Learning Resources/Scales in Action
Scales in Action
Explore a collection of scales beyond the conventional major and minor system and examine how they are used in film, game, and media music. Through detailed musical examples and composition studies, you'll learn how scales such as the Diminished Scale, Phrygian Dominant, Double Harmonic Major, Double Harmonic Minor, Hirajoshi, and the Whole Tone Scale can be used to create tension, mystery, exoticism, wonder, and other evocative musical atmospheres.
Tim Maurice
Instructor
10 modules · 14 video lessons
Beginner & Intermediate
What you will learn
The character of a scale is greatly influenced by the spacing of its notes. In our course "Applying Modal Color to Your Music", we saw how a simple variation of a half-step can turn a Major scale into a Lydian scale. When applied to composition, each subtle change can greatly impact the mood. In this course, we explore a small variety of scales in-depth that differ from conventional major and minor scales. Our selection is by no means exhaustive – we simply chose several that we feel might be useful as you expand your musical palette. We hope they inspire you to experiment in the music you compose.
- Diminished Scale Pt.1 & 2
- Phrygian Dominant
- Double Harmonic Major (Byzantine Scale/Arabic Scale)
- Double Harmonic Minor (Hungarian Minor)
- Hirajoshi Scale
- Whole Tone Scale
Course Content
Previews Available- Course Overview
- Course Materials [Score PDFs, Audio]
- General Course Information
Requirements
While musicians without any educational background may benefit from our courses, we recommend having at least a basic knowledge of music theory concepts such as intervals, chords, and scales to ensure a smooth learning experience.
General course information
- This course includes video lectures, audio examples, graphical analysis, and video playback of the scores. All course materials (music score pdfs, HD orchestral mock-up mp3's) can be downloaded upon purchase of the course.
- When possible, we include chord symbols in the scores to help summarize the harmony.
- For the sake of brevity and clarity, we use "condensed scores" for any large ensemble/orchestral writing.
- Some specific musical notations (such as breath markings for winds and brass, harp tuning, piano pedaling, etc.) are not strictly conveyed in the scores.
- In our course, we write all roman numerals uppercase and simply add the word "min" to indicate a minor harmony.
Instructor
Tim Maurice
Composer, Arranger, and Pianist
Tim produced music for a variety of independent film & media projects across New England, including “Searchdog,” a feature-length documentary about shelter dogs that are rehabilitated into certified search & rescue dogs. (Audience-voted “Best of Fest Selection” in the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival).
In addition to composing, Tim also served as music director, arranger, and pianist for the cabaret show “Never Far From Home” at Central Square Theater, which earned critical acclaim from The Boston Globe. He has worked with the North Cambridge Family Opera for the past several years, as an arranger and midi mockup artist.
He orchestrated for their production of “Flying High,” an opera with music by multi-instrumentalist/composer Graham Preskett and lyrics by writer John Kane. Tim also had the great fortune of working with Grammy-nominated jazz pianist/composer Taylor Eigsti, assisting with orchestration and score preparation for symphonic pieces for the concert performed by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra.
Reviews
“Thumbs up to you guys..This course went way above my expectation. Beginning with the diminished scale, the course demonstrates how some of the very common (yet not so easy to grasp) scales are actually used in film music. The Hirajoshi scale and Whole tone scale sections were my favorite parts.”
Tracy Jin
“Got this course as a part of the bundle. Overall, this is a really well-designed learning course. I wish it was a bit longer.”
Diletta R.
“Detailed and concise examples!”
Dennis Klampanis
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