You’re not alone. Many aspiring musicians, from guitarists shredding solos to vocalists belting out tunes, find themselves playing by ear or rote memorization. While that’s a fantastic start, there’s a vast, rich world beneath the surface of every song – a world governed by music theory.

And before you picture dusty textbooks and complex equations, let’s stop right there. Music theory isn’t about stifling your creativity; it’s about empowering it.

The Myth vs. The Reality: What Music Theory Isn’t

Myth 1: “Music theory will make me sound robotic.” Reality: Quite the opposite! Understanding theory gives you the tools to break rules intentionally, to create unique tensions, and to craft more compelling melodies and harmonies. It’s like learning grammar before writing a poem – it gives you the framework to truly express yourself.

Myth 2: “It’s only for classical musicians or composers.” Reality: From pop to rock, jazz to EDM, every genre is built on theoretical principles. Knowing why certain chords sound good together, how a melody evokes a specific emotion, or why a bassline grooves the way it does will profoundly impact your playing and writing, no matter your style.

Myth 3: “It’s too hard and boring.” Reality: Like learning an instrument, it takes dedication, but with the right approach, music theory can be incredibly engaging and immediately applicable. Think of it as learning the secret language of your favorite songs.

The True Power: What Music Theory Is (And Why You Need It)

Imagine these scenarios:

• You’re trying to write a song: Instead of aimlessly searching for chords, you’ll understand why a certain progression creates a feeling of joy, sadness, or anticipation. You’ll know how to build a chorus that lifts and a bridge that provides contrast.
• You’re improvising: You won’t just be playing scales; you’ll be navigating chord changes with confidence, hitting “target” notes that make your solos sing, and expressing emotions through your melodic choices.
• You’re learning a new song: You’ll pick up on patterns and structures faster, understanding the underlying harmony instead of just memorizing finger placements. This drastically speeds up your learning process.
• You’re communicating with other musicians: When a bandleader says, “Play a ii-V-I in G,” you won’t stare blankly. You’ll instantly know what to do, making collaboration seamless and enjoyable.
• You want to understand why music moves you: Theory provides the vocabulary to articulate the magic behind your favorite tracks. You’ll appreciate music on a deeper, more intellectual, and emotional level.

Ready to Unlock Your Musical Potential?

If you’ve ever felt limited by not knowing why certain things work in music, or if you’re eager to take your playing, songwriting, or overall appreciation to the next level, then it’s time to demystify music theory.

At Morning Dew Media, we believe that understanding music theory should be accessible, practical, and, most importantly, fun! That’s why we’ve created the Music Theory for Beginners course.

This course is designed specifically for aspiring musicians like you, breaking down complex concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand lessons. You’ll learn:

• The fundamentals of rhythm, melody, and harmony.
• How to read and write basic music notation – we also work with piano roll!
• The secrets behind chords and progressions.
• What scales and modes really mean for your playing.
• And practical ways to apply everything you learn to your instrument and songwriting!

Stop guessing and start understanding. Stop memorizing and start creating with intention.

Your musical journey is about to get a whole lot more exciting and fulfilling.

Click here to explore our “Music Theory for Beginners” course and start your transformation today!

Also check out my video “Learn simple music theory in 5 minutes“!

// Mattias Holmgren – Composer & Educator
Morningdew Media Education

The post Unlock the Secrets: Why Every Aspiring Musician Needs Music Theory (It’s Easier Than You Think!) appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Are you a music producer looking to take your sound design skills to the next level? The Bitwig Grid is one of the most powerful modular environments available in any modern DAW—but its vast potential can be intimidating without proper guidance.

Introducing “Grid Unlocked” by Mattias Holmgren

I proudly present Bitwig Grid Unlocked, a comprehensive course specifically designed to transform you from a Grid novice to a confident sound design expert.

