Music Theory & Functional Harmony

When learning about Music Theory most people start with scales, modes and chords and then sort of.. stop. This makes you miss out on of the most exciting parts of Theory: Form.

In this course we’re going to check out not only those all important scales and chords, but also Functional Harmony, which is a system that categorises Chords into their unique “functions”.

This will allow you to build chord progressions that evoke specific emotions, creating a story in which you’re the writer, you can steer the story into any direction depending on the mood you want to create: in whatever type of music you produce!

About Your Tutor

Jor van der Poel is a professional musician and Grade C certified music teacher specializing in music theory, arrangement and composition, sound design, Logic Pro & Ableton Live.

He’s worked with some of the biggest companies out there, and after learning to play the piano and guitar, both classical and jazz at a young age, Jor discovered the extreme flexibility of synthetic sounds becoming a sound design guru. All this comes together to give him a unique insight into the world of music production.

Course Summary

This course will focus on Functional Harmony, which is a system that categorises Chords into their unique “functions”. This allows you to build chord progressions that evoke specific emotions, it creates a story in which you’re the writer, you can steer the story into any direction depending on the mood you want to create.

If you struggle with getting the perfect feel to your tracks, and want to master that ultimate emotional sensation for your music – be sure to check this course out.

Scales & Intervals, Sharps & Flats

► Major & Minor Scales

In this video we look at how major and minor scales work and how you can find them, along with intervals.

• Explanation of steps and scales
• Learn about major & minor scales
• Learn about intervals & how to apply them

► Sharps & Flats

We’ll learn the difference between sharp and flat notes, along with an introduction to playing scales.

• Introduction to playing scales
• When to use sharps and flats
• Learn to create contrasting note progressions

Basic & Advanced Chord Creation

► Basic Chords

In this section we’ll learn the skills you need to create basic chords, both major and minor triads plus find out about arpeggios.

• Applying rules to build chords
• Using thirds and fifths
• What is an arpeggio?

► Diminished & 7th Chords

Here we move on to finishing the foundation section of this course: writing more advanced chord creation such as diminished and 7th’s.

• Learn how to harmonize scales
• Using major, major & dominant 7ths

The different functions explained

► Tonic Function

Here we’ll learn how to use the Tonic Function to create stability in our musical landscape.

• Define where your music is going
• Learn about prolongation
• Bring about a feeling of conclusion

► The Dominant Function

Learn how to use the Dominant Function to create a tense feeling in your chord progressions, and when to use this technique for maximum impact.

• Create tension
• Chord selection
• Resolving your progression

More chord functions explained

► The Pre-Dominant Function

In this section teaches us about the predominant, or sub dominant function, the most versatile of the function we’ll learn about in this course. You’ll learn how to move between Tonic and Dominant functions to finish your progressions with complete artistry.

• When to use the Pre-Dominant function
• How to use ‘weird’ chords & inversions
• Learn to modulate to different scales?

► Examples

This course includes two videos detailing examples of how to use the techniques that you’ve used, helping you to write the chord progressions of your dreams!

• Create impressive chord sequences
• Master Functional Harmony