A woman plays piano, hypothetically working out major and minor modal scales.

Music Modes: Major and Minor Modal Scales in Music Theory

As we remember Paul Schmeling, the author of the first Berklee Online course, we share this insightful lesson on mastering the major and minor music modes with this excerpt from his course, Music Theory 301: Advanced Melody, Harmony, Rhythm.

Matt Rollings at a piano

Pianist Matt Rollings: How to Be a Session Musician People Want to Hire

Grammy-winning producer, pianist, and songwriter Matt Rollings shares what it takes to be a successful session musician, including what to charge and when to say yes or no to a project. He also shares how his recording career took off after he said yes to a young Lyle Lovett. 

A colorful illustration shows modulation through the concept of changing keys.

Modulation 101: Berklee Online Instructors on How to Leap into a Key Change

Modulation can inject a song with a jolt of interest, but it takes skill to make a key change work. Be advised, songwriters: Use modulation in moderation. And learn from these Berklee Online instructors, sharing their favorite songs to feature key changes.

A VU meter on a stereo console shows the levels of a song when audio mastering techniques have been executed.

Music Mastering Techniques from the Pros

In music mastering, our ears, loudspeakers, and room acoustics play pivotal roles in shaping what we perceive as quality sound. In this excerpt from the Berklee Online course Audio Mastering Techniques, professors Marc-Dieter Einstmann and Jonathan Wyner discuss the importance of these three components.

A person with tattoos biting their fingernails and looking nervous against a yellow backdrop. 

Stage Fright: How to Get Over Performance Anxiety

Musicians have many fears: Fear that they’ll mess up onstage, that they’re not good enough, that people won’t like their music. Fortunately Ashlee Varner has strategies to reduce your anxiety, in this excerpt from her Music Career Essentials for the Professional Singer course.

A black and white picture of The Ronettes

25 Influential Female Rockers Through the Decades

During Women’s History Month, learn about 25 of the most influential female rockers with the help of Berklee Online’s Rock History course.

Two musicians standing on stage with a written setlist at their feet

How to Prepare a Setlist

Setlists are essential for organizing and structuring a performance, ensuring that your music flows smoothly from one song to another, and energizes the audience. In this excerpt from the Berklee Online course Jazz Singing 201, authored by Patrice Williamson, you’ll learn how to prepare a successful setlist with her tried-and-true practices that will take your audience where you want them to go.

A drum set is pictured before a concert, and the microphones that are picking up the drummer's sound are showcased in the photo.

Drum Mics: How to Place Microphones Around Your Kit for a Live Concert

Choosing the correct microphone for the job is key to achieving excellent mix results. Nowhere is this more apparent than when you’re miking a drum kit for a live show. In this course excerpt from the Microphone Techniques for Live Sound Production course, you’ll learn the right way (and some of the wrong ways) to mic a drum kit.

A young music listener puts on his headphones and prepares an intense session of ear training, which we can surmise from his huge cup of coffee.

Ear Training Exercises to Help You Become a Better Musician

In these ear training videos, we uncover key exercises to help you develop your inner hearing: conducting in 6/8, singing the root, and identifying chords.

A muscular man plays a Fender Telecaster guitar, presumably delivering some hot country music licks.

Country Music Guitar Essentials: Chicken Pickin’, String Bending, and More

Mastering country music on guitar includes learning some of the same licks, tricks, and scales as other styles of guitar playing, but you also need to learn other phrases in the language of country music. Here is a quick primer.