Watch the course announcement video

Why This Course Is Different

Unlike generic tutorials that barely scratch the surface, Grid Unlocked dives deep into the practical applications of Bitwig’s modular system. Each lesson builds upon the last, creating a structured learning path that ensures you not only understand the Grid’s capabilities but can actually implement them in your productions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Foundation fundamentals: Understand the core principles of modular synthesis within the Grid.
• Practical patch building: Move beyond theory with real-world examples you can use immediately
• Phase Modulation Synthesis (like the Yamaha DX7).
• Sound design secrets: Create signature sounds that will set your productions apart
• Workflow optimization: Learn time-saving techniques that streamline your creative process
• Advanced modulation: Master complex routing and modulation techniques that bring movement and life to your sounds

From Confusion to Confidence

Many producers avoid the Grid because it seems overwhelming. We break down complex concepts into digestible, step-by-step instructions that build your confidence with each lesson. By the end of the course, you’ll approach the Grid with excitement rather than apprehension.

Watch a free episode – Filters Part 1 (Low Pass LD)

Join the Community

When you enroll in Bitwig Grid Unlocked, you’re not just buying a course—you’re joining a community of like-minded producers who share your passion for innovative sound design. Connect with fellow students, share your creations, and receive feedback from both peers and instructors.

Reasons to join the Bitwig Grid Unlocked Course:

 Bitwig Grid User Interface – Navigate and master the tools with ease.

 Modular Synthesis – Start with the basics and progress to advanced techniques like FM and phase modulation.

 Poly Grid, Grid FX, and Note Grid – Explore and utilize each Grid environment effectively.

 Custom Instruments and Effects – Learn to patch and design your own unique sounds and setups.

4K quality video + Subtitles (select your native language.)

Support & access to exclusive Discord community!

Lifetime Access to the course and Morningdew Media Education

 +Bonus: Hit me Hard vol 1 sample pack included!

Ready to Unlock Your Creative Potential?

Visit edu.morningdewmedia.com today to secure your spot in Grid Unlocked and transform your approach to sound design forever.

“The Grid isn’t just a feature in Bitwig—it’s a universe of sonic possibilities waiting to be explored.”

The post Master the Bitwig Grid: Unlock Your Sound Design Potential appeared first on Morningdew Media.

The EDU edition is the Flagship version of Bitwig Studio, discounted at only 269 USD / 269 EUR (Original price €399 EUR).

How to get the Bitwig Studio EDU edition?

1. Purchase one of my Bitwig courses here.
2. Go to Bitwig Webstore EDU link here.
3. Press BUY and purchase Bitwig Studio EDU product.
4. In your “verification process email” to Bitwig, you can attach your “Order confirmation email” from us (Morningdew Media Education). Or mention that you purchased a course from Morningdew Media Education, the course name + your order number.
5. Done!

As long as the course is a Bitwig related course you are eligable to receive the EDU discount!

I’m super excited to be able to offer this to all Bitwig students! If you’re on Bitwig 8-track, or thinking about moving from other DAW to Bitwig…this is a GREAT opportunity to jump in.

Thank YOU all for joining!

// Mattias

The post 🎁 Exciting News for Bitwig students – big discount on Bitwig Studio flagship edition! 🥳 appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Hello, fellow musicians! I’m Mattias, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to our specialized ear training video series designed to boost your musicality in just 5 minutes a day. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced musician, our videos will help you develop relative pitch, understand musical intervals, and significantly improve your musical skills.

Why Ear Training?

Perfect Pitch vs Relative Pitch

Not everyone is born with perfect pitch—the ability to recognize pitch without any reference. However, you can develop relative pitch with consistent practice. Relative pitch is your ability to identify the pitch of notes in relation to others, a crucial skill for any musician. Ear training enhances this skill, enabling you to:

• Recognize and reproduce melodies and chords by ear.

• Improve sight-reading capabilities.

• Enhance your overall musical understanding and performance.

What Our Videos Offer

Our ear training videos are tailored to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Short, Effective Sessions: Each video is designed to fit into your busy schedule, requiring just 5 minutes of your day.

2. Step-by-Step Guidance: We break down complex concepts into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you grasp each interval and pitch recognition technique.

