, there comes a time when music discovers you. No longer just playing random notes on the keyboard to fill in space because you don’t know what else you are supposed to do - the beginners mind. Instead, allowing something else, something much more musical and moving, to surface between the interface of your hands and a playing surface like a piano keyboard through the use of space, emotive notes, tension and release, rhythms, patterns and “repetion” - the musical mind. Wow. What a great video. Hugely important. Inspired and inspiring teacher. Thank you!!!
Thanks Michael. Somehow you have given me the courage to just sit down and start this process, being creative, patient, listening to what beauty you can create with just a few notes and rhythms, instead of just 'safely' play music from sheet. I realize that after a couple of weeks i am getting much more automatic on easily finding chords with my fingers, which has always been an issue. You're doing great work here!
I'm sure there must be a desire to start putting out totally view driven titles and get an even bigger following but you always keep it in your own style, simple yet shedding light on more complex ideas. We all thank you heavily for that.
Love it when I unexpectedly spot someone writing "!=" instead of "≠". It's just the vastly superior operator. It stokes up my sense of programmer tribalism.
Michael New - I noticed in the past there were a very few fans who felt your voice in the vids wasn't up to their standards. Just want you to know I'm listening to this video thru my studio monitor speakers and it sounds good; your voice and all. Thank you for doing the vids you do. Thank you for freely sharing your time, talent, & knowledge. Even if you sounded like Mickey mouse in a wind tunnel that wouldn't bother me. I'm just thankful for what you sharing. You cool bro.
Out of all of the information I've been given in regards to music theory and production and creating music in general, this is above and beyond the most useful information I've ever been given. Thank you so much. This has honestly changed the entire way I think about making music and your channel in general has been very life changing for me, thank you, I can' thank you enough .
Literally the only video on UA-cam that explains any of this correctly. It's often WAY over done. Well done man 🙌🏼 I also like how writing on the glass almost makes it look like you're writing on my screen.
Is that a Portal reference in the description? From a part-tima programmer who just so happens to be a multi-musician and, mind you, an excellent teacher? You've quickly ascended to one of my favorite people
Some TV company should sign this man up to teach music to everyone. His manner is engaging, friendly and natural. He's got way more natural talent and presentation skills than most TV talking heads.
Yours are far and away the be sd t music theory videos I have seen. You go beyond the facts to say things that are meaningful. Don't stop. You're doing a real service for music students. Thank you.
I never thought adding space between scale notes could make such a huge difference in sound. Usually I would keep playing notes hoping I would get something but the concept you showed me changed everything.
Me spending a few minutes on piano roll: **can't find any good melody** Me grabbing my guitar: **improvise some melody** owh, that's a nice melody... Let's try it on piano roll... **compose the whole song out of it**
I am at 5:51 right now, and I already liked and subscribed without going through any other videos of your channel. Things that you are talking, are nothing less than enlightening! thanks!
What makes a Navajo rug so valuable is the mistakes in the weaving. Don’t worry to much about missspled words. It just gives some people something to talk about. What really matters is the content.
Nice and insightful video. I noticed that they are pretty much exactly the same principles and insights that I learned more or less intuitively by simply composing chord progressions and melodies on my own. What sounds good is, after all, based on what you are accustomed to hearing, and to most of us, the principles of western music that theory describes so well are the way they are because they describe something that is familiar to us. You hear it even better when you compose and you have a note, a rhythm or a chord that feels a bit out of place and you have to find a better fit. Anyway, I noticed you have some other great videos here, too, for people starting out in music that are all clear, concise and seem very helpful. Keep up the good work.
+LearnAmericanEnglishOnline I just have a camera aimed at the desk and a camera aimed at me. I sync everything up later in FCPX and do the picture-in-picture thing.
+♫ Michael Jan's Music - As a now SysAdmin and former aspiring musician of 10 years, I'd say music (a melody, in particular) and computer science are about as polar opposite as it comes! Love and respect them both, though!
Hahahaha... you noticed that, i didn't. Somehow i forgot that that comparison operator is not a common knowledge. Probably because i have been writing code for too long.
Your teaching has been so logical, I wasn't remotely surprised to see you use the '!=' operator. This and '8-Bit Music Theory' are the best educational resources I've found so far - it seems like only programmers actually explain things instead of just pointing to things and expecting us to figure out the meaning automatically. Presumably because with a computer you can't just point to something and say, "yeah, see, it's sort of like this, you understand right?"
