Everyone knows that songs are made up of chord progressions. But, it didn't come from the blues riffs or from the pop music. Chord progressions began as far back as the 1600s in learning to define music and different ways that it could work, known as figured bass.

Here's how you can progress with knowing your chord progressions.

1. Set your key signature. Make sure that you know how many sharps or flats are in that key signature.

2. Every note that is in the key signature is also a chord. All you have to do is build 1 – 3- 5 on top of it. For example, if it is in the key of C, it will be C (1), E (3), G (5).

3. Every chord will either be major or minor. If the third is lowered, it is minor and vice versa. For example, C, Eb, G is minor and C, E, G is major.

4. Each of the chords will also have a roman numeral. It looks like this: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii. The capital is major, the lower case is minor.

5. You can then set your chord progressions by going from each of the chords. For example, I, IV, I, IV, I, IV, V is a standard blues riff. If it is in the key of G, it will look like G, C, G, C, G, C, D, G.

That's all there is to it. If you really want to know how to progress, look up the rules for Figured Bass. It will show you how others have progressed from one chord to another with the different styles. Before you know it, your harmonies and your chords will carry the song.

Want to know more theory?  Contact me at info@apollomusicstudios.com or visit my websites: www.apollomusicstudios.com or www.coachingmusician.com.  Happy music making!

I have heard every excuse for not doing theory or learning new things in music. How about – I follow my instincts when I do music, so I don't want to loose that. Or this one – I can play, why do I need to know how it goes together?

Okay, I know. I've used a lot of excuses too, and it could be a good excuse, if you only want to play a few songs.

There comes a time in every musicians life where they have to make a decision about how far they want to go and what they want to learn with their music. If any musician is ready to take the next step, it's time to buckle down with the theory.

I'm not just mentioning this because I'm a music teacher. I'm mentioning it because I watch the bands, I see what they play and I know exactly how much they know with theory. Those who have taken the time to read the books, expand their knowledge and get the nuts and bolts from the music typically are able to do more with their songs. They can take the risks, say something a little bit better and use the tools from the theory that they've learned to take it a step further.

Theory doesn't make you loose anything with your music. It's like having an extra set of tools in your vehicle so that you can drive further, take care of all of the maintenance and use them to let your ride look a little bit better. Meaning that, when you have the extra tools, you can communicate a little bit better.

Go pick up a theory book, learn something new, expand your mind and let immerse yourself in the world of music and theory. It's a great way to begin to call yourself a musician. Want some theory help? Contact me (that's Brooke) at info@apollomusicstudios.com.

Working on the next great hit, but not sure where to go with it? Keep these tips in mind to help you critique and make your next composition a little bit better.

1. Composition is all about balance. That's right – balance. You should have some instruments in motion and some that are still. Have some that are carrying a melody, and others that are supporting it. Keep some with a beat, and some that don't have a beat. Make sure that there isn't too much of one thing and not enough of another.

2. Are you sure that's the right instrument? Re-check what your arrangement is and make sure that it is going together right. Sometimes, a sound might not be exactly what you need and it can throw the entire thing off.

3. With that in mind, also check your range. It's easy to go a little too high or low for an instrument, even if it is the piano or guitar. Make sure that the range allows you to set the tone right.

4. Check your key signature. I know, you might think that the key of G is great for everything, but it's not. Every key signature (major, minor and the hundreds of modes) carry a different mood. Make sure you start it out right.

5. Know when to switch. By switch I mean rhythm, key signature, chords and anything else that you need. Sometimes a good switch in a song can bring your song to exactly where it needs to be.

6. Have you experimented with the form? Yes, it's not all just verse, chorus, verse, chorus. Spice it up a little bit, bring in something new, find new formulas. It makes ears happy.

7. Know your rhythms. Sometimes accents can get in the wrong place or do the wrong thing for the song, especially with vocals. Depending on your song, you will want to make sure that you have the consistent rhythms with the accents in the right place.

8. Put some dynamics in it. Please? I know that they are not often heard these days, but trust me – it makes or breaks a song.

9. Don't be afraid to let some of your instruments rest. Part of the balance thing I mentioned before is taking out some instruments at times, then putting them back in. It changes the loudness of the song and allows you to give your audience a treat.

10. Trust your instinct. Even if you know all of the rules in the world, it's really your creativity that should come first. If you are thinking about switching something, but can't get it to sound quite right, it's probably because it doesn't. Know when it is time to let your song be.

With these tips in mind, your composition will surely be able to pick it up a notch. If you want to get into more theory, shoot me (that's Brooke) an e-mail at info@apollomusicstudios.com.