Music Theory for Electronic Musicians 4: Twists and Turns (Udemy.com)
Electronic music theory, digital music theory, and dance music theory. Learn music theory with on the MIDI Grid.
Created by: J. Anthony Allen
Last updated May 2026
What you will learn
- By the end of this course, you will have improved your tracks by understanding how to build chords and melodies that work together.
- How to use non-chord tones to make great chord progressions
- Using suspensions on the MIDI grid
- Getting away from "Blocky" sound chord progressions
- Crafting perfect cadences
- Writing easy chord progressions using sequences
- Finding a quick key change in a sequence
Course Description
Welcome to the MUSIC THEORY FOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC Guide - Part 4!
This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.
In this class we are going to focus on turning chord progressions into an expressive element of the track, and not just "blocks" of harmony. We will add some new chords, look at passing tones and a few kinds of suspensions, and a kind of "out of the box" chord progression called a Sequence. This will make writing chords a whole lot easier!
If Your Music is Missing Something, This is Probably It.
If you are finding that you are writing track after track, and while they sound good, there is something they are missing - then this it. You are missing the sense of harmony that professional producers have. In this class, I'll arm you with all the tools you need to produce those tracks just like you imagine them.
Who should take this course?
Anyone interested in producing their own music. This will get you up and running and give your tracks a unique sound in no time.
100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.
Structure
This course consists of video lectures, which all contain a session in Ableton Live 10. If you are using a different program (or none at all), no worries! This isn't a class on how to use Ableton Live, and the concepts can be applied to any DAW.
Topics include:
Non-chord Tones in Chords
Passing Tones
Neighbor Tones
Passing Chords
Neighbor Chords
Suspensions
Appoggiaturas
Cadences
Half Cadences
Plagal Cadences
Sequences
Progressions by a Fifth Sequence
Progressions by a Fourth Sequence
Progressions by a Third Sequence
... And much more!!!
The course is a roadmap to finding the missing piece in your tracks, or just getting started making great tracks.
All the tools you need to make, produce, and start your music career are included in this course, and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.
Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can start making great tracks today.
** I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music theory course available ANYWHERE on the internet - or your money back (with the Udemy 30-day money-back guarantee)
Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.
Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:
⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah
⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce
⇢ "Excellent explanations! No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth
⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You!" - Jeffrey Koury
⇢ "I am learning LOTS! And I really like having the worksheets!" - A. Deichsel
⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips!" - J. Pook
⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class!" M. Smith
Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts for all future classes in the series.
Instructor Details
- 4.8 Rating
228 Reviews
J. Anthony Allen
Dr. Allen is a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator.
Dr. J. Anthony Allen is a distinguished composer, producer, educator, and innovator whose multifaceted career spans various musical disciplines. Born in Michigan and based in Minneapolis, Dr. Allen has composed orchestral works, produced acclaimed dance music, and, through his entrepreneurship projects, he has educated over a million students worldwide in music theory and electronic music production.
Dr. Allen's musical influence is global, with compositions performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. His versatility is evident in works ranging from Minnesota Orchestra performances to Netflix soundtracks. Beyond creation, Dr. Allen is committed to revolutionizing music education for the 21st century. In 2011, he founded Slam Academy, an electronic music school aimed at increasing accessibility to music production education. His innovative approach to academia was highlighted in 2024 when he received tenure and resigned from his university position on the same day.
As a composer, Dr. Allen is known for his unique synthesis of diverse musical influences, often blending acoustic music with electronic dance music elements. With a Ph.D. in Music Composition, multiple master's degrees, and numerous awards, Dr. Allen's academic and professional achievements are substantial.
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Reviews
By Daniele Pastore on 6/7/2025
i can truly say that thanks to J i have understood things that i have studied in the past but no one archieved to let me truly understand what i was doing it, so a big thanks to J for this class!
By Nsikak Ekong on 4/14/2025
This is great for beginners & pro. it give details about how to make cords sound fancier. you won't regret taking this twist and turn music. here you music will change for the best. fancy cords spicy music.
By Jason buonomo on 8/9/2023
Excellent instruction - Topics advanced my music and my understanding of theory. It’s a no-brainer, you should take this course as well as his other 4 Theory for Electronic Musician courses!
By Daniel Kujawa on 10/28/2022
I'm now in his 6th or seventh course and there is so much value in each one. I'm a complete noob in music, I can't play any instrument, but I love to listen to and I have a strong Interest in making electronic music. Allen is a really good teacher and he has the ability to teach, even me, in a way that you understand what it takes to make your own music.
By Evgeny Lazarenko on 7/25/2021
This course was a tricky one. From one point of view i really appreciate what Jay is doing. His previous course - Music theory for electronic musician pt 1-3 is just a brilliant. It taught me a lot. But this course left kind of mixed feelings - it is great that all examples are shown in Ableton piano roll rather then on a classical notation, but examples itself not much related to electronic music. I mean all topics are shown with strings, strings are great, but why not to show it using some synth. Also, i would really appreciate some real word examples - some modern edm that is using suspension or such kind of stuff. And i did not like the technical issues - audio was glitching from time to time, it really annoyed. Still, i really appreciate what Jay is doing and probably i will buy the next part.
By Dheera S on 3/28/2021
Amazing addition to the previous bundle 1,2,3! Jason delivers a lot of good tips and for sure I got inspired to apply this on my music! Classes are easy to follow and it is a pleasure to watch them. Thanks, Jason for your sharing knowledge!
By Philip Flood on 1/18/2021
This class got me thinking out of the box, and that's a good thing. I had run across some of these concepts before, and had used some of them, but never really thought about the theory behind them. I feel better grounded in these concepts now. I am looking forward to the next classes.
By SS W on 11/23/2020
These series of classes are a multifaceted gem. If you are serious about your music, these classes will help expand your knowledge in practical ways. Highly recommended.
By Jeff Hatton on 7/31/2020
Great content! Looking forward to the 5th and 6th iteration of this series. I have learned quite a bit. Recommend to anyone wanting to learn music theory without a pillow
By Sam Hunwicke on 6/16/2020
I was thrilled to see Jason has put a new 4th course up this month and instantly bought it. I had taken Jason's Music Theory for Electronic Music Complete 1, 2 & 3 over the last few weeks and it has helped me massively in some new techniques. I knew some music theory already but learned a massive amount. Part 4 again has been enlightening, some techniques I was already using without knowing why (They just sounded good) have now been explained in amazing easy detail along with extra tips and tricks and things I didn't know at all, which has pushed my writing even further! Jason is a great teacher and I would recommend this if you are coming from the previous courses or if your already writing chords and what to make things really musical and fun. Thanks Jason, I hope there is a 5th and 6th! Please don't let us wait too long :)
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 96 / 100