Computer programming and creating music are very similar - both require combining both hemispheres of the brain - logic code/artistic result - keyboard mechanics/music.
This guy is young and if he's already this good at teaching then I'd say he has the potential to become a legendary music teacher. If he works hard to improve his pedagogical skills I'd say he can become truly amazing.
Hi Michael, Would you kindly do a video addressing root movement in chord progressions? Specifically root movement by fourths, thirds and seconds. Either that or just a quick response commenting on whether it's something I need to be considering when writing music. Thanks! By the way, MASSIVE fan of all of your videos - you have absolutely no idea how much you've helped me grasp music theory in such a short amount of time. I can't currently support you on Patreon due to financial circumstances but you have my word that when I can sustainably support you I definitely will ^_^
I love all of these videos, i've been writing electronic music for years but never delved into the technical writing elements. These videos are making it a lot easier so thank you!
It’s finally coming together for me, after so many years of not understanding the circle of fifths, I got it!!! I’ve been watching you videos for about 1 year now. Thanks 🙏 ~Grand Daddy Frost~ Cold Current Beats
I hit a roadblock in what I was doing, cause I was going with the whole, make music, learn from what you made approach. I got stuck... Really quickly. Like my music all started sounding the same, sometimes I would get lucky and come up with a great melody, and then 'oh hey I can't keep playing this melody over and over again! Better add some variation!' And then I have no idea what to do next
Your videos are timeless, thanks so much for your teaching. You make me feel excited to be on this musical journey. Sometimes I feel like I started too late to learn music, but after watching your videos, it makes me feel like it's never too late. Thanks again.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. Funny enough, I was having troubles with melodies yesterday and couldn't find any good feedback on my problem and this video helps so much. This is why I've been subscribed to you for a long time!
You are absolutely fantastic Michael. Probably the most in tune (no pun intended) with how I need things explaining I've ever seen. I've been writing music for some time, but occasionally I need a nudge in the right direction to expand my musical thinking. Your videos certainly do that. So thank you!
Hey great content, I was wondering if you could do a vid on hand technique for piano i know its a little off the theory but i figured since you demonstrate a lot of the theory on piano anyway :)
Has anyone ever said you look a little like JD from scrubs? Your blue shirt made me think more of it. But wow!! You’re an incredibly good teacher! To do something and teach it are two totally different things. This helped a lot. Thank you so much!
How to write a good melody: - LISTEN to to it. Does it sound good and have *emotion*? - *Don't overthink it!* Trust your intuition. - Repeat steps 1 & 2 as needed.
Fair enough. I minored in music and piano performance in college, so I suffered through my fair share of music theory classes, even advanced ones. This still holds true to me personally, however. A melody just cannot be overthought without being ruined. Just my 2c.
+TheEndTrend It's just a hobby for me (marching band) but I agree. The music theory classes I've been to taught me scales but nothing at all about using them musically. That's what I love about Michael's channel, it reconnected theory and practice for me.
Still, having theoretical knowledge and being used to work with music probably helps. Writing good melodies instinctively happens only if you have built up said intuition.
Something I'd like to hear about is writing bass harmonies that maybe help move the progression. I can write bass melodies and such that sound good, but let's say I have a basic D-major triad on piano... I could play the root note "D" on bass guitar and it would sound great, but when I play F# or A on bass, although those notes fit within the chord, it doesn't sound right... Why does it sound so discord/weak?
