How to Write Music

These lessons start at the beginning -- you don't need prior music knowledge.

Use these lessons, along with the ChordSong software program, to learn about the art of writing music and create your own music -- no instrument required, just your computer.

1. Elements of a Song

A brief overview of melody, chords, and lyrics

2. Create a Chord Progression: First Steps

Start creating a chord progression using ChordSong

3. Add a Melody: First Steps

Start adding a melody to your chord progression

4. Chord Patterns: Phrases and Repetition

Expand a short chord sequence into a song

5. Chord Patterns: Home and Away

Learn to use the tonic chord

6. Melody Rhythm

Combine single melody notes into phrases

7. Theory Basics: 12 Chromatic Tones

The fundamentals of musical pitch

8. Chord Patterns: Diatonic Chords

Learn to use this important class of chords

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