3. Interactive Exercises: Engage with practical exercises that reinforce your learning and help you apply your skills in real musical scenarios.

4. Regular Updates: Stay tuned for new episodes and content updates to keep your training fresh and exciting.

Getting Started

To begin your ear training journey, head over to edu.morningdewmedia.com/eartraining. Here, you’ll find all our videos, our ear training application and additional resources to support your learning.

Introducing Our Ear Training Web App

We built a custom Ear Training Web App to help you with the 5-minute daily practise, available at https://edu.morningdewmedia.com/EarTraining/KeyboardIntervals_1.

Designed for musicians of all levels, this web app offers an interactive and convenient way to develop your relative pitch and master musical intervals.

With easy access to a variety of exercises, video tutorials, and real-time feedback, you can practice anytime, anywhere. Our app includes features such as customizable training sessions, progress tracking (for course participants), and engaging gamification elements that make learning fun and effective.

Start your journey towards superhuman hearing with the ultimate tool for ear training at your fingertips. Visit the web app today and unlock your full musical potential.

Recommended Viewing

Before diving into our latest videos, we recommend watching my video that covers the 12 basic intervals. Understanding these fundamentals will provide a strong foundation for your ear training practice.

What You’ll Learn

• Pitch Recognition: Learn to identify notes and pitches with ease.

• Interval Training: Master the 12 basic intervals and how to recognize them.

• Melodic Dictation: Improve your ability to transcribe melodies by ear.

• Chord Progressions: Develop the skill to identify and play chord progressions.

Join Our Community

We believe in the power of community and shared learning. Join our growing community of musicians who are on the same journey. Share your progress, ask questions, and support each other through our dedicated forum and social media channels.

Ready to Transform Your Musical Skills?

Don’t wait any longer! Start your ear training journey today and unlock the superhuman hearing abilities that will set you apart as a musician. Visit edu.morningdewmedia.com now and explore our comprehensive ear training resources.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey. Happy training!

The post Unlock Your Musical Potential with Our Ear Training Videos appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Course Features:

• Detailed walkthroughs in Bitwig Studio 5.0+. Essentials is NOT supported since it lacks many sweet synths/effects. Check Product Brief for more detailed requirements and what synths, fx and modulators we use!
• 24 episodes (4 hours 45 minutes) ranging from 5-15 minutes.
• Focus on using Bitwig’s stock plugins & devices, with tips on enhancing your sound using free third-party plugins.
• Short, focused episodes in crisp 4K quality, each dedicated to a specific aspect of ambient music creation.
• CREATE A COMPLETE AMBIENT SONG FROM SCRATCH
• Learn FM Synthesis and enjoy vast sonic worlds!
• Includes downloadable projects, samples and audio files to help you build your own ambient soundscape.
• +Bonus: Hit me Hard vol 1 sample pack included!
• Instant Lifetime Access to the course and Morningdew Media Education.
• Support & access to exclusive Discord community!
• Subtitles in most languages.

Course Layout:

• Start by creating your first ambient sound and setting up Bitwig’s stock reverb.
• Progress through episodes focused on layering and soundscapes, ambient music theory, and more sophisticated sound design techniques.
• Culminates in the creation of a complete song, followed by sessions on mixing and mastering to ensure professional quality sound.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start crafting your first ambient sound and explore the endless possibilities of ambient music creation with Bitwig Studio!

The post Explore the Sounds of Serenity: Announcing Bitwig Ambient Mastery Course appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Demystifying Ambient Concepts: Gain a solid understanding of the core principles and philosophies behind ambient music creation.
• Logic Pro X Skills: Explore the extensive capabilities of Logic Pro X, learning how to utilize its built-in plugins and instruments to weave captivating textures and atmospheres.
• Step-by-Step Creation: Follow along as we construct a complete ambient song from scratch, providing you with a practical blueprint for crafting your own masterpieces.
• Bonus Presets: Take advantage of exclusive presets designed specifically to fuel your ambient production journey.