You might be describing a change in the root note of a chord. Every inversion of a chord has a function effect change. If this is not what you're referring to ignore
You'll notice the same thing on a six string guitar if you tune down a whole step or more, the F# that normally sounds great when you play a F#/Dmaj chord, sounds muddy, and dissonant. I can't give you a text book answer, but I can tell you that it's likely because the F# and A that you mentioned are being played on such a low pitched instrument especially if the root note on the other instrument is in the same octave. The bass is a much more versatile instrument than people give it credit for. You could try moving the a up an octave, or maybe 2 if you're using a piano for your root note. I'd avoid the F# all together unless your willing to to much higher on your bass. A Fifth or even a perfect fourth placed properly sound more natural together than a major third. If you have a piano, you can see this for yourself by playing a D triad as you continue to move toward the lower end of the piano you'll notice more and more dissonance, but slightly less if you take away the major third. The easiest thing to do though, is take advantage of the piano's incredibly wide range. for example that root note D could be moved up an octave or two on piano and trying an A or even the F# below it. I write almost all of my bass parts on a piano initially, because I just use my left hand to harmonize with an arpeggio or chord progression that my right hand plays. As long as you stay far to the left, within a bass guitar's typical range you can figure out what will work, then all you have to do is pick up your bass and make the time based, or rhythmic choices, which you can do without having to worry about harmony or melody. Given how long this post has been i'm sorry if it didn't help or answer your question, but I use a three piece string section and have to write the vocal harmonies for the group I play with, and I do it all on piano, so if you know even as the basics of piano, it's the best instrument for one person who has to write alone when multiple instruments are involved in the final composition.
This is a fantastic insightful lesson . I suck at guitar and came here looking for a different perspective , for years have tried to sound like an accomplished player and forgot what I was trying to accomplish in the process . Less is most certainly more . This has helped a lot . Thank you
I was thinking exactly the same immediately as I read it. I loved that scene so much when I played it so it's always very present in my brain. Sadly only very few people share my excitement for stretching out the a in the word space :D
im always curious as to why someone as down to earth and musically creative as yourself is not making music full time. is the music industry just over saturated? do you need to be a fame mongering pop star in order to have a career? whats the deal?
Hey Michael, been watching your videos for a few months. I just wanted to let you know that you've taken my music from an exercise in frustration to something that's reliably satisfying and fun. I've used pure theory to get me up to speed, but your videos filled in the creativity disconnect. Please, keep doing what you do!
I think I like songs that slowly layer sm64 dire dire docks, smw sub castle, vvvvvv presenting vvvvvv, portal 2 reconstructing science, Minecraft calm 3 . is there any official term for this.
Dude you're awesome! Thank you for making these videos. I've found a lot of the things you talk about make sense I just didn't have the right mindset to use it. I think most people subconsciously understand what sounds good, but the execution is the hard part. When you explain it, everything just comes more naturally.
Impressed with your teaching style. This is the 2nd vid of yours I've watched tonight, I'll be watching more. I'm a guitar player, and don't read music but your vid on how to do that has me excited about writing down some of my melodies. I like how you emphasize space, and disregard for linear movement in this vid, immediately applicable on any instrument.
Hi Michael, thank you for being so dedicated to your online offering. It occurs to say how much we are all benefitting from this. If and when appropriate could you dedicate, if not already covered, a video on how to create intro's & outro's to songs.
7:32 that's how i always learned it, actually. i had a really great music teacher who always told us that scales were like an artist's palette, and it stuck with me forever.
You are the best when it comes to learning music theory for dumb lil beans like me, man!!! Appreciate all the videos you have in your channel immensely!!!
Great teacher. Dunno how we stumbled on your videos but thanks for what you're doing to help people get started with improvisation. That's where all great songs come from.
The first tip about space is something that I tend to forgot when composing with MIDI sequencing. I tend to fill the space with ("silly") notes because it looks like empty when you see the piano roll. It's actually a valuable advice.
I wonder why most of the music teachers don't teach those things.
in my gcse course, we had 20 hours (over the course of a few months) to write 3 minute piece, and although i love making music, we had to fill every bar with something and even with only 3 instruments i hated listening to how congested it was, this video is so good for a refresher or even a beginners introduction.
Many musicians aren't great teachers and vice-versa. I tend to forget to tell people things because to me it has become second nature. It's like "well duh," but to a beginner, it's not.
Roger Waters says exactly this in an interview. Leave space. People need to breathe!!
With something as complex as music, there is no single "right way" to teach theory or composition. Having said that, I wish I had seen this approach to writing melody years and years ago. I can't believe that I just learned so much about music that I didn't understand before. The mere idea of starting out with the concept of "space" is brilliant. I do have a suggestion for you if you choose to extend your series on melodies, and that would be to show some examples of the great composers (classical, jazz, pop, whatever) using various of these four elements to maximum effect. I'm a classical guy, so I immediately started thinking of Schubert when you were talking about space, Beethoven when you were talking about repetition, and on and on. Some of the slower melodies of Bach (air on the g string comes to mind) suddenly make more sense to me just because you began your topic with the concept of space. Terrific!
