Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 from Udemy

This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Welcome to the

This course is a combination of all three of my Music Theory for Electronic Musicians classes: Music Theory for Electronic Musicians, and Music Theory for Electronic Musicians 2, and Music Theory for Electronic Musicians 3.

In this class, we learn how to work with the piano roll editor in a DAW to make harmonies, melodies, and whole tracks, and then we expand on those ideas and work with harmonic patterns (harmony) that is richer than just major and minor.

Production Techniques Through Theory The most important part of this class is an extensive foray into using these techniques in actual tracks. I'll be creating 9 tracks through this class, right along with you, each using a different technique so you can see exactly how I incorporate it right into my music.

Full Sessions After each production project, I'll give you the whole session of what I made using the techniques for you to play with. You can download it, expand on it, re-work it, and even release it as your work.

If Your Music is Missing Something, This is Probably It. If you are finding that you are writing track after track, and while they sound good, there is something they are missing - then this it. You are missing the sense of harmony that professional producers have. In this class, I'll arm you with all the tools you need to produce those tracks just like you imagine them.

Who should take this course? Anyone interested in producing their own music. This will get you up and running and give your tracks a unique sound in no time.

Structure This course consists of video lectures, which all contain a session in Ableton Live 9. If you are using a different program (or none at all), no worries. This isn't a class on how to use Ableton Live, and the concepts can be applied to any DAW.

Some of the step-by-step guides in this course will be:

Finding notes, chords, and keys in your audio program
The 7 intervals and how to put them together
The steps to finding the key of your track (or any track. )
The most common chord progressions
The steps to using inversions to take your track from good to amazing.
The 4 types of 7th chords
The top techniques for writing a melody to fit a chord progression (and vice-versa. )
The 7 modes and their uses
19 Exotic scales and how to use them (include MIDI files. )

The course is a roadmap to finding the missing piece in your tracks, or just getting started making great tracks.

All the tools you need to make, produce, and start your music career are included in this course, and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start making great tracks today.

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music theory course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢ "Excellent explanations. No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢ "I am learning LOTS. And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts to all future classes in the series.

What's inside

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how to build chords and melodies that work together.
Understand and apply minor chords
Use the circle of fifths to generate new ideas for your own tracks
Work within minor keys to write compelling melodies and basslines
The piano roll editor
Octaves
Using octaves in bass lines
The black keys (not the band!)
Finding c and middle c
The perfect 5th
Finding fifths
Being "in key"
The pattern of a key
Moveable patterns
The major and minor third
Building triads
Chord progressions
What is diatonic?
Finding all the chords in a key
Using roman numerals
Inversions
7th chords
Maj7 and minor 7th chords
Dominant 7th chords

Blues and the 7th chord
Analysis: shame on me (avicii)
Minor scales
Relative keys
Minor diatonic chord progressions
Analysis: ghosts n stuff (deadmau5)
Changing keys in your track
Analysis: get luck (daft punk)
9th and 13th chords
Suspended chords
Writing melodies for chord progressions
Writing chord progressions for melodies
Bass lines
Analysis: windowlicker (aphex twin)
Modes
How modes work
Producing with modes
Pentatonic scales
Chromatic mediants
Creating music with music theory
Exotic scales
Show more
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By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how to build chords and melodies that work together.
Understand and apply minor chords
Use the circle of fifths to generate new ideas for your own tracks
Work within minor keys to write compelling melodies and basslines
The piano roll editor
Octaves
Using octaves in bass lines
The black keys (not the band!)
Finding c and middle c
The perfect 5th
Finding fifths
Being "in key"
The pattern of a key
Moveable patterns
The major and minor third
Building triads
Chord progressions
What is diatonic?
Finding all the chords in a key
Using roman numerals
Inversions
7th chords
Maj7 and minor 7th chords
Dominant 7th chords
Blues and the 7th chord
Analysis: shame on me (avicii)
Minor scales
Relative keys
Minor diatonic chord progressions
Analysis: ghosts n stuff (deadmau5)
Changing keys in your track
Analysis: get luck (daft punk)
9th and 13th chords
Suspended chords
Writing melodies for chord progressions
Writing chord progressions for melodies
Bass lines
Analysis: windowlicker (aphex twin)
Modes
How modes work
Producing with modes
Pentatonic scales
Chromatic mediants
Creating music with music theory
Exotic scales
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

First things first: Let's go over our tools, and talk about what we will be covering in this class.

