A man plays common chord progression on an acoustic guitar.

Common Chord Progressions and How to Make Them Your Own

Songwriting is an art form that requires creativity, imagination, and an understanding of music theory, but if we’re being honest, there’s also a degree of “fake it ‘til you make it.” And with that approach in mind, one technique you could try is to utilize classic chord progressions to write your own.

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An illustration of a snare drum with a heart on it, two drum sticks in and X formation are behind the snare.

Best Drum Songs—According to Berklee Online Faculty

We polled members of the Drum Department at Berklee on the drum grooves they love the most. Some of the usual suspects are there—Ringo and Bonzo—but some of their choices may surprise you. Drumroll, please! …

A woman plays a video game.

Video Game Design and the Playcentric Approach

In video game design, the playcentric approach puts the player experience at the center of the design process. Read why this matters in this course excerpt from Lori Landay’s Game Design Principles course.

Two songwriters work together to write topline for a song.

What is Topline Songwriting?

Topline is a specialized niche of songwriting where the focus is on melody, lyrics, and performance over a preexisting track/beat/sonic structure. Learn a bit of history of how the craft of topline has become a significant role in the creative space of the music industry.

A kitchen timer set to 25 minutes with a backdrop of tomatoes.

Pomodoro Technique and Your Music Practice Routine

There is a very well-known technique called the “Pomodoro Technique” that can help us stay focused and beat fatigue while we practice music. “Pomodoro” is Italian for tomato. Yes, we’re going to improve our efficiency one tomato at a time. Let’s explore how you can incorporate the Pomodoro Technique into your practice routine.

A voice leading paradigm showcases how musical notes switch on a musical staff.

Voice Leading Paradigms for Harmony in Music Composition

These voice leading examples provide guidelines to help you learn how to compose so each voice moves smoothly from note to note, while you create rich harmonic changes.

A student sitting at a table in their home on a laptop.

First Semester Checklist for Berklee Online Degree Students

Leading up to your first semester at Berklee Online, it’s completely understandable to feel stressed and overwhelmed, as well as excited. It can be difficult to keep track of all the communications that start coming through, which is why we’re providing one handy place to keep track of all of the important benchmarks and items to check off on your to-do list leading up to the first day of classes. You’re going to be great, and we look forward to helping you start your educational journey with Berklee Online!

3 Berklee Online students

Students You’ll Meet at Berklee Online

With a global student population, all seeking flexibility in their music studies and a desire to learn from anywhere, Berklee Online offers unique networking and collaboration you can’t find anywhere else. Learn about the kinds of students you’ll meet at Berklee Online.

A young music-lover studies music business law.

Music Business Law Facts Every Musician Needs to Know

You’re more likely to pave a successful professional career in the music industry for yourself when you understand the basics of music business and music law. In this article, we’re going to get into some music business law fundamentals you should know first.

Learning how to copyright your songs and/or lyrics is not as difficult as you might think.

How to Copyright a Song

Copyrighting a song or lyrics does not have to be a difficult process for songwriters. Follow these simple steps to make sure you legally protect your intellectual property.