The first point you make about space I think is so very important. 99% of the time when I get stuck with making music it's more about changing my way of thinking rather than something technical I'm doing wrong, and this is no different. You described perfectly what I was doing wrong in terms of trying to fill in as much space as possible. Even listening to one of the songs I reference a lot I immediately recognized how space was being used.
You are literally opening up a UNIVERSE for me, Michael. So much room for experimentation, getting the FEEL for small things, not just plodding on with sheet music. That, combined with your Circle of Fifths and Chord in a Key videos... it liberates the spirit. Deeply appreciated, really.
I've been watching your videos and as someone who knows nothing about music, outside of playing a lil guitar and some keyboard - your instruction is amazing. It's clear and concise. Not too long or boring. It allows me to learn quickly. I just want to thank you for producing such great content for free. I don't think enough youtube creators get genuine thanks for their effort.
"Putting silence into music" - "Thinking in the terms of space" ....Loving this! Thank you
Is your day job teaching? You teach music theory better than most colleges. I really get an understanding from your videos instead of just memorizing things you should consider starting a school or something.
Phillip Morrison i agree
ua-cam.com/video/5_yOVARO2Oc/v-deo.html&ab_channel=YaleCourses
Check this guy out.
not really.......school courses are designed to teach this stuff over the course of 1-4 years...so its way more in depth.... youtube is the fast food version of learning this shit..if you cant learn it in school youre either vastly ADD or suck at music...every music theory class ive taken gives you the technical definition of how each note works within a scale..Besides music theory in general teaches you how to identify what it is you are hearing...its not there to teach you how to make music
He is right! you're a bright teacher,
taught over 4 years to take your money, not because they are more knowledgeable.
Michael you are the best teacher ever!!
ohlssonster agreed.
Hey, Michael new, Michael here.
He’s Definitely Earned My Subscription!!!
Thank you!
spells rhythm correctly
misspells repetition
haha, love you michael, enjoyed this one too :)
Oh my god seriously? I didn't even notice that until now. I give up.
I laughed and immediately scrolled down to the comments when I saw repetion written up there. Hehe
He missed some repetition in repe-ti-ti-on :)
Klaas ------- would you happen to be Dutch ? My dad's name was Klaas , I am Gerret Jan Schraa
Klaas ---- For other people here that don't know . Klaas is Dutch for Nick like Klaus is German for Nick or Niklaus or Nicholas or St. Nicholas better known as Santa Clause or St Nick
I hope it helps.
1. emotion
without it, everything is meaningless.
2. when you're saying, you may be able to realize you're singing.
try to figure it out. that's the most important secret of melody.
3. high-low
upward-downward, staying, jump
4. time(rhythm)
talking speed and rest.
rest is as important as notes.
5. pattern
a / a / b / b
I love / I love you / but you don't / you don't love me
6. energy
high energy: high pitch, short < long, loud
low energy: low pitch, short > long, soft
how do you say when you're happy, sad, angry?
7. balancing between stable and unstable
8. use contrast
pleasure - sad - happy
angry - calm - rage
stable - unstable - stable
loud - soft - loud
low - middle - high
short - long - short
and so on.
This is as helpful as the video.
Great Maro!
Michael: “Item number one; space”
Flight of the bumblebee: hold my semiquaver
This is an excellent video on the particulars of writing melody. I think almost as important is to not forget yourself as a listener; what interests you as an audience member? What feels right and sounds good to you? This may seem like a really fundamental step but it's something I see composers forget all the time. It's easy to get stuck in "writing mode". Don't forget what is motivating you to write in the first place.
All that said this is still fantastically useful once you get down to the actual mechanics of your melody, which is where the real work is, I think.
Thinking "what should work here?" rather than paying attention to what's actually working.
Hey guys? any advice In how to fit lyrics into the melodies? I am having such a hard time doing it. I mean I have the whole idea a nice chord progression and then I get stuck :(
if (Scales != Scales){
cout
*Cries in python
i thought i was the only one who caught that he put not equal in programming lingo
Makes sense 😛👩🏼💻
Broooooooooooo 😂😭😂😭😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😭😂❤
Programmers unite
you need wayyy more subscribers and views please don't stop doing these
More super advice! If it wasn't 3AM I'd keep going. Anyway, I love 7:13 in the video - that's why I always found the bass line in the chorus of "Changes" by David Bowie annoying. All it does is just go down the scale and I'm like shoot, I could do that. (Not really) I've probably heard that song over 100 times, but the rhythm (if you can even call it that) in the chorus still always loses me somewhere in the middle. Actually I've never been too good with guitar or bass though, so I have no room to speak. Anyway, off to bed I go!