Class Overview

Asking Questions

To begin, we will look at basic music theory concepts with the Ableton Live, but you can follow along in any audio program.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the piano roll editor in a DAW, which is a core tool for electronic music production, composition, and sound design

Breaks down the analysis of tracks by Deadmau5, Daft Punk, and Aphex Twin, which may give learners insight into the techniques of established artists

Includes downloadable sessions that learners can rework and release, which may help them develop their own unique sound and style

Uses Ableton Live 9 in its examples, so learners using newer versions of Ableton or other DAWs may need to adapt some of the techniques

Covers exotic scales and chromatic mediants, which may add unique harmonic color to learners' compositions and set them apart

Reviews summary

Music theory for electronic production

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive dive into music theory specifically tailored for electronic music producers. Students find the instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively, often integrating theory with practical application within a DAW. Many appreciate the analyses of popular electronic tracks, which helps connect theoretical ideas to real-world music. While the course is well-structured and covers a wide range of topics from basics to advanced modes and scales, some learners noted that the pace can feel fast at times, potentially requiring review or prior basic knowledge. Overall, it is widely seen as a valuable resource for improving songwriting and production skills in electronic music.

Covers a wide range of topics from basics to advanced.

"This course covered everything I needed, from basic chords to modes and exotic scales."

"It truly is 'COMPLETE' as the title suggests; a vast amount of knowledge packed in."

"I appreciated the progression from fundamentals to more complex harmonic ideas."

"It's great having parts 1, 2, and 3 combined for a full learning path."

Breaks down theory using examples from electronic tracks.

"Analyzing tracks by artists like Deadmau5 and Daft Punk really helped solidify my understanding."

"Seeing how the theory is used in real, popular electronic songs was incredibly valuable."

"The analysis sections were a highlight for me; they made the concepts click."

"I enjoyed breaking down famous tracks and learning their theoretical underpinnings."

Instructor explains complex ideas simply and effectively.

"The instructor has a way of explaining complex topics so they are easy to understand."

"Every lesson built logically on the last, making the learning process smooth."

"Jason makes music theory approachable and not intimidating at all."

"I finally understood concepts that other resources made confusing."

Focuses on applying theory directly in music production.

"I loved how the course constantly showed how to use the theory right in the piano roll."

"It wasn't just abstract concepts; I could immediately apply what I learned to my tracks."

"Seeing the techniques demonstrated in Ableton Live made it much easier to understand how to use them myself."

"This course bridges the gap between dry theory and making actual music in a DAW."

Some sections move quickly for certain learners.

"Sometimes the course moved a bit quickly, requiring me to pause and rewatch sections."

"For a complete beginner, some parts might feel a little rushed."

"I had to supplement with practice because some concepts were introduced rapidly."

"While comprehensive, the pace means you need to stay engaged and potentially review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, chords, and key signatures to prepare for the more advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review definitions of scales, chords, and key signatures.
Practice identifying intervals and chord qualities.
Complete online quizzes on basic music theory concepts.

Read 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'

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Solidify your understanding of music theory fundamentals by reading a comprehensive guide.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the book cover to cover.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Chord Progression Exercises

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Practice identifying and constructing common chord progressions in different keys to improve your harmonic vocabulary and songwriting skills.

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Choose a key and write out all diatonic chords.
Create several chord progressions using Roman numerals.
Play the progressions on a keyboard or in your DAW.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Compose a Short Melody

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Apply the music theory concepts learned in the course to compose a short melody using a DAW, reinforcing your understanding of melody writing and arrangement.

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Choose a key and tempo for your melody.
Write a melody using the notes of the chosen scale.
Add chords to harmonize your melody.
Arrange your melody in your DAW.

Read 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio'

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Learn practical mixing techniques to enhance your electronic music productions.

View Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key mixing concepts.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book on your own tracks.
Analyze the mixes of professional electronic music tracks to identify how these techniques are used.

Remix a Song

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Apply the music theory and production techniques learned in the course to remix an existing song, challenging you to create a unique and compelling interpretation.

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Choose a song to remix.
Analyze the song's structure, harmony, and melody.
Create a new arrangement using the original song's elements.
Add your own musical ideas and production techniques.

