Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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Free Online Course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony provided by LinkedIn Learning is a comprehensive online course, which lasts for 2-3 hours worth of material. The course is taught in English and is free of charge. Upon completion of the course, you can receive an e-certificate from LinkedIn Learning. Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony is taught by Julian Velard.

Overview
  • Learn music theory through the lens of songwriting. These tutorials cover the basics of harmony: minor scales, modes, 7th chords, modulations, and more.

Syllabus
  • Introduction

    • Welcome
    • What you should know before watching this course
    • Why music theory?
    1. Minor Keys and Modes
    • The natural minor scale
    • The harmonic and melodic minor scales
    • Basic minor scale chord progressions
    • A song in a minor key
    • What are modes?
    • Dorian and Phrygian modes
    • Lydian and Mixolydian modes
    • Locrian mode and the whole tone scale
    2. Four-Note Chords and Beyond
    • Major 7th chords
    • Minor 7th chords
    • Dominant 7th chords
    • Half-diminished 7th chords
    • Chord extensions
    • The color tones
    • Triads with an added note
    • Diminished 7th chords
    • Using 7th chords in a song
    3. Key Centers, Modulations, and Alternate Bass Notes
    • Transposing a song for feel change or different voice ranges
    • Modulation
    • Modulation within a progression
    • The pedal point
    • Slash chords or upper structures
    • Building different harmonies from a single melody
    • Exploring modulation and pedal point in a song
    Conclusion
    • Next steps