Was not expecting to see you here omg
Man I was a huge fan of your Super Mario Galaxy Let's Play back in the day. Shoutout for keeping little me entertained :)
Your ideas on pacing and putting in space and polyrhythms has helped me write songs. I appreciate what you are talking about.
that melody was beautiful bro. I love melodies that touch your heart like that
This is one of those rare videos that can suddenly transform your music playing. What’s the word for that? Ya ... epiphany. SUDDEN insight. Aha-Erlebnis (German). I think, after a while, there comes a time when music discovers you. No longer just playing random notes on the keyboard to fill in space because you don’t know what else you are supposed to do - the beginners mind. Instead, allowing something else, something much more musical and moving, to surface between the interface of your hands and a playing surface like a piano keyboard through the use of space, emotive notes, tension and release, rhythms, patterns and “repetion” - the musical mind. Wow. What a great video. Hugely important. Inspired and inspiring teacher. Thank you!!!
im 3 years late but thank you for doing this you really are helping a ton of people
Thanks Michael. Somehow you have given me the courage to just sit down and start this process, being creative, patient, listening to what beauty you can create with just a few notes and rhythms, instead of just 'safely' play music from sheet. I realize that after a couple of weeks i am getting much more automatic on easily finding chords with my fingers, which has always been an issue. You're doing great work here!
Michael you are awesome for doing these videos
I'm sure there must be a desire to start putting out totally view driven titles and get an even bigger following but you always keep it in your own style, simple yet shedding light on more complex ideas. We all thank you heavily for that.
Damn that melody at the end.. you talented boy
your composition is beautiful michael!
Love it when I unexpectedly spot someone writing "!=" instead of "≠". It's just the vastly superior operator. It stokes up my sense of programmer tribalism.
Michael New - I noticed in the past there were a very few fans who felt your voice in the vids wasn't up to their standards. Just want you to know I'm listening to this video thru my studio monitor speakers and it sounds good; your voice and all. Thank you for doing the vids you do. Thank you for freely sharing your time, talent, & knowledge. Even if you sounded like Mickey mouse in a wind tunnel that wouldn't bother me. I'm just thankful for what you sharing. You cool bro.
Out of all of the information I've been given in regards to music theory and production and creating music in general, this is above and beyond the most useful information I've ever been given. Thank you so much. This has honestly changed the entire way I think about making music and your channel in general has been very life changing for me, thank you, I can' thank you enough .
My experience with this channel is exactly the same. Michael's videos have helped me immensely and I can't say Thank You enough!
must be a hell of a musician to be able to explain all this so damn clearly
My musical IQ increases with every video of yours I watch. Thank you for making these videos!
I watch them all the time also!
Literally the only video on UA-cam that explains any of this correctly. It's often WAY over done. Well done man 🙌🏼 I also like how writing on the glass almost makes it look like you're writing on my screen.
You are a fantastic teacher
I think it's quite hard to make a video like this without jump cuts, really impressive
Is that a Portal reference in the description? From a part-tima programmer who just so happens to be a multi-musician and, mind you, an excellent teacher?
You've quickly ascended to one of my favorite people
"scales != scales"
that's the C != inequality operator right there lol
Some TV company should sign this man up to teach music to everyone. His manner is engaging, friendly and natural. He's got way more natural talent and presentation skills than most TV talking heads.
Yours are far and away the be sd t music theory videos I have seen. You go beyond the facts to say things that are meaningful. Don't stop. You're doing a real service for music students. Thank you.
I've watched three of your videos now and have learned more about music than in several years of (hated) piano lessons.
if my dude made trap beats, he'd be filthy rich
Lol
He shouldnt, though. I like what he does, and if he started making trap songs, I probably wouldn't listen anymore.
basically scott storch 2
he does make trap beats now
Asher he should make the decision based on if you alone will listen or not? I don’t think that’s practical
I never thought adding space between scale notes could make such a huge difference in sound. Usually I would keep playing notes hoping I would get something but the concept you showed me changed everything.