Create a Music Theory Cheat Sheet

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Compile a concise cheat sheet summarizing key music theory concepts from the course, providing a handy reference for future music production projects.

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Review your notes and course materials.
Identify the most important concepts and definitions.
Organize the information into a clear and concise format.
Design your cheat sheet using a visually appealing layout.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electronic Music Producer

An electronic music producer crafts original music using digital tools and software. This role demands a strong understanding of music theory, which this course helps build through its comprehensive exploration of harmony, melody, and chord progressions, specifically within the context of a digital audio workstation. The course directly addresses the use of piano roll editors, a core skill for electronic music production. The course's practical production examples, including the creation of nine tracks using different techniques, are directly relevant to the work of a producer. Furthermore, the analysis of popular tracks will enhance a producer's understanding of arranging and composition. By the end of this course, an electronic music producer will have a deeper understanding of how to create professional-sounding tracks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Music Producer

Composer

A composer crafts original musical pieces across various genres. Music theory is a fundamental tool for a composer, and this course provides a deep dive into harmony, melody, and chord progressions that composers need. The course explores practical music composition using a digital audio workstation (DAW), which is a common tool for composers. The specific study of modes, exotic scales, and chord voicings in this course directly contributes to a composer's ability to craft interesting and unique musical works, therefore this course is directly applicable to a composer's work. The analysis of popular songs also gives a composer an understanding of how professionals approach composition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Songwriter

A songwriter creates the lyrics and music for songs. A solid grasp of musical theory, like that found in this course, is a major asset to a songwriter. The specific focus on melody writing, chord progressions, and basslines within this course ensures that a songwriter can create more compelling compositions. By teaching core music theory concepts, this course helps a songwriter understand how musical elements fit together and this helps facilitate creativity. Additionally, this course's analysis of popular songs offers songwriting inspiration. Songwriters who complete this course will have a major advantage when composing their songs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Arranger

An arranger takes an existing piece of music and adapts it for a different ensemble or style. Arranging requires a deep understanding of music theory, and this course helps build these skills providing a comprehensive exploration of harmony, melody, and chord progressions. The course's focus on using digital audio workstations to construct songs and its analysis of popular tracks, is useful for an arranger. An arranger will use the knowledge of techniques taught in the course, including modes, exotic scales, and inversions. With this course, an arranger will better able to create complex and effective arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arranger

Remixer

A remixer takes existing recordings and alters them to create new versions. Understanding music theory is critical for a remixer to effectively re-imagine a track. This course directly addresses music theory concepts such as harmony and melody, and provides an understanding of how these elements interact within a song. The detailed instruction on chord progressions, inversions, and 7th chords helps a remixer transform existing tracks in creative ways. Additionally, this course's focus on arrangement, as is shown with the nine production projects, will help a remixer bring a more organized and cohesive sound to their work, and this work may help a remixer better understand how to approach their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remixer

Film Score Composer

A film score composer creates music for films, aligning with the narrative and emotional tone of the scenes. This role requires a mastery of music theory, which this course helps build through its comprehensive focus on harmony, melody, and various scales. By studying chord progressions, inversions, and modes, a film composer can create music that enhances a film. The practical production examples and the instruction on crafting tracks are useful for those looking to create film scores. The analysis of popular songs can also serve as a learning example, and by the end of this course, a film composer will be more prepared to compose music for film.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Score Composer

Video Game Music Composer

A video game music composer creates music for video games. Composing for video games requires a deep understanding of music theory to create effective soundtracks, and this course's in-depth exploration of harmony, melody, modes, and scales provides that foundation. The lessons on using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and techniques for creating tracks are directly relevant to composing for video games and may be useful for beginners. A video game music composer also needs to grasp the emotional and functional requirements of video game music, and this class helps with this. The analysis of existing tracks helps a composer understand how to use music effectively.

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Sound Designer

A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for various media, such as video games, films, and animations. Understanding music theory, as this course provides, helps a sound designer integrate musical elements into their work, creating a richer soundscape. The course teaches the creation of harmonies and melodies using a digital audio workstation, relevant to sound design. The detailed exploration of harmonic patterns and exotic scales this course offers may be useful for creating unique and impactful sound effects. A sound designer who completes this course will be better equipped to use music theory in their soundscapes.

