Theory Gym
Weekly. Morning music theory workout. Included with residency.
Start your day at the gym with a morning music theory workout. Scales, chords, intervals, ear training exercises, and guided practice with fellow residents.
Upcoming Sessions
Recent Sessions
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We worked through the chord progression of "Morning Has Broken," identifying how each chord functions harmonically in the key of C. Covered predominant function (IV and ii), deceptive cadences, secondary dominants (V/V), modal interchange, and the particular quality of the iii chord (E minor) and how it recontextualizes what came before it. The session was largely demonstration-led, walking through the process of identifying chords by ear using bass motion, cadential feel, and process of elimination rather than instrument verification.
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We worked through a full harmonic and rhythmic analysis of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," using it as a vehicle for introducing modal interchange, borrowed chords, and chromatic mediants. The song's three-section structure (verse, chorus, bridge) was mapped out chord by chord, with particular attention to how the parallel major/minor relationship between C and C minor explains the borrowed chords, and how third-motion between tonal centers creates the chromatic mediant shifts. We also examined the groove's rhythmic foundation — the swung or near-triplet sixteenth-note feel programmed into the drum machine — and how that rhythmic language informs the vocal phrasing throughout.
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We used Cat Stevens' "Wild World" as a case study to examine how a relatively simple chord progression built on the circle of fourths can generate strong harmonic momentum through cadences, dominant motion, and the interplay between relative major and minor. The session traced the song's movement between A minor and C major, covering concepts including the 2-5-1 progression, the Picardy third, chromatic mediants, plagal motion, and deceptive cadences. Arrangement and production elements — non-traditional drumming, rhythmic hooks, space in the mix, and the role of acoustic instruments — were analyzed alongside the harmony using a chord-tracking tool and AI stem separation.
All resident events are included with your Beat Kitchen Residency.
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