Me spending a few minutes on piano roll: **can't find any good melody**
Me grabbing my guitar: **improvise some melody** owh, that's a nice melody... Let's try it on piano roll...
**compose the whole song out of it**
I am at 5:51 right now, and I already liked and subscribed without going through any other videos of your channel.
Things that you are talking, are nothing less than enlightening!
thanks!
I really hope the "Spaaaaace" in the description was a Portal 2 reference.
This might be one of the best youtube videos period, incredible content.
What makes a Navajo rug so valuable is the mistakes in the weaving. Don’t worry to much about missspled words. It just gives some people something to talk about. What really matters is the content.
Man, tiny tears of joy are dropping down my cheek when I heard your composed melody. Very impressed!!!
Nice and insightful video. I noticed that they are pretty much exactly the same principles and insights that I learned more or less intuitively by simply composing chord progressions and melodies on my own. What sounds good is, after all, based on what you are accustomed to hearing, and to most of us, the principles of western music that theory describes so well are the way they are because they describe something that is familiar to us. You hear it even better when you compose and you have a note, a rhythm or a chord that feels a bit out of place and you have to find a better fit.
Anyway, I noticed you have some other great videos here, too, for people starting out in music that are all clear, concise and seem very helpful. Keep up the good work.
Excellent ! Thanks for your great content Michael !
Great work! Hey, how do you make the videos with the insert in the lower right corner? Are you using a docucam of some sort?
+LearnAmericanEnglishOnline I just have a camera aimed at the desk and a camera aimed at me. I sync everything up later in FCPX and do the picture-in-picture thing.
I thought you were joe lyecett.
I don't understand how people could dislike this, seriously he teaches it all very well and doesn't do anything I can see that would offend people.
I noticed at 6:48 that you used != as a not equal to symbol, do you happen to do computer science? ;)
+♫ Michael Jan's Music Yep, I'm a part time software developer.
+Jason Kostempski Surely the biggest tech company in the world wouldn't make such an amateur mistake right&
+Michael New
So what's your primary job/education?
+♫ Michael Jan's Music - As a now SysAdmin and former aspiring musician of 10 years, I'd say music (a melody, in particular) and computer science are about as polar opposite as it comes! Love and respect them both, though!
Hahahaha... you noticed that, i didn't.
Somehow i forgot that that comparison operator is not a common knowledge. Probably because i have been writing code for too long.
Videos like these are really changing the face of education. Thank you so much.
Repetion
Repetion
Repepetition
repetishon
It bothers me.
Repepshin
Your teaching has been so logical, I wasn't remotely surprised to see you use the '!=' operator. This and '8-Bit Music Theory' are the best educational resources I've found so far - it seems like only programmers actually explain things instead of just pointing to things and expecting us to figure out the meaning automatically. Presumably because with a computer you can't just point to something and say, "yeah, see, it's sort of like this, you understand right?"
Computer programming and creating music are very similar - both require combining both hemispheres of the brain - logic code/artistic result - keyboard mechanics/music.
Rev. Dave Moorman math too.
Pure data
This guy is young and if he's already this good at teaching then I'd say he has the potential to become a legendary music teacher. If he works hard to improve his pedagogical skills I'd say he can become truly amazing.
Hi Michael,
Would you kindly do a video addressing root movement in chord progressions? Specifically root movement by fourths, thirds and seconds. Either that or just a quick response commenting on whether it's something I need to be considering when writing music. Thanks!
By the way, MASSIVE fan of all of your videos - you have absolutely no idea how much you've helped me grasp music theory in such a short amount of time. I can't currently support you on Patreon due to financial circumstances but you have my word that when I can sustainably support you I definitely will ^_^
I love all of these videos, i've been writing electronic music for years but never delved into the technical writing elements. These videos are making it a lot easier so thank you!
As Sun Ra once said... _Space is the place_.
;-)
You are much better than many in UA-cam who say they have tons of experience!!!
