Why music theory matters

I want to take a moment to talk about music theory. It’s one of the most world-opening skills you could ever focus on as a producer. 

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Music Theory Changes Everything

It’s my opinion that music theory is the single most empowering skill that can allow you to take the music you hear in your head and get it out into the DAW… or break down reference tracks and make their sound your own.

I can carve a clear line between how much I struggled before I took music theory seriously, and after I made it a priority.

Once I took it seriously, the amount of control I felt in my music making was incomparable.

It was like going from stumbling in the dark, hoping to bump into something good - to turning the light on, and just knowing where the “good stuff” was.

And unlike some people think, getting good at theory isn’t about knowing what’s “right and wrong” - it’s about deepening your emotional connection with the notes and chords, and knowing how to access them at will.

This is why music theory rocks! It’s the gateway to freedom in your music.

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Every Note Is a Word In Your Sentence

At a high level, every single note matters.

Because every note is like a word in your sentence. You want to pick each word carefully, to communicate with clarity and precision.

This is why the greatest music can have so little happening, but still feel so good.

Because it’s not about more - it’s about less, done more intentionally.

Like a great poem.

It doesn’t force every word.

It uses just the right ones.

And it's why when you use loops to try to build music, something often feels off. (Unless you know how to change them to fit your song.)

It all comes back to the Pillars of Music Production.

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The Pillars of Music Production

🎚️         ***Mixing / Polish***

✨     ****Performance / Dynamics ****

🎸  *****Sound Selection / Design *****

🎹 *****Composition / Songwriting ******

Each pillar is built on the last - starting with the composition, and ending with your mix.

This is why changing one note or chord can make your song click into place more than any expensive plugin ever could.

Take this as a reminder to practice your chord and melody writing OUTSIDE of trying to make a great track!

Just practice for the sake of practice, just like any musician would.