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.

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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. 

Music producer sitting at their home studio setup

Home Studio: Recording Equipment Basics

There is an extraordinary range of affordable tools that make it possible for most musicians to produce their own music from a home studio. The goal of this article—and the Berklee Online course it comes from—is to familiarize you with the basic equipment and techniques used in electronic music production.

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 laptop with a headphone set and notebooks lying on top of the keyboard

Berklee Online Music Courses Unlock Potential in Juvenile Justice Programs

Berklee Online has partnered with the Department of Youth Services in Massachusetts, and other juvenile justice programs across the US, to offer students the opportunity to earn college credit by taking online music courses.

Psychoacoustics in Music Production course author Susan Rogers is pictured in a burgundy blazer.

WATCH: ‘This is What it Sounds Like’ Author Susan Rogers Berklee Onsite 2023 Keynote Address

In this keynote address from Berklee Onsite 2023, famed recording engineer Susan Rogers implores music makers to think more about their listeners, using science and statistics to back it up!

Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs.

The Best and Worst Romantic Song Lyrics

Learn why the Flamingos “I Only Have Eyes for You” has the best romantic song lyrics of all time, and why Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is, well, not perfect.

A MIDI controller could be a keyboard or something different.

Buying a MIDI Controller? Here’s What to Know

When purchasing a MIDI controller, there are a variety of factors worth considering. In this article from the brand new Knowledge Base, the Berklee Online Support Staff walks you through everything you need to know.

A woman stands outside in the cold, singing and performing music for a crowd of shoppers and revelers.

7 Tips to Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy in Cold Weather

Winter is a challenging time for vocalists between the dry air, frequent traveling and performing, and increased chance of catching a cold. We have some tips to help your vocal cords combat the cold.

A piano is shown with holiday lights sparkling on the keys and in the background.

How to Write Original Holiday Songs

’Tis the season to spice up your catalog of originals with holiday songwriting tips courtesy of songwriter Brady Rymer, Berklee Online songwriting instructors Andrea Stolpe and Jimmy Kachulis, as well as Berklee’s Joe Bennett, who helped compose what is winkingly known as “the happiest Christmas song, according to science.”