Writing item #2 exposes you as a programmer ;)
And the != as a not equal to symbol
Yes haha 😂 it was too obvious
You are a big treasure..... can not describe how simple it is .....but it so very elegantly presented..... My hats off... Cheers..!
great tips with examples
It’s finally coming together for me, after so many years of not understanding the circle of fifths, I got it!!! I’ve been watching you videos for about 1 year now. Thanks 🙏 ~Grand Daddy Frost~ Cold Current Beats
I hit a roadblock in what I was doing, cause I was going with the whole, make music, learn from what you made approach. I got stuck... Really quickly. Like my music all started sounding the same, sometimes I would get lucky and come up with a great melody, and then 'oh hey I can't keep playing this melody over and over again! Better add some variation!' And then I have no idea what to do next
Also yeah rhythm is a weird word
Your videos are timeless, thanks so much for your teaching. You make me feel excited to be on this musical journey. Sometimes I feel like I started too late to learn music, but after watching your videos, it makes me feel like it's never too late. Thanks again.
Thank you!!!
Holy shit Dustin I found you here. Lol
You are by far the best music teacher i’ve found online!
14:43 Repetion.
R E P E T I O N .
THANK YOU SO MUCH. Funny enough, I was having troubles with melodies yesterday and couldn't find any good feedback on my problem and this video helps so much. This is why I've been subscribed to you for a long time!
Ha! I knew repetition was going to be a thing before I even clicked on the video!
Excellent video Michael! Appreciate the time spent on number one (Space)! So very true!
You should repeat “ti” in repetition
You are absolutely fantastic Michael. Probably the most in tune (no pun intended) with how I need things explaining I've ever seen. I've been writing music for some time, but occasionally I need a nudge in the right direction to expand my musical thinking. Your videos certainly do that. So thank you!
Why you stopped uploading videos. You made some of most helpfull videos ever.
I wish there was more videos!
I just had to come back to shout out. You helped me get the whole theory thing Mike. Thank you
Hey great content, I was wondering if you could do a vid on hand technique for piano i know its a little off the theory but i figured since you demonstrate a lot of the theory on piano anyway :)
That's something I've been planning to do for a while. Not sure exactly when that will be yet, but it's coming.
Yes please, that would be great!
I'm a guitar player who just spent 20 mins learning some cool stuff !!
Very neat Mr. New !!!
I bet more than half of the artists on the top 40 charts couldn't explain half this video.
Has anyone ever said you look a little like JD from scrubs? Your blue shirt made me think more of it.
But wow!! You’re an incredibly good teacher! To do something and teach it are two totally different things. This helped a lot. Thank you so much!
How to write a good melody:
- LISTEN to to it. Does it sound good and have *emotion*?
- *Don't overthink it!* Trust your intuition.
- Repeat steps 1 & 2 as needed.
+TheEndTrend that's probably right but this channel is about music theory.
Fair enough. I minored in music and piano performance in college, so I suffered through my fair share of music theory classes, even advanced ones. This still holds true to me personally, however. A melody just cannot be overthought without being ruined. Just my 2c.
+TheEndTrend It's just a hobby for me (marching band) but I agree. The music theory classes I've been to taught me scales but nothing at all about using them musically. That's what I love about Michael's channel, it reconnected theory and practice for me.
Still, having theoretical knowledge and being used to work with music probably helps. Writing good melodies instinctively happens only if you have built up said intuition.
Best video on melody writing I’ve seen on UA-cam! Great job man 👌
Something I'd like to hear about is writing bass harmonies that maybe help move the progression. I can write bass melodies and such that sound good, but let's say I have a basic D-major triad on piano... I could play the root note "D" on bass guitar and it would sound great, but when I play F# or A on bass, although those notes fit within the chord, it doesn't sound right... Why does it sound so discord/weak?
