Songcraft
The Chorus Is Not the Whole Song: What a Bridge Can Change
A bridge can redirect a song’s harmony, viewpoint or energy. Learn to hear what changes, why it matters and how songs…
All the listening
All stories
A listening shelf of stories about songcraft, sound, instruments, traditions and the details that make music worth another listen.
Instruments
Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Two Different Jobs in an Arrangement
Acoustic or electric guitar can serve distinct song roles. Learn how to assign each a part that shapes the arrangement…
Traditions
Before the Album Sequence: Music Released One Side at a Time
Music released one side at a time shows how record formats shaped sequence, giving listeners and musicians a useful…
Sound
The Loudness Myth: More Volume Does Not Mean More Detail
Loudness-matched music comparisons make it easier to judge detail fairly, separating differences in a mix from the…
Listening
A Listening Pause for a Familiar Song
Use a listening pause for a familiar song to hear its backing vocals and notice how they change the lead’s character…
Our listening stance
Curiosity is a good place to start listening
There is no test to pass before enjoying a song. We offer clear ways to notice its choices, with room for different ears and tastes.