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Music Educator

A music educator teaches music theory and practical skills to students of all ages. The comprehensive music theory knowledge gained from this course will enable a music educator to teach these concepts more effectively. The course covers a wide range of topics, from basic intervals to complex chord voicings and exotic scales, and a music educator will be able to deliver these concepts to their students. Furthermore, the course structure, which includes video lectures and examples, may be useful for a music educator in learning how to structure their own lessons, and this will make it easier to impart their music knowledge onto to others. This course will elevate a music educator's knowledge of music theory.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

A DJ selects and plays recorded music for an audience, often in a live setting. While not always a primary focus, a solid understanding of music theory can greatly enhance a DJ's sets by improving song selection and transitions. This course may be useful because it teaches how to identify keys, chord progressions, and melodies within tracks, which can help a DJ create more fluid and engaging mixes. The focus on harmonic patterns and exotic scales will also help DJs add their own creative flair. This course will help DJs understand the underlying structure of songs, allowing them to push beyond traditional transitions.

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Audio Engineer

An audio engineer works with the technical aspects of recording and mixing sound, and a knowledge of music theory can greatly enhance their work. This course's in-depth exploration of harmony, melody, and chord progressions will help an audio engineer understand the underlying structure of music. This course also teaches how to use a DAW, which gives an audio engineer hands-on experience with electronic instruments. This background in music theory makes an audio engineer a more helpful collaborator. While this course is not technical, it may be useful for an audio engineer who wishes to better understand music, which may help improve their sound.

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Orchestrator

An orchestrator takes a composer’s music and assigns specific instruments to each part, creating a rich and layered sound. This role demands a deep understanding of music theory, as explored in this course. The course teaches how to construct chords and melodies as well as how to apply them to different electronic instruments. The exploration of harmonic patterns and exotic scales will help an orchestrator bring unique textures to music. Though the course does not focus on traditional orchestration, the music theory skills developed will help an orchestrator who wishes to work with both acoustic and electronic music. This course may be useful to an orchestrator.

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Music Therapist

A music therapist uses music to help patients with their emotional, physical, or cognitive needs. While not the focus of this course, a understanding of music theory may help a therapist who uses music in their practice. The course covers fundamental music theory concepts, such as chord progressions, harmony, and melody, which may useful for a music therapist. An ability to analyze songs may also be useful in a therapeutic context. Though this course is not about music therapy, the course may be useful in giving a therapist a deeper understanding of music.

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Podcaster

A podcaster creates and hosts audio programs on various topics. This role can benefit from a basic understanding of music theory, particularly if the podcaster uses music in their podcasts. This course may be useful because it teaches how to analyze and create music, potentially helping a podcaster choose appropriate background music for their content. While music is not a primary focus of a podcaster, it is an important audio element. This course may give a podcaster an appreciation for the structure of music and may be useful in helping them incorporate music into their podcast, if desired.

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Audiobook Narrator

An audiobook narrator reads books aloud for audio recordings. While the role is primarily focused on vocal delivery, a basic understanding of musicality, including rhythm and phrasing, can improve a narrator's performance. While this course is not directly related to narration, its instruction on chord progressions, melody and harmony may be useful to an audiobook narrator. This may give the presenter an understanding of rhythm and timing, which will improve their deliveries. This course may indirectly help improve an audiobook narrator's craft.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Music Theory for Electronic Music COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, & 3.

Music Theory Note by Note

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory concepts, making it a valuable resource for students with limited prior experience. It covers topics such as scales, chords, harmony, and rhythm in a clear and accessible manner. While not specifically tailored to electronic music, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of music production. It is particularly helpful for students who need a refresher on basic music theory before diving into the course material.

Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How Music...

Kindle Edition

Recording Secrets for the Small Studio

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Focuses on the practical aspects of mixing music in a home studio environment. It covers topics such as EQ, compression, reverb, and panning, providing valuable insights into how to achieve a professional-sounding mix. While not directly related to music theory, it complements the course by helping students understand how to apply their theoretical knowledge to create polished and engaging electronic music tracks. This book is best used as additional reading to improve the final sound of your tracks.

Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound On...

Paperback

$$$

Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound On...

Paperback

Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound On...

Kindle Edition