This course is perfect for:

• Aspiring ambient music producers eager to learn the fundamentals and unlock their creative potential.
• Established musicians seeking to broaden their skillset and explore new sonic territories.
• Logic Pro X enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the software’s capabilities for crafting ambient soundscapes.

What you get in the course

Access to Morningdew Media Education. A dedicated place to enjoy the courses, get project files, extra material and much more.

21 episodes packed with ambient sound knowledge!

3 hour 11minutes of video tutorials.

4K crisp video quality.

Subtitles / captions (in most languages)

Additional Content, Project Files, shortkeys, tips and tricks!

 Ask questions directly to the course author (Mattias).

 Enjoy the course on any device with a browser; mobile, desktop / TV etc.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Enroll today and embark on your path to creating mesmerizing soundscapes.

Here’s a free episode from my YouTube channel:

The post Unleash Your Inner Soundscape: Master Ambient Music Production in Logic Pro X appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Ergonomics Redefined

One of the primary reasons the host prefers the Wacom tablet is the ergonomic advantage it offers. Using a mouse typically requires extending your arm and straining your neck, shoulders, and elbows. Over time, this can lead to painful conditions like tennis elbow and other discomforts. However, with the Wacom tablet, you work in a more relaxed and natural position, reducing the physical strain associated with mouse usage.

While it may take some time to adjust to the tablet’s different feel, with practice, it becomes a more comfortable and natural way to work.

Intuitive Touch and Gestures

The Wacom Intuos Pro isn’t just a digital pen and tablet; it also supports touch sensitivity and gestures. In the video we look at how you can move the pen slightly above the surface to control the mouse pointer. Hovering and making pinching gestures to zoom in and out provide a seamless editing and navigation experience.

Additionally, two-finger gestures allow you to scroll through your projects, similar to laptop touchpads. This combination of pen and touch support creates a highly intuitive and efficient workflow for various creative tasks.

Recommendation for All Creatives

I totally recommend the Wacom Intuos Pro, especially for individuals engaged in editing, music production, graphic design, or any computer-based work. The tablet’s touch and gesture features significantly enhance the editing experience, making it a game-changer.

Although the tablet may require a bit more desk space than a mouse, the benefits it offers easily outweigh this minor inconvenience. Plus, your colleagues and viewers will appreciate the absence of those annoying mouse clicks in your video recordings!

Final words

In a world where technology constantly evolves, the Wacom Intuos Pro stands out as a valuable tool for professionals and creatives looking to improve their workflow and overall well-being. Consider making the switch and experience the difference for yourself!

The post Why use a pen tablet – Wacom Intous Pro review appeared first on Morningdew Media.

How to begin a piano solo

I generally try to play sparse in the beginning of a solo. You don’t want to throw all your cards and have nothing to play for the rest of the solo. When I improvise a melody I think like it’s a conversation, at least some kind of spoken (or sung) melody by a voice. It will be easier to divide your melody into smaller phrases, rather than a long series of notes that will be impossible to comprehend for a listener.

Building the solo towards a climax

We build on the solo melody with higher pitches and probably more notes as you go towards some sort of climax.

And then you retract back to playing sparingly at the end, as a kind of closure.

Dynamic arc of a piano solo

So you have a dynamic arc / curve in the music piece, to build excitement.

Hope you enjoy this little mini tutorial on piano soloing. This is piano playing on intermediate level, I guess. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions!

Thanks for watching and supporting,

// Mattias

My Marketplace with Online Courses and Sample Packs: https://store.morningdewmedia.com

The post Piano Solo concepts: Intermediate lesson appeared first on Morningdew Media.

In this comprehensive course, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to start making music with Logic Pro, from setting up your workspace to recording and editing audio and MIDI.

Getting Started with Logic Pro

If you’ve never used Logic Pro before, the first thing you’ll want to do is get familiar with the software. We’ll walk you through the interface and show you how to set up your workspace to suit your needs. We’ll cover everything from creating a new project to selecting the right audio interface and MIDI controller. By the end of this section, you’ll have a solid understanding of how Logic Pro works and be ready to start creating music.