You might be describing a change in the root note of a chord. Every inversion of a chord has a function effect change. If this is not what you're referring to ignore
Its how you use it as well but all 3 sound good if used right
You'll notice the same thing on a six string guitar if you tune down a whole step or more, the F# that normally sounds great when you play a F#/Dmaj chord, sounds muddy, and dissonant. I can't give you a text book answer, but I can tell you that it's likely because the F# and A that you mentioned are being played on such a low pitched instrument especially if the root note on the other instrument is in the same octave. The bass is a much more versatile instrument than people give it credit for. You could try moving the a up an octave, or maybe 2 if you're using a piano for your root note. I'd avoid the F# all together unless your willing to to much higher on your bass. A Fifth or even a perfect fourth placed properly sound more natural together than a major third. If you have a piano, you can see this for yourself by playing a D triad as you continue to move toward the lower end of the piano you'll notice more and more dissonance, but slightly less if you take away the major third. The easiest thing to do though, is take advantage of the piano's incredibly wide range. for example that root note D could be moved up an octave or two on piano and trying an A or even the F# below it. I write almost all of my bass parts on a piano initially, because I just use my left hand to harmonize with an arpeggio or chord progression that my right hand plays. As long as you stay far to the left, within a bass guitar's typical range you can figure out what will work, then all you have to do is pick up your bass and make the time based, or rhythmic choices, which you can do without having to worry about harmony or melody. Given how long this post has been i'm sorry if it didn't help or answer your question, but I use a three piece string section and have to write the vocal harmonies for the group I play with, and I do it all on piano, so if you know even as the basics of piano, it's the best instrument for one person who has to write alone when multiple instruments are involved in the final composition.
Tristan Coyote It will sound right in some circumstances. Eg C/C -> G/B -> A/A -> G/G sounds nice.
This is a fantastic insightful lesson . I suck at guitar and came here looking for a different perspective , for years have tried to sound like an accomplished player and forgot what I was trying to accomplish in the process . Less is most certainly more . This has helped a lot . Thank you
Spaaaaaace! It was a Portal 2 reference?
Not consciously, but I have played a lot of Portal 1 & 2. So maybe that's how it got into my brain.
+Michael New Really? Sir,I didn't expected it....Cool! Do You like videogame music,btw?
I was thinking exactly the same immediately as I read it. I loved that scene so much when I played it so it's always very present in my brain. Sadly only very few people share my excitement for stretching out the a in the word space :D
Oh wow, that piece at the end was beautiful! Great work!
im always curious as to why someone as down to earth and musically creative as yourself is not making music full time. is the music industry just over saturated? do you need to be a fame mongering pop star in order to have a career? whats the deal?
landon breen it’s all about his priorities
Hey Michael, been watching your videos for a few months. I just wanted to let you know that you've taken my music from an exercise in frustration to something that's reliably satisfying and fun. I've used pure theory to get me up to speed, but your videos filled in the creativity disconnect. Please, keep doing what you do!
+Matthew Messer Hey that's awesome to hear. Glad it's helping.
I think I like songs that slowly layer sm64 dire dire docks, smw sub castle, vvvvvv presenting vvvvvv, portal 2 reconstructing science, Minecraft calm 3
.
is there any official term for this.
Dude you're awesome! Thank you for making these videos. I've found a lot of the things you talk about make sense I just didn't have the right mindset to use it. I think most people subconsciously understand what sounds good, but the execution is the hard part. When you explain it, everything just comes more naturally.
Hi man, what kind of pet do you have? or those are just flowers in a cage?
+Ayoub Minen They're my pet flowers.
*****
hahaha
+Michael New Petunias by any chance?
+Allsmasher Kalanchoe? Not sure if that's an actual plant or just a word Ikea made up.
Impressed with your teaching style. This is the 2nd vid of yours I've watched tonight, I'll be watching more. I'm a guitar player, and don't read music but your vid on how to do that has me excited about writing down some of my melodies. I like how you emphasize space, and disregard for linear movement in this vid, immediately applicable on any instrument.
You spelled rhythm right, but *repition* wrong :).
Hi Michael, thank you for being so dedicated to your online offering. It occurs to say how much we are all benefitting from this. If and when appropriate could you dedicate, if not already covered, a video on how to create intro's & outro's to songs.
"repetion"..?
7:32 that's how i always learned it, actually. i had a really great music teacher who always told us that scales were like an artist's palette, and it stuck with me forever.
this symbol is your friend: ≠
foodice11 he propably know something about programming ... in some Languages like C, Java ..etc "!=" is the symbol of diferent than
I'm well aware
You are the best when it comes to learning music theory for dumb lil beans like me, man!!! Appreciate all the videos you have in your channel immensely!!!
Your description of scales is a game changer for me! Thanks!
Not abstract at all. It's very easily understood and very powerful advice. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
Great teacher. Dunno how we stumbled on your videos but thanks for what you're doing to help people get started with improvisation. That's where all great songs come from.
VERY Invaluable information, Michael. One of the Top tutorials here on youtube. Thanks for sharing.