When you buy the course you get:

 Lifetime access to the Course Web App – a dedicated place to learn Logic Pro!
 Chat – Ask Logic Pro related Questions to the course mentor (Mattias).
 Free preset pack for the Logic Alchemy Synth!
 Access to the Exclusive Discord channel!
 All episodes are free of advertisements!
 21 Episodes – 2h 51min (new episodes drops every 2nd week!)

What’s the benefits of the Logic Pro for beginners guide course compared to watching free videos on YouTube?

 You get a dedicated place to learn Logic Pro instead of searching through YouTube to find what you are looking for. Saves you time!

 The course app can be run from any platform; mobile, desktop / laptop / tv. Just Login to the web app and start watching the episodes from your last bookmark!

  Chat with Mattias Holmgren and get help with your progress in Logic Pro!

  Learn from +25 year producer Mattias Holmgren, credits here.

You can sign up to our newsletter here, and you will be the first to get all updates and infos on the course!

We’ve planned to add new episodes to the course every second week, at least until the end of 2023! It’s gonna be a masterclass for YOU!

So make sure you sign up to the newsletter to get the latest news!

Recording Audio and MIDI

Recording audio and MIDI is one of the most important aspects of using Logic Pro. We’ll show you how to set up your audio inputs and outputs, as well as how to record audio from a microphone or instrument. You’ll also learn how to record MIDI data using a keyboard or other MIDI controller. We’ll cover everything from basic recording techniques to more advanced features like comping and punching in.

Editing Audio and MIDI

Once you’ve recorded your audio and MIDI, you’ll need to edit it to create a polished final product. We’ll show you how to use Logic Pro’s powerful editing tools to trim, split, and merge audio and MIDI regions. You’ll also learn how to quantize MIDI notes and use Flex Time to adjust the timing of audio recordings. By the end of this section, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to edit audio and MIDI in Logic Pro.

Using Software Instruments and Effects

Logic Pro comes with a wide variety of software instruments and effects that can help you create unique and interesting sounds. We’ll show you how to use these instruments and effects to add depth and texture to your music. You’ll learn how to use synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers to create your own sounds, as well as how to use effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to shape your mix.

Mixing and Mastering Your Music

Mixing and mastering are crucial steps in the music production process. We’ll show you how to use Logic Pro’s mixing tools to balance the levels of your tracks and create a cohesive mix. You’ll also learn how to use EQ, compression, and other processing tools to shape the tone of individual tracks and the overall mix. Finally, we’ll cover mastering techniques that can help your music sound great on any playback system.

Conclusion

Logic Pro is a powerful tool for creating professional-quality music, but it can be intimidating for beginners. Our Logic Pro for Beginners video course will guide you through everything you need to know to start making music with Logic Pro. Whether you’re a songwriter, composer, or producer, this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to take your music to the next level.

So why wait?

Sign up today and start making great music with Logic Pro!

More relevant articles on Logic Pro

How to install Alchemy presets in Logic Pro

Logic Pro Key Commands – ULTIMATE GUIDE

Alchemy Synth tutorial – Granular Pluck

Logic Pro – Alchemy Preset pack – NEPTUNE

The post Logic Pro for Beginners: Step-by-Step Music Production Course appeared first on Morningdew Media.

Here is a new video talking about the new M2 tech – M2 Pro and M2 Max from the latest Apple Event. How fast is the new MacBook Pros at rendering 4K video? In the video we also talk about my experience with over one year of throwing heavy projects on the 14″ MacBook Pro M1 Max 32GB!

M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro and Mac Mini with Apple Silicon

Apple has been transitioning its Mac computers to use its own custom-designed processors, based on ARM architecture, called Apple Silicon. The latest chips in this lineup is the M2 Pro and M2 Max, which was announced in January 2023 and is used in the MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

The post M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro – News with Apple! appeared first